The beach is home to the annual Corgi Beach Day, which attracts thousands of corgis and their owners.
It serves as a critical nesting habitat for the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover.
The park provides over 200 fire rings for public use, making it one of the largest concentrations of beach bonfire pits in Southern California.
The Santa Ana River jetty at the southern end creates a unique swell refraction pattern often utilized by experienced surfers.
The beach was acquired by the state in 1942 to protect the coastal environment and provide public recreation access.
Huntington State Beach is a two-mile stretch of sandy coastline located south of the Huntington Beach Pier, distinct from the municipal beach to the north. It features the Santa Ana River Trail terminus, a paved path catering to cyclists, skaters, and runners. The beach is a designated California State Park, offering bonfire pits and expansive volleyball courts. It is widely recognized for consistent, rolling surf breaks that attract surfers year-round. Unlike the city-operated beaches, this site is under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Large parking lots run parallel to the beach, providing direct vehicle access to the coastline.
The bonfire rings during sunset near the Santa Ana River jetty.
Bring a portable grill or charcoal for the fire pits, as wood is often restricted or must be purchased on-site.
Park near the southern end of the beach for quicker access to the Santa Ana River Trail bike path.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as high tide significantly reduces the available sandy beach area.
Attempting to park on the Pacific Coast Highway shoulder, which is strictly prohibited and frequently patrolled.
Park gates operate on seasonal sunrise-to-sunset schedules; beach and parking areas may close during extreme high tides or storm events.
Alcohol is prohibited on the sand; stay off the protected dunes marked for wildlife nesting.
