Bolsa Chica Wetlands Orange County Day Trip

Bolsa Chica Wetlands has everything you need if you enjoy wildlife and water. The California Department of Fish and Game operates the Bolsa Chica reserve, which includes over 1,200 acres of undeveloped wetlands, lowlands, and lower mesa. The wetlands are along the east side of Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Avenue. There is a small parking lot along PCH and a larger one on Warner Avenue.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands History

Bolsa Chica is one of the last remaining wetlands in southern California; within the past 100 years, the area has been used as a hunting ground, for gun emplacements by the United States military, and as an extensive oil production field. Native Americans inhabited the Bolsa Chica wetlands and surrounding bluffs for several thousand years before those times. The remains of the gun emplacements are still visible today, but during the summer wildflower bloom, they may be covered up.

Oil Wells to Nature Preserve

Although the wetlands still have active oil wells, the area has become home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna and a haven for abundant coastal wildlife. The wetlands are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Before starting your adventure, visit the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center in the parking lot at PCH and Warner. There, you can grab a pamphlet that will help you identify all the possible things you might see on your nature walk.

Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center

The Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center offers guided tours on select days, or you can go alone. The main trail is next to the Center. To reach it, you must walk about a hundred feet on Warner Ave, crossing Los Patos Bridge. In spring, wildflowers often line the path from the parking lot to the upper mesa.

As you cross over the long wooden pedestrian bridge entering the marshlands, you will be treated to all types of marine activity in the shallow waters just beneath your feet, including stingrays swimming among the fish and native undersea plant life, as well as aggressive diving terns as they look for a tasty meal.

Wildlife and Aquatic Creatures

Continuing down the path, you may see fish, lizards, snakes, coyotes, herons, and pelicans. Every year, especially during the migration seasons, almost 200 species of birds can be seen at the Bolsa Chica wetlands. It’s impressive to walk along the water and see a massive flock of loons and grebes just feet away from you. There are also great ocean views, and the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains are visible on clear days. The trail has two wildlife stops, where binoculars come in handy.

Family Friendly Hiking

Bolsa Chica is a nature preserve popular with families with young children due to its easy trails suitable for strollers. Professional photographers frequently visit the area, as it offers great views perfect for capturing memorable shots. If you prefer a more secluded hiking experience, arrive early in the morning.

If you visit Bolsa Chica Pacific Coast Highway, you won’t have to worry about getting lost since the beach is always visible. Sunset is a breathtaking time to explore Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and the view from Bolsa Chica Mesa is truly fantastic. Additionally, the admission price is very reasonable and hard to beat.

Where are the Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Bolsa Chica Wetlands has two parking lots. The interpretive Center is at 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, California, at the corner of Warner and Pacific Coast Highway.
The Pacific Coast Highway parking lot is directly across PCH from the Bolsa Chica State Beach entrance. Parking is free, but spots fill up fast. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails in the preserve. Bolsa Chica State Beach Camping

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