77°
Sunny
2%
84
Orange County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Three miles of state beach between Huntington and Sunset — quieter than Huntington Beach proper, fire rings allowed in the evening (a rare SoCal beach allowing this), and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve salt marsh across the highway is a top California birdwatching site.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
77°F air · 73°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
84 /100
great
84 Swim
83 Sunbathe
86 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Sunny
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
2%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.6 ft
15s · WSW swell
Water Quality
Clean
160 cfu/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:54 AM
Sunset
11:01 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 6:58 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 1:37 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:20 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:02 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 7:35 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 2:21 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 8:36 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:06 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 8:11 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 3:09 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 10:08 PM | Low | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:38 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 8:49 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 4:02 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 11:41 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:54 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 9:37 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 4:57 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:53 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:54 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 10:49 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 5:52 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:45 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:52 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 12:06 PM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 6:41 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Mostly Sunny
2%
83
75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
75°
Sunny
4%
80
75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
76°
Mostly Sunny
1%
80
74°
Mostly Sunny
2%
83
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
State lots along PCH; $15/day.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
$15/vehicle.
Address
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Bolsa Chica State Beach today?
Bolsa Chica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Bolsa Chica State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
$15/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bolsa Chica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Amenities at Bolsa Chica State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings, campground (Sunset Beach side), wildlife reserve nearby.
When is the water warmest at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?
Bolsa Chica State Beach is in Orange County, CA, at 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS