Huntington Beach is home to some of Southern California’s most stunning surf beaches. But if you’re looking for a quiet, more peaceful place to enjoy a nature walk, skip the beach crowds and head straight for the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. The trail that winds through it takes you straight to some wildlife-filled wetlands and a tranquil estuary.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a coastal estuary that spans about 1,300 acres.
Millet Rodulfa / alltrails.com The reserve is home to mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, and freshwater marshes, making it a paradise for birds and other species.
The main attraction is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail, which spans about 4.5 miles.
Sepi Yahyavi / alltrails.com Despite its fairly long length, it’s more of a nature walk than a hike, and it’s a pleasant, easy to navigate path.
This loop trail is largely boardwalked, and it’s great for hikers of all skill levels.
Vicki Ang / alltrails.com It also happens to lead to some stunning views, which is a great bonus.
Free tours are provided here for anyone curious about the natural habitat.
Abner Trillo / alltrails.com Each parking lot features a bulletin board with information, or you can check out the interpretive center.
While you’re walking, keep an eye out for the 200 avian species that have been identified here.
Kristin Peterson / alltrails.com Nesting birds like black skimmers and Belding’s Savannah sparrows are common. Osprey and hawks also seem to love to call this place home.
As beautiful as the water is, however, don’t forget to take a look at the land.
Carissa Lightfield / alltrails.com You just might spot a coyote, raccoons, a skunk, or a lizard.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a fantastic place to go for a nature walk.
Gerome Ilustrisimo / Google The area is a little oasis in Huntington Beach, perfect for anyone craving a little peace and quiet.
Have you ever visited this little piece of paradise?
Millet Rodulfa / alltrails.com
The reserve is home to mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, and freshwater marshes, making it a paradise for birds and other species.
Sepi Yahyavi / alltrails.com
Despite its fairly long length, it’s more of a nature walk than a hike, and it’s a pleasant, easy to navigate path.
Vicki Ang / alltrails.com
It also happens to lead to some stunning views, which is a great bonus.
Abner Trillo / alltrails.com
Each parking lot features a bulletin board with information, or you can check out the interpretive center.
Kristin Peterson / alltrails.com
Nesting birds like black skimmers and Belding’s Savannah sparrows are common. Osprey and hawks also seem to love to call this place home.
Carissa Lightfield / alltrails.com
You just might spot a coyote, raccoons, a skunk, or a lizard.
Gerome Ilustrisimo / Google
The area is a little oasis in Huntington Beach, perfect for anyone craving a little peace and quiet.
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Address: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
