Central Park Huntington Beach, Surf City's Affordable Park

                                              

                                                            Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
                                                              One of the lakes at Huntington Beach Central Park

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is known for its attractive beaches. But another local spot that is known for its beauty and affordability is the Huntington Beach Central Park.

Located off of Goldenwest Street, this cost-free park is considered one of the biggest city-owned parks in Orange County, covering over 350 acres of land.

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Video Tour of the Huntington Beach Central Park

Parking there is free, although spots are limited. But, it is walking distance from the local neighborhoods for anyone who doesn't want to hassle with the parking lot.

If you enter the park from Goldenwest Street, there is a little restaurant called The Park Bench Cafe. Opened in the mornings and afternoons all seven days of the week, this cafe provides park patrons a pleasant meal in the beautiful park.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
People in front of The Park Bench Cafe

If the sit-down cafe doesn't fit the budget, bring food and have a picnic at one of the many tables located in the park.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Picnic tables are provided within the park's grounds

With over 350 acres of land, the park provides a vast opportunity for natural beauty. Take a bike ride, or walk the dogs along the path that wraps around the park. Following this path also makes it more convenient for newcomers navigate around this large park.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
The bike path provides easy transportation within the park

The two lakes adds a little touch of water life within the Huntington Beach Central Park.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Ducks and other wildlife swimming among the Lake

                                  

                                         Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
                                   One of the other lakes among the tree life at the Huntington Beach Central Park

The free workout areas adds a variety of exercises to help supplement a good walk.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
One of the workout booths to help meet any exercise need.

The beautiful herbal life at this park is magnificent. From large trees, to different colored plants, Huntington Beach Central Park sheds a new light of green nature.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Many of the trees with their Fall season colors.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
the trees provide the park much of its natural beauty

Whether its a family picnic, or just a walk in the park, Huntington Beach Central 

Park is a great place to get in touch with nature while “saving the green” in your wallet.

Bolsa Chica State Beach, affordable Fun Under the California Sun

The one thing that makes Southern California so unique is its great, year-round weather, and the beautiful beaches! One beach that is great for a budget is the Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, CA.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Lifeguard tower with the sunset at Bolsa Chica State Beach

Located off of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and just south of Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chica provides affordable fun for everyone.

The beach is open from 6 am-10 pm Monday through Sunday. The regular day parking price is only $15, but Sunset Beach has free parking!

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Sunset over the ocean. Picture angle facing south towards Sunset Beach

The activities at this state beach are almost endless. Similar to other Southern California beaches, you can surf, swim, sunbathe, and participate in other common beach fun.

Video credit: Michael Palumbo/ Youtube.com

A surfing video at Bolsa Chica State Beach, CA

Bring some fire wood and camp food, because the Bolsa Chica's fire pits are are open year-round at no extra charge. Come early to reserve a pit for your bonfire before they run out!

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
A fire pit used for bonfires at Bolsa Chica State Beach

Want to exercise with a beach view? The free bike path provides bikers, runners, walkers, joggers, roller-bladders and others travelers easy transportation along the beach.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
The bike path that takes you through the whole beach

Bring a motor home or trailer and have a camping experience at the beach! Bring it just for the day, or rent a spot at the campground for a weekend get-a-way. These spots are a little more expensive than the regular fee, but the prices are still reasonable compared to other local beach resorts.

Photo Credit: Kyle Wirth
Camp trailers are allowed access in Bolsa Chica State Parks

Bolsa Chica State Beach also neighbors the Huntington Beach Wetlands. Located on PCH, the Wetlands provide visitors a unique interaction with the local natural life. The Wetlands are free of charge, so it fits any budget size.

Video Credit: John Dutton/Youtube.com
A video for the Huntington Beach Wetland Restoration

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the great Southern 

California vibe without a heavy burden on the wallet.