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Attractions, Entertainment, and Points of Interests
HISTORY The area where Bolsa Chica State Park is, was first inhabited by the Gabrielino Indians who lived on the bluffs overlooking the estuary more than 8,000 years ago. These native Americans manufactured constones--round, flat discs three-to-five inches in diameter and one-inch thick. Archaeologists do not know their purpose, but presume they were for some ceremonial rites.
The Indians did not inhibit the natural function of these wetlands. But with the arrival of the Europeans, the wetlands began to be effected by agriculture. As the practice of farming and ranching increased inland, the wetlands began to be effected by the runoff to Bolsa Chica. In 1899, a dam was built with tide gates causing the natural ocean entrance to eventually fill with sand. Early in the Twentieth century oil production took its toll on the wetlands. However, it was later observed that an important migration of the birds was important to this section of Bolsa Chica, and they began to set aside this area as a natural reserve.
During World War II, this mesa was used for shore defense as Bolsa Chica Fort Command. Two big guns on rotating mounts were placed here, directing toward a possible attack. The concrete turrets are still there.
HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH PARK TRAIL
Along the side of Pacific Coast Highway
A wonderfully long trail from Newport Beach Pier stretches to Bolsa Chica Beach State
Park. This ten mile will give any cyclist or walker all the coastal beach scenery they
could ever desire, without the worry of dealing with traffic or automobiles.
IMPERIAL WOODS TRAIL (SANTA ANA RIVER BIKE TRAIL)
The Imperial woods is the longest trail in Orange County. It is thirty miles one way from
Huntington Beach to the Riverside County Line. The trail is mostly flat, as it follows the
Santa Ana River bed for most of its length. There is one detour at Santa Ana Canyon Road.
You can access the trail at many cross streets. The eastern terminus of this cycling,
hiking and equestrian path is the Riverside County Line. The ocean terminus is Huntington
Beach State Park.
BOLSA CHICA STATE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Pacific Coast Hwy and Warner Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
Hours: Daily--Sunrise to Sunset
(714) 897-7003
Directions: There are two places you can park your car and enter the reserve. One is the
south side of Warner Ave, just a few yards from the corner of Warner and PCH. The other is
one mile south of Warner on PCH. From here you can walk a wooden walkway that stretches
out across part of the marsh.
Bolsa Chica is Spanish for a "little pocket," and that is exactly what this
partially-restored salt marsh land is, a pocket of wilderness in the middle of the
urbanized coast of Orange County.
Some 200 species of birds make they temporary homes here while traveling through on their
yearly migrations. Here are some of the birds you may see when you visit here: the black
skimmer, Belding's savannah sparrow, the endangered least tern, a variety of finches,
towhees, ospreys, herons, egrets, peregrine falcons, waterfowl, surf scooters, and snowy
plovers. There are signs that mark the evolution, disappearance and restoration of these
wetlands.
Bolsa Chica is divided into two bays. There is a 1.5 mile loop trail that gives you a tour
around the inner bay and its sand dunes. Then there is a view of the outer bay and the
bluff, which is shaded with many of Orange County's distinctive eucalyptus trees.
This facility has restrooms and picnic tables. Birders using copies of the California
Wildlife Viewing Guide will find Bolsa Chica listed as site #126. Tours are offered
between 9 and 10:30 am every first Saturday of the month.
BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy
1.5 Miles south of Warner Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 846-3460 or (714) 848-1566
This state beach is a great sight of a bonfire. The locals call this beach Tin Can Beach,
because of all the hobos who used to live here and makeshift tents. Then the state
officially took charge, and it was cleaned up and many concrete fire pits were installed.
Now its a popular beach for cook outs. Its not unusual for 20,000 beach goers to arrive on
a single day or evening. It is a relaxing place to have a evening bonfire. This particular
beach had no city light near by, so it is a great place to stargaze.
If you have an RV with you own facilities, overnight camping is available. There are no
hookups here, and no sewage disposal but there are restrooms and showers. The fee is $14
per night.
HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH
Pacific Coast Highway
At Brookhurst Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 536-1454 or (714) 848-1566
This beach is known as the cookout beach, with fire pits everywhere. The 8.5 mile long
beach gives plenty of room for the crowds that flock to the beach for day at the beach.
There are also barbecue pits, so when you are passing this area on a busy weekend you the
aroma of charcoal fills the air. The uninterrupted length of Huntington State Beach makes
its bike path one of the best in Orange County. Whether you are rollerblading, jogging or
cycling, here is a great path for you to enjoy without any automobile interference.
HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH RV FACILITIES
103 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 969-5621
Between Main Street and Beach Blvd
From June to September, this parking lot is reserved for RV's who are passing through. You
can check in between 6 and 11pm and you have to be out by 8am the next day. The intent is
to keep travelers from parking alongside busy PCH. The overnight parking spot has sewage
disposal, fire rings, and outside showers. First come, first serve. The fee is $15 per
night.
SEA CLIFF COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE
6501 Palm Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 536-7575
Bent grass greens and long holes are the signature of this course. The club is private,
but offers restricted plays to members of other clubs. The green fees are $70.
SAND CASTLE FESTIVAL
First Street and PCH
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 969-5621
First Weekend in October
Located between the pier and the lifeguard headquarters near first street and PCH Every
year Huntington Beach holds a Sand Castle Festival. Participants help build an unbroken
sculpture that reaches a mile in length by the time they're done.
HUNTINGTON BEACH INTERNATIONAL SURFING MUSEUM
411 Olive Street
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 960-3483
Hours Wednesday through Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
Fees $1
This museum is dedicated to the preservation of this sports history, particularly its
introduction to the mainland from Hawaii around 80 years ago.
MEADOWLARK GOLF COURSE
16782 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 846-1364
Meadowlark is one of the less expensive courses in Orange County; a weekday tee cost
around $30.00 (you need reservations 10 days in advance). The greens are small, the course
narrow, and there are several water hazards.
HUNTINGTON CENTRAL PARK
Talbert Ave and Golden West St
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 960-8847 or (714) 536-5281
Directions: From I-405 North, exit Warner Ave and head west, turn Left on Golden West St.
The park is on both sides of Golden West. Southbound exit Golden West St and head south.
This 350 acre park is the center of Huntington Beach has six miles of cycling and
strolling trails and two lakes. Within it dwells over 200 different species of birds, and
its location makes it a popular spot with migration of different flocks of birds.
In the center of the park is the Shipley Nature Center (714-960-8867). An 18 acre preserve
with nearly a mile of self guided nature trails. Signpost point out the flora of the woods
and marsh. The visitors center has a small museum with live rattlesnakes, turtles and
other local species. Hours vary with the season.
The Huntington Library is located within the park. It has the largest genealogical
collection in Southern California. A project is underway that will house the largest
Children Library in California.
Also as part of this park is an 18-hole Frisbee Golf Course. There is also a 1.25 mile
jogging course with eighteen exercise stations.
During summer children can enjoy adventure playground, a camp where they can raft on a
shallow pond, build forts, enjoy a real mud slide, make like Tarzan in treehouse, or
cavort on a rope bridge.
Call (714) 536-5486 for more information.
Also available in the park is a 25 acre equestrian center with a full time riding school.
A variety of equestrian events are often held on Sunday afternoons, including polo
matches. Call (714) 842-7656 for information.
A public shooting range maintained by the Huntington Beach Police Department is locate at
18221 Gothard--near Talbert.
Open daily 8am to 5pm--Thursdays 12pm to 5pm. Call (714) 847-0607 for information.
NEWLAND HOUSE MUSEUM
19820 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 962-5777
Hours: Open for self guided tours Wednesday through Thursday 2 pm to 4 pm; Saturday and
Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
This Victorian farmhouse, built in 1898, is the oldest home still standing in Huntington
Beach. It was built on a bluff once inhabited by Native Americans. The home served as the
centerpiece of the Newland Ranch which was in operation until the mid 1940's. It has been
restored and preserved as a museum reflective of those times with authentic antique
furnishing and a gift shop.
HUNTINGTON BEACH MALL
Beach Blvd and Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 897-2533
A one million square shopping mall with more than 100 stores and four department
stores.
OLD WORLD VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER
7561 Center Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 898-3033
A collection of Bavarian Style Shops with cobbled stone lanes. This shopping center is
unique in that many of its proprietors live above their establishments, the European
style. The stores feature imports from Europe, South America, and Asia. There are 6
different restaurants--One of them--The Old World German Restaurant-- has an annual
Oktoberfest. Another--Randy's Weinstube--has live European entertainment.
IREM CORP
7306 Center Ave
Huntington Beach,CA
(714) 895-3483
Arcade
EDWARDS CINEMAS
Charter Center
Huntington Twin
Pier Side 8
Huntington Beach, CA
AMERICAN GOLF MEADOWLARK GOLF COURSE
16782 Graham St
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 846-1364
Public Golf Course
BIKES AND BLADES
120 PCH
Huntington *Beach, CA
(714) 960-0695
Bike and Skate Rental
FILLING POST PUB
16612 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 848-0669
Billiard Hall
SIDE BY SIDE RINKS
16091 Gothard St
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 842-9143
Roller and ice skating. Birthday parties. Ice and roller hockey. Skating school. Special
groups. Video arcade. Snack bar.
TC'S
18528 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 963-7744
Local Night Club
FYBARS
7971 Talbert Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 848-8911
Local Night Club
HUNTINGTON BEACH PLAYHOUSE
21141 Strathmoor Lane
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 964-6483
Local Community Theater--call for current shows, times, and pricing.
GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE MAIN STAGE THEATER
Gothard Ave & Center Dr
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 895-8373
Local Community Theater
DRIFTWOOD GOLF COURSE
21462 PCH
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 969-8597
Public Golf Course
PARADISE FITNESS CENTER
8879 Adams Ave
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 378-4160
Health Club
ON THE BREAK
300 PCH
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 374-0546
Billiards Hall
ROCKETS & POCKETS
19092 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 965-2240
Billiards Hall
