Facility Overview

Bolsa Chica State Beach - Lot 22 is an expansive, open-air oceanfront surface parking area situated along the picturesque shoreline of North Huntington Beach. Positioned at 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, this lot specifically serves the central stretch of the state park directly adjacent to Lifeguard Tower 22. Designed to accommodate substantial coastal crowds, the facility features wide driving lanes and generous asphalt stalls running parallel to the golden sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean.

Because the lot is entirely uncovered and unobstructed by overhead structures, it offers unlimited vertical clearance. This makes Lot 22 exceptionally well-suited for all types of passenger vehicles, high-roof conversion vans, full-size pickup trucks, and SUVs equipped with rooftop surf racks, kayak carriers, or roof cargo boxes. Standard passenger spaces are available throughout, while designated oversized vehicle parking is managed under California State Park guidelines for vehicles extending beyond standard dimensions.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 22 boasts an unbeatable oceanfront location that places visitors steps from the water and top recreational attractions across Orange County's coast:

• Bolsa Chica Lifeguard Tower 22 & Surf Breaks: Located immediately across the paved boardwalk from the parking stalls, offering rapid access to world-class surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, and open-flame beach bonfire rings.
• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Located directly across Pacific Coast Highway, encompassing over 1,400 acres of protected coastal wetlands, bird-watching sanctuaries, and roughly 5 miles of scenic hiking trails.
• SeaLegs at the Beach & Coastal Concessions: A short stroll or beach-cruiser pedal north along the multi-use path brings visitors to popular beachfront entertainment, live music, and concession venues like SeaLegs at the Beach, Beach City Provisions, and Pacific Coast Tacos.
• Huntington Dog Beach: Situated roughly 1.5 miles south down Pacific Coast Highway, providing one of Southern California's premier off-leash dog recreation beaches.
• Sunset Beach & Huntington Harbour: Approximately 2 miles north, offering quiet marina dining, paddleboarding rentals, and seaside cafes.
• Downtown Huntington Beach & Huntington Beach Pier: Located approximately 4 miles south, featuring Main Street restaurants, nightlife, surf shops, and the Pacific City shopping and dining district.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle access to Lot 22 is routed through the main park entrance of Bolsa Chica State Beach on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), situated between Warner Avenue to the north and Seapoint Avenue to the south. After proceeding through the entrance gate, motorists follow the paved interior two-way park drive heading toward the middle section of the beach to pull into the bays designated for Tower 22. When exiting, the interior corridor routes motorists smoothly back toward the controlled signal on Pacific Coast Highway, granting straightforward transitions north toward Seal Beach and Long Beach or south toward Newport Beach.

Freeway commuters can easily reach Pacific Coast Highway via State Route 39 (Beach Boulevard), the CA-22 Garden Grove Freeway, or the I-405 San Diego Freeway by taking Warner Avenue or Goldenwest Street westbound. Public transit users can utilize Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Bus Route 1, which runs along Pacific Coast Highway and provides stops within walking distance of park entry points.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Park-and-Pay Digital Mobile Convenience: Streamlined cashless payments managed through LAZ Parking, allowing guests to drive straight to an open stall and pay instantly via smartphone by scanning prominently posted QR codes.
• California State Park Pass Integration: Valid California State Parks passes (such as the California Explorer, Golden Bear, Disabled Discount, Distinguished Veteran, and California State Library Pass) are recognized; simply display your valid pass or hangtag clearly on the dashboard or rear-view mirror.
• Direct Shoreline & Boardwalk Connection: Seamless access to the paved Huntington Beach multi-use trail, perfect for seamless transitions to the sand, bike path, and beach fire rings.
• ADA Accessibility: Designated accessible parking stalls equipped with level paving and ramp connectors leading to boardwalk restrooms and beach mats.
• Public Facilities & Rinse Showers: Located within brief walking distance of public restrooms, outdoor cold-water beach showers, and covered picnic ramadas.
• Safety & Lifeguard Surveillance: Regularly monitored by California State Parks Peace Officers and seasonal State Parks Lifeguards stationed at Tower 22.

Ideal For

• Surfers & Water Enthusiasts: Easy loading and unloading of surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and wetsuits just seconds from prominent beach breaks.
• Beach Bonfire Gatherings: Convenient vehicle access for carrying firewood, coolers, and foldout chairs to the public concrete fire pits dotting the sand.
• Bicyclists & Runners: Ideal staging base for exploring the uninterrupted multi-use boardwalk stretching all the way to Newport Beach.
• Nature Lovers & Birders: Convenient day-use parking for combining a morning at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands across the highway with an afternoon on the sand.
• Family Day Trips: Stress-free, wide-open surface parking with easy pram and wagon transit from vehicle trunks directly to the sand.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Bolsa Chica State Beach is immensely popular, especially during summer weekends and warm holiday afternoons. The park gates frequently close when parking lots reach total vehicle capacity; arriving before 10:00 AM on summer days ensures smooth entry and your choice of parking stalls near Tower 22.

Keep entry gate curfews strictly in mind: park gates close to inbound traffic at 9:00 PM nightly, and all day-use lots close at 10:00 PM. Vehicles parked overnight without valid registered RV campground permits are subject to citation and towing. Because payment is cashless, ensure your mobile device is charged to scan the on-site LAZ Parking QR code promptly upon parking. If you plan to host an evening bonfire, claim your fire pit early in the afternoon, as rings are strictly first-come, first-served.