Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Photo: Orange County Archives · CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

🥾 Hike · Huntington Beach

1.5 hours · Free · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 4.0
3–5 yrs
★ 4.0
5–10 yrs
★ 4.0
  • 🚗
    About 50 min drive
    From Arcadia · Parking: Free lot along PCH (footbridge entrance), beach across the street
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Great on sunny days · Good on cool days · Wind-OK
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 1.5 hours
    Best seasons: Winter · Spring · Fall

One of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California: cross a long wooden footbridge from PCH and you are in the reserve, with a flat dirt path along the lagoon and flocks of herons, pelicans and shorebirds; thousands of migrating birds in winter, and Bolsa Chica State Beach right across the road.

💡 Tips
No shade and no restrooms (the beach side has them), so bring hats and water. The 1.5-mile loop works with a stroller. Birds first, then cross the road to dig in the sand is the standard combo.

What this place offers

✓wetland
✓bird watching
✓flat path
✓footbridge
✓beach
✓free
✓binoculars

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Huntington Beach

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 76–87°F · 0% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 74–79°F · 0% rain

Location

Huntington Beach, California

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