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Huntington Beach State Park

By Betsy Malloy, About.com

About Huntington Beach State Park :

This long, narrow beach extends for miles just south of the city of Huntington Beach. You'll find an electric power-generating station just to the east of Huntington Beach State Park, but since you'll probably be looking at the water most of the time, it doesn't create much of a visual distraction.

Near the south end of the beach is a natural preserve for the nesting-place of the California Least Tern. To protect the birds, the area is fenced off, but you can watch them with binoculars.

Huntington Beach State Park Fees:

    Entrance Fee: No
    Parking Fee: Yes

Creature Comforts at Huntington Beach State Park :

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Concession stands
  • Beach rentals
  • No pets allowed
  • No alcohol on the beach

Huntington Beach State Park Activities:

  • Bike path
  • Bonfires are very popular in the fire rings here. You may have to stake your claim by midday or earlier on summer weekends.
  • Surfing, except in summer when it's banned to keep the swimmers safe
  • Bodyboarding
  • Swimming, lifeguard on duty during daylight hours
  • Volleyball
  • Walking path
  • Basketball

Lodging Near Huntington Beach State Park :

Highs and Lows at Huntington Beach State Park :

  • Sand is raked daily at Huntington Beach State Park, so you'll usually find it clean.

Beachgoer Beware:

Heal the Bay gives Huntington Beach State Park a "D" grade for water quality. In summer, Huntington Beach State Park is prone to red tides.

How to Get to Huntington Beach State Park :

Huntington Beach State Park is on Pacific Coast Highway, just south of the city of Huntington Beach. To get there from I-405, take Beach Boulevard west to Pacific Coast Highway and turn left. The four parking lot entrances to Huntington Beach State Park are at Beach Boulevard, Brookhurst, Magnolia and Newland Streets.

More Orange County Beaches:

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