Huntington Beach Hikes & Trails Not to Miss!

This article provides tons of details on the best Huntington Beach hikes and walks!

Huntington Beach is one of those places that fills me with joy.

Since the days I lived in Orange County, it has always been a place associated with long days at the beach, bike rides, cruising through PCH, restaurants, and bonfires during the evening. Yes, it is all good memories.

After spending time around, I can tell you the city is full of gems. And, one of the best ways to discover those gems is by hiking and walking around.

That is why I have put together a list of the best Huntington Beach hiking trails.

Scroll down to discover all the fun places you need to check out!

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Table of Contents

Best Huntington Beach Hikes

Let me start by saying Huntington Beach, and its surrounding areas, are highly developed. After all, the city has almost 200,000 residents.

Even in these circumstances, the number of open spaces and trails located within city limits is quite decent. Now, the trails in Huntington Beach are mostly flat and easy to traverse. They are more suited for walkers, joggers, runners, and families with kids.

This article focuses on places to hike in Huntington Beach. I will provide a bit of information about hiking trails near Huntington Beach as well. Not all recommendations may fall within city limits. But, I promise I’ll keep my recommendations within a few miles from the city center.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve spans over 1,200 acres and is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and bird species.

The hiking trails in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve are well-maintained and offer hikers the chance to experience the beauty of the wetlands up close. There are several easy trails to choose from. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset and are free to access.

The most popular trail in the reserve is the Loop Trail (or Inner Bay Loop Trail). This trail is a 1.5-mile loop perfect for those looking for an easy hike. The trail winds through the wetlands and offers beautiful views of the reserve’s flora and fauna.

In addition, this trail provides access to one of the Reserve’s unique features: a boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach. The boardwalk allows hikers to explore without compromising the ecological balance of the area.

Access to this trail is through the Pacific Coast Highway. The exact address is 18000 CA-1. Notice the parking lot is quite small. If you cannot find a space, wait a bit since there are people coming and going all the time. Do not park where you are not supposed to park or block the way (why people do this is beyond me).

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, California

A second entry point is through the Bolsa Chica Conservancy Building or Interpretative Center (3842 Warner Avenue). From here, you can explore the area by hitting the Mesa Trail. It is about 0.6 miles (one way, 1.2 miles roundtrip) to the Mesa Trail Overlook.

From the Overlook, you can connect to the Pocket Wetland Loop Trail. You will walk a total of about 2 miles if you combine these two trails. The other option is to connect to the Loop Trail. The total mileage in this case would be. 2.7 miles.

For those with limited time or kids, the Interpretive Center Trail is a short 0.4-mile loop that starts at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Interpretive Center. The trail is easy and offers the opportunity to learn about the Reserve’s history, flora, and fauna through interpretive displays and signs.

Let me mention there are other trails close to the Reserve (like the Brightwater Trail) but these are not within the Reserve’s limits. Interestingly enough, the Reserve is managed by the State of California. Therefore, it is not part of the City of Huntington Beach.

Dogs are not allowed in the Reserve.

Read More: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Huntington Beach Central Park

Huntington Beach Central Park is a humongous park offering a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors, including several hiking trails. When I say humongous, I mean it. The park spans over 350 acres. To place the size in perspective, Disneyland spans 100 acres.

The trails offer the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including grassy fields, shady forests, and tranquil lakes. The park also has several paved paths, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.

One of the most popular trails in the park is the Lake Huntington Trail. This 1.2-mile trail winds around the park’s central lake and offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. The Lake Trail is an easy hike suitable for families and those looking for a leisurely stroll.

In the same fashion, the Talbert Lake Trail loops around the lake of the same name. This is an easy, 1.7-mile trail.

For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Equestrian Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that runs through the park’s scenic hills. The trail offers beautiful views of the park’s forests and is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Huntington Central Park has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it an ideal spot for families and group outings. The park also has several fishing lakes, tennis courts, and a dog park.

And, let me not forget to mention the 18-hole Disc Golf Course that winds through the landscape.

Shipley Nature Center

The Shipley Nature Center, located within Huntington Beach Central Park, maintains a series of trails around 18 acres of restored California native habitat. During a walk, you will encounter coastal sage scrub, grasslands, riparian woodland, chaparral, oak groover, and Torrey Pines.

The total walking distance is about a mile. The Shipley to Shore Trail (3 miles) is in the works.

Please notice the Center is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Huntington Beach Bike Trail

The Huntington Beach Bike Trail hugs the city’s 8 miles of coastline. It goes from Sunset Beach to the border with Newport Beach (close to the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Pacific Coast Highway).

Now, I know this is a long trail. But, keep in mind you can walk/bike parts of it. Here are some ideas on how to complete specific sections of the trail:

Sunset Beach to Bolsa Chica State Beach – About 3 miles one way, the distance is to the vehicular entrance in Bolsa Chica. This beach is long. Total mileage depends on how much you walk
Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington Beach Pier – About 3 to 4 miles one way. Depends on where you start walking in Bolsa Chica
Bolsa Chica State Beach to Dog Beach – About 2 to 3 miles one way. Depends on where you start walking in Bolsa Chica
Huntington Beach Pier to Trail’s Southern Terminus – 3 miles one way. From here, you can connect to the Santa Ana River Trail or the Newport Balboa Bike Trail

Huntington Beach Hikes and Trails, California

Huntington Beach Pier to Newport Pier

Walking from the Newport Pier to the Huntington Beach Pier is another way to tackle one of the best Orange County beach hikes.

It is pretty straightforward to complete this route by walking south of the Huntington Beach Pier and connecting to the Newport Balboa Bike Trail. Now, we are talking about a 6-mile stretch (approximate, one way). So, yes, this is a long suggestion but very easy and cool. Completing it by bike is even easier.

You can cut the suggestion short by walking (or biking) from Huntington State Beach (around the terminus of Brookhurst Street) to the Newport Pier. That stretch is about 3 miles (one way).

Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail is another of those long trails that you are not going to complete in one sitting (unless you are on a bike).

The 30-mile trail goes from the mouth of the Santa Ana River (between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach) to the Riverside county line.

The Santa Ana River Trail connects with the Huntington Beach Hike Trail and the Talbert Regional Park. For example, you can walk from the Huntington Beach Pier to Talbert Park (about 3 miles one-way). From the Newport Beach Pier to Talbert Park is about 4 miles. Or, it is 4 miles to the Mesa Verde Country Club and 8 miles to the Centennial Regional Park.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. A lot of walking and bike trails in Huntington Beach form a huge network that provides residents and visitors with tons of exciting options.

Talbert Regional Park

The Talbert Regional Park functions as a garden, wildlife refuge, and recreational facility. On 200 acres, it has 9 trails stretching over 3 miles. Trails are rated easy. Therefore, it is a great place to visit with the entire family.

One of the most popular trails in the preserve is the Talbert Nature Preserve Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through the park’s coastal sage scrub and offers views of the Santa Ana River and the Pacific Ocean.

In addition, the Fairview Park Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through the park’s riparian woodland and offers views of the surrounding wetlands. The trail is easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.

Do not miss this park since it is home to a diverse range of species, including several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. You can often spot herons, egrets, and other waterfowl along the trails, and even coyotes or bobcats.

Note: This park is located in Costa Mesa but it is adjacent to Huntington Beach’s city limits.

Hikes Near Huntington Beach

Alright, you should have plenty of solid information regarding Huntington Beach hiking trails. Here is additional insight into nearby trails in case you want to expand your hiking adventures.

San Gabriel River Bike Trail

The San Gabriel Bike Trail has a length of 38 miles. It offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the surrounding landscape.

The trail starts in Azusa and runs through several cities, including Whittier, Irwindale, El Monte, Santa Fe Springs, Bellflower, and ends in Seal Beach, north of Huntington Beach.

The San Gabriel Bike Trail is a shared path, which means that it’s open to both cyclists and pedestrians. The trail is wide enough to accommodate both, but cyclists are required to follow specific safety guidelines, such as keeping a safe speed and giving pedestrians the right of way. The trail offers a smooth, paved surface that makes it perfect for walkers/cyclists of all skill levels.

Once again, this is a long trail like others I have discussed in the article but it is up to you how much mileage you want to cover.

Mile Square Park

Mile Square Park, located in Fountain Valley, is even larger than Huntington Beach Central Park. It has a size of 640 acres. Given its dimension, you know this is a popular spot in the area.

Mile Square Park features several well-maintained hiking trails, offering a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. The trails vary in length, ranging from less than a mile to over two miles long.

The Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop trail that winds through the park’s natural areas and offers views of the park’s many ponds and lakes.

Another popular trail in Mile Square Park is the Fitness Trail. This 1.3-mile loop trail features several fitness stations along the way, where hikers can stop and perform exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, and leg lifts. The trail is perfect for hikers who want to combine their hike with a workout.

For hikers who want to explore the park’s entire landscape, the Inner Loop Trail is a great option. This 2.5-mile loop trail winds through the park’s many amenities and features, including several sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The trail also offers views of the park’s lakes and ponds, as well as its many trees and natural areas.

More Trails Near Huntington Beach

If you are looking to explore more of Orange County, I recommend heading to Newport Beach. Newport has a good mix of trails in urban and natural spaces (Huntington Beach is more urban). For example, Newport has Upper Newport Bay and Crystal Cove State Park.

Check out my article dedicated to Newport Beach hikes.

For more challenging hikes, in a wilder environment, head to Laguna Beach. I have an article dedicated to Laguna Beach hikes as well.

And, do not miss my article covering easy hikes in Orange County.

Huntington Beach Hikes: When to Hike

Huntington Beach’s weather is pleasant all year round. Maximum temperatures oscillate between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Based on those numbers, you can hike/walk in Huntington every single month of the year.

Now, that doesn’t mean you do not have to take the proper precautions. Dress appropriately, wear the right shoes, and carry water. There is not a lot of shade in the Huntington area. You will be hiking under direct sunlight. So, sun protection is essential.

Also, keep in mind your body may feel temperatures higher than what they are (and more when you are performing physical activity). You may need a couple of moments to cool down (even in winter).

There are some summer days when temperatures are going to shoot up (they reach the high 80s and low 90s). On those days, I recommend hitting the trails before or after the daily maximums (early morning or late afternoon).

Important Note: I recommend NOT hiking when temperatures are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, the exception is shaded trails. Always check weather conditions before leading to a trailhead.

Location and Access

Huntington Beach is a city located in Orange County. It is situated along the Pacific Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities. Huntington Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or train.

By car, visitors can access Huntington Beach via several major freeways, including the 405, 22, and 55 freeways. The city is located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. Once visitors arrive in Huntington Beach, there are several parking options available, including street parking and paid parking lots.

Public transportation is also available for those who prefer not to drive. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can use the OCTA website to plan their route and find the nearest bus stop. Additionally, the Metrolink train service has a station in nearby Anaheim, which provides access to Huntington Beach and other nearby cities.

Huntington Beach Hikes Gear

Having the right gear can make your life way easier. Check out below my recommendations when it comes to hitting the Huntington Beach trails.

Hiking Shoes – Wearing the right shoes is essential when hiking. I recommend investing in a good pair. Merrell shoes have always been good for my crooked feet. Not long ago, I was using tennis shoes to hit the trails. That was until I hurt my left foot. Since then, hiking shoes have done wonders for me. >Check out my hiking shoes
My husband is more of a fan of the Salomon brand when it comes to hiking. >Check out Salomon hiking shoes
Hiking Socks – Wool hiking socks provide support, cushion, and prevent blisters. EnerWear sells an excellent 4-pair set for a good price. >Check them out here
Insoles – Insoles are another way to protect your feet when hiking. They do a great job absorbing shock. Walk Hero’s insoles have some of the best ratings in the market. >Get them here
Crossbody Bag – I take the minimum with me when I go on trails. I keep everything organized in a small Herschel crossbody bag. >Buy this great crossbody bag here
Day Pack – My husband prefers to take a small backpack to carry drinks and essentials. >Buy a lightweight, water resistant day pack here
Hiking Poles – Hiking poles are lifesavers on trails with an incline (more if you have wobbly knees). TrailBuddy’s trekking poles are such a great help. >Check these hiking poles
Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock. I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck. The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function. >Buy this amazing hat here
Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun. A polarized, sporty pair works better for hiking. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle. >Check out the insane options here
Snacks – It is a good idea to carry snacks such as granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, nuts, and jerky
Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone. I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000. It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here