Facility Overview

Bolsa Chica State Beach - Lot 24 is a premier beachfront surface parking area located along the scenic coast of Huntington Beach, California, at 17851 Pacific Coast Highway. Positioned directly between the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal preserve, Lot 24 operates as an expansive open-air asphalt parking lot aligned parallel to the shoreline and adjacent to Lifeguard Tower 24. Because this is an open surface lot with zero overhead obstructions or height clearance barriers, it effortlessly accommodates standard passenger sedans, full-size SUVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks, and high-roof adventure vans outfitted with surfboards and rooftop gear. Wide driving aisles allow for straightforward maneuvering, though drivers of oversized vehicles or trailers should take care during high-traffic summer periods.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 24 provides visitors with immediate, steps-away access to the pristine three-mile stretch of Bolsa Chica State Beach, famous for its gentle beach break swells, summer surf competitions, and classic California coastal atmosphere. Key attractions in the immediate vicinity include:

• Bolsa Chica State Beach Shoreline & Fire Rings: Direct walk to over 200 beachfront fire rings, picnic ramadas, and swimming and surf zones stationed around Tower 24.
• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Situated directly across Pacific Coast Highway, offering over 1,400 acres of protected coastal wetlands, birdwatching vantage points, and approximately five miles of scenic pedestrian trails accessible safely via the pedestrian crossing signal at Warner Avenue.
• Beachfront Concessions & Entertainment: Located a short stroll or bike ride down the boardwalk from seasonal beachside dining and live entertainment hubs including SeaLegs at the Beach, Beach City Provisions, PCH Tacos, and SeaSalt Honky Tonk.
• Huntington Dog Beach & Downtown Huntington Beach: Located roughly 2 miles south along the coastal path, making this an excellent, lower-congestion staging ground for exploring the coastline down toward Huntington Beach Pier and Pacific City shopping district.
• Sunset Beach: Situated less than a mile north along PCH, offering relaxed harborfront eateries, boutique shops, and neighborhood dining.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle entry is coordinated through the main signalized entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), positioned between Warner Avenue to the north and Seapoint Street to the south. Once through the entry gates, drivers navigate along the internal access road heading toward the designated Lot 24 markers fronting Tower 24. Egress during peak summer departures and holiday evenings is safely controlled via dedicated turn lanes onto PCH. For highway travelers, the lot is directly accessible via CA-1, connecting seamlessly to Warner Avenue, Goldenwest Street, and the San Diego Freeway (I-405) or Garden Grove Freeway (CA-22). Public transit riders can connect via Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus routes along Pacific Coast Highway, while cyclists can utilize the multi-use paved coastal boardwalk that runs uninterrupted from Sunset Beach south past the Huntington Beach Pier.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Park-and-Pay System: Managed through California State Parks and LAZ Parking; visitors can drive straight to an open stall and pay quickly via smartphone by scanning posted QR codes (no special mobile app installation required).
• State Park Pass Recognition: Holders of valid California State Parks day-use annual passes (such as California Explorer, Golden Bear, and Distinguished Veteran passes) park without extra charge when passes are properly displayed on dash or rearview mirror.
• Spacious Open-Air Stalls: Paved surface layout with standard stall striping and generous turning radii suitable for passenger cars, trucks, and vans.
• Accessibility & ADA Parking: Designated ADA accessible parking stalls situated nearest to paved pedestrian ramps and direct concrete beach-access pathways.
• On-Site Beach Amenities: Direct access to public restrooms, outdoor foot/body rinse showers, picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, and trash/recycling receptacles.
• Rideshare Compatibility: Designated drop-off and pickup locations along the coastal venue corridor for Uber and Lyft riders.

Ideal For

• Surfers & Bodyboarders: Immediate parking within steps of the sand bar breaks near Tower 24, making loading and unloading heavy boards effortless.
• Sunset Gatherings & Bonfires: Groups seeking first-come, first-served beach fire rings for evening s'mores and coastal cookouts.
• Cyclists, Runners & Walkers: Outdoor recreation enthusiasts using the beachfront as a starting point along the multi-mile paved Huntington Beach bicycle trail.
• Birders & Wildlife Enthusiasts: Visitors spending the day exploring the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve trails across the highway.
• Concertgoers & Event Attendees: Patrons heading to weekend live music and events hosted at SeaLegs at the Beach and related coastal boardwalk venues.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During warm summer weekends, holiday periods (such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day), and major surf events, lots can reach capacity before midday. Arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a prime stall close to the beach ramp. The state park entry gates close strictly at 9:00 PM, and the park closes at 10:00 PM; overnight vehicle parking is prohibited and strictly enforced by California State Parks rangers. Have your mobile device charged and ready to scan the LAZ Parking QR code signs promptly upon parking to avoid parking citations. Dogs are allowed on-leash along the paved multi-use bike path and parking areas, but are prohibited on the sandy beach.