The best hikes and trails in Huntington Beach.

The best walk in town, and it isn't close. The reserve is over a thousand acres of restored coastal wetland, and the loop takes you across a boardwalk over the water and up onto the mesa, with herons, egrets, and shorebirds the whole way. It's flat, well-marked, and quietly stunning, especially early when the light's low and the birds are active. This is the one I send everyone to first.

Best for

Birding, an easy flat loop, and the best nature walk in HB.

Parking

Free lot on PCH across from the main entrance, plus a smaller lot on Warner. Both fill by mid-morning on weekends, so go early.

Local tip

Come at sunrise with the low tide if you can. The bird activity on the mudflats is best then, and you'll have the boardwalk close to yourself.

The green heart of town. Central Park has miles of paved and dirt paths winding around its two lakes and through mature trees, plus the Shipley Nature Center tucked inside with its own quiet interpretive trails. It's the shadiest walking in HB and the most kid- and dog-friendly, with plenty of room to make the loop as short or long as you want.

Best for

Shaded, flexible walking with kids or a dog, away from the coast.

Parking

Several free lots off Golden West, Talbert, and Slater. Easy parking, the least stressful on this list.

Local tip

Duck into the Shipley Nature Center. It's free, quieter than the main park loop, and an easy add-on if you want a little more nature in the walk.

The classic ocean-view walk. The Bluff Top path runs along PCH on the low bluffs above the sand, a paved route with the water on one side the entire way. It's the go-to for a sunset stroll or an easy run with a view, and stairs drop down to the beach at several points if you want to get your feet in the sand partway through.

Best for

An ocean-view walk or run, and the best sunset stroll in town.

Parking

Metered street parking along PCH and the pay lots near the pier. Comes and goes, tightest at sunset on warm evenings.

Local tip

Walk it heading south from the pier in the evening. The light off the water on that stretch near sunset is as good as HB gets.

The distance option. The Santa Ana River Trail is a long, uninterrupted paved path along the river that you can pick up near the beach and follow inland for miles, no crossings to break your stride. It's the pick when you actually want to cover ground, whether that's a long run, a real bike ride, or a walk where you set the turnaround.

Best for

A long, uninterrupted walk, run, or bike with no road crossings.

Parking

Park near the beach end at the river mouth or at access points inland. Beach-end lots are pay; inland access is easier.

Local tip

Start at the beach end and head inland so the ocean breeze is at your back on the way out. It's a much easier return trip.

The quintessential HB walk. You can walk the beach and the paved oceanfront path from the Huntington Beach pier all the way down toward Newport, right along the sand the entire way. Do the full stretch for a real outing or just walk out on the pier itself and back. Either way it's the most Surf City walk there is, with surfers, sand, and open ocean the whole time.

Best for

The iconic beachfront walk, as short or long as you like.

Parking

Pay lots and metered parking along PCH near the pier. Busy and pricey on warm weekends, calmer early or off-season.

Local tip

Take the paved path rather than the soft sand if you're going for distance. It's far easier on the legs over a few miles.

The quiet neighborhood walk. The Harbour side has calm waterfront loops that wind past the docks, the boats, and the waterside homes, with far fewer people than the beach. It's a relaxed, flat stroll with water views the whole way, and an easy pick if you're already on that end of town or just want a lower-key walk.

Best for

A quiet, flat waterfront stroll away from the beach crowds.

Parking

Neighborhood street parking near the Harbour, usually low-stress. Be mindful of posted residential signs.

Local tip

Go around golden hour. The light on the water and the boats makes the Harbour loop feel a world away from the pier crowds.