Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve — Attraction in Huntington Beach

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a gift wrapped up in a big red bow for all nature lovers & photographers! There's a fairly sizable parking lot just north of Bolsa Chica State Beach, on the inland side of PCH. Most times there will be parking for you, as it's dedicated just for the sanctuary, not for beach-goers. 3-4 portable toilets are situated at the front of the parking lot.

The wooden bridge that spans this wide estuary is a great place to start. Terns, with their aerial acrobatics are a real challenge to photograph here. Also in the summer months, prevalently in the hour before sunset, black skimmers, large elegant black and white birds, that migrate all the way from Africa, use their freakishly long lower bills to scoop up baitfish from the top of the water. They fly just above the surface, skimming the liquid with their lower bill, making a "v," in the water as these unique birds hunt. Black Skimmers usually travel in groups of 3-6, and make weird honking noises while they fly.

October and November are the months to photograph Pelicans at Bolsa Chica. The Brown Pelicans will sail just above the bridge, using their acute vision. When they spot a group of baitfish, they immediately plummet into the water, opening their huge bucket of a mouth. They then work their ample gullar pouch to coral their catch. Occasionally you'll see a lucky fish elude the pelican's mouth and sail to safety, back into the water. During the colder winter months ducks of all species rule the waters here.

There are almost too many bird species here to name, but I'll give it a shot...Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Long-Billed Curlew, Willett, Marbled Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Reddish Egrets, Elegant Terns, Forster's Terns, Least Terns, Hummingbirds, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, White-Tailed Kite, Osprey, Red-Tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Great -Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Pintail Duck, Surf Scoter, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaups, Ruddy Ducks, Canadian Geese, American Avocets, Black-Necked Stilts, Brown Pelicans, White Pelicans, several varieties of Cormorants, and undoubtedly many more species live here. That's what's so cool about this place. The trails at the Reserve are seemingly endless, and a different bird species is literally a...

1,449 acres. The walking trails are well-maintained, with plenty of viewpoints for taking in the scenery and capturing beautiful photos. There are no large trees providing shade, so I recommend bringing an umbrella or hat, water if you plan to visit on hot, sunny days. It’s worth noting that the area can get quite crowded on weekends, so if you’re seeking tranquility, it's best to visit during weekdays. You can spend around 30 mins to 1 hour here if you don't have much time. You still can easily to see at least 8 bird species. Approximately 5 miles of trails can be explored from sunrise to sunset and visitors have to stay on designated trails. I remember that they have some free events you can participate in such as public service day, public animal feeding, or free public tour. You should check and register with them on the website before you come. ⭐ Fee: FREE (for both visiting and parking) ⭐ Activities: Good place for wildlife viewing (especially bird watching), walking, hiking and photography. ⭐ Parking: You can park at (1) 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 OR (2) 18000 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. But I will recommend you to park at (2) place. ⭐You should bring: water, hat, cameras and binoculars.

⛔ NOTES: Dogs are not allowed on the reserve except for inside of a vehicle in the parking lots; Bicycles are not allowed on the trails of the reserve; all watercrafts are prohibited in the wetlands unless permitted by the authorities; Fishing is permitted only in the designated area located to the right of the walk bridge connected to the Warner Avenue parking lot. Fishing permits are required; all watercrafts are prohibited unless permitted by the authorities; You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use...

Vast area for the coastal ecosystem to flourish and share passage with visitors! I love this place for the naturalness and seemingly endless trail connections! There’s free parking for those who only wish to stop off for the preserve. Trails after the bridge continued thru an estuary area, where a multitude of vegetation, waterfowl and marine life may be seen. It’s a learning experience to partake to the trails and observe the landscape. There’s signage helping to relate the details and explain the facts. Dog walking may be discouraged, also noted on signs posted by the trails. I do advise to protect from the sun if going out for a hike, as there’s no shade or cover of any kind! Restrooms may be closed here, so I’d make a prior pit stop at the nearby Harriet Wieder Regional Park facility. Then again, afterwards back to the park, or to the Bolsa Chica State Beach, if not parked there already. They will charge the $15 - $20 entry fee to get in tho. I didn’t see a crosswalk, possibly to discourage walk-ins to the beach park. The experience here could be exceptional, if not for the exceptions of dog walking, sunshade and uncertainty of having to go elsewhere for restrooms. Apart from the adventure, it may then be just a quick stop to take a look and some photos...