Visiting Huntington State Beach is a great way to show your support for the California state park system. My friend, Nancy, introduced it to me last summer. I find it’s worth the drive for the kids to get a great ocean and beach experience, even though I live a fair distance away. I didn’t include a slideshow because it’s just a wide beach with lots of people. You can see what it looks like from OCBeachInfo.com.
Location: The state beach is huge. I like to visit the south section reachable by Brookhurst. Exit Interstate 405 in Fountain Valley at Brookhurst and head toward the beach. Get into the middle lane as you approach Pacific Coast Highway. Brookhurst leads directly into the State Beach parking lot. MAP to Huntington Beach State Park
Recommended by: Nancy
Highlights:
- Easy parking in a dedicated lot
- Flat and easy walk (although a bit long) on paved pathway from parking lot.
- Very easy to view kids playing in water
- Lifeguards
- Waves break way out so kids can play close in without fighting big waves
- Great for sandcastles and water play
Be Aware:
- Sand can get hot on the walk back – wear your flip-flops
- Must PAY to park
- ALWAYS keep an eye on your children in the water
- Advise kids never to turn their back on ocean and always watch the waves. Teach them to pick a point on shore (like your beach umbrella) so they can keep track of their location since the current can pull them one way or the other.
- I tend to stay away from the Santa Ana River outlet because of possible water quality issues.
- On busy weekends, the parking lot can be close.
Checklist:
- I purchased the California State Parks pass for $125. I bought it on July 6th and it will be good until July 31st, 2010. It’s a hang-tag placed on my rearview mirror. I like this because I can switch between cars – or use it when I visit with friends. I’m SURE I’ll be visiting 12+ plus state parks and beaches in the next year. Probably more since I’ve got the pass. Here’s a list of all the places the pass will gain you day use access.
- It’s $15 day use fee if you don’t want to buy the yearly pass.
- Use the restrooms before you go. They are located near the snack bar before the walkway to the beach. Better yet, go before you leave home.
- Bring a beach umbrella from home and wear your sunscreen and hats. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
