1. Huntington Beach State Park
The 121-acre beach on the Orange County coast draws hundreds of thousands of visitors year-round to surf, swim, sunbathe, fish or just watch the sun set. Dog are allowed. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70s, while winter brings slightly cooler mid-60-degree weather. Morning fog is common. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire-rings for bonfires and a multi-use trail. A paved beachside trail runs for 8.5 miles between Huntington and Bolsa Chica State Beaches, with the 3.5-mile Huntington City Beach wedged between them. Huntington was gifted to the state in 1942 and became a California state beach in 1963.
2. Huntington Central Park
Spanning a massive 356 acres, Huntington Central Park is the ultimate Orange County playground! Whether you’re exploring the East or West side, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner.
On the West Side, you can saddle up at the Equestrian Center, toss a frisbee at the Disc Golf Course, or treat your pup to a day at the Dog Park. If you need a breather, grab a bite at Kathy May’s Lakeview Cafe or get lost in nature at the Shipley Nature Center.
Over on the East Side, things get even busier. Dive into a book at the Central Library, let the kids run wild at Adventure Playground, or catch a show at the amphitheater. From the Secret Garden to the Sports Complex, there’s a trail (and a picnic grill) for everyone.
The park is the heart of the community, hosting everything from The Taste of Huntington Beach to live concerts and Revolutionary War reenactments. Open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm with plenty of parking, it’s the perfect spot to find your fun.
3. Best Friend Dog Park
The Best Friend Dog Park is located at the intersection of Edwards Street & Inlet Drive in Huntington Beach, CA. The dog park is separated into two sections, one for smaller breeds, and the other for larger breeds. You and Fido will both enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Huntington! There are drinking stations supplied with fresh water located throughout both sides of the dog park. There are canopied areas throughout the dog park for protection from the sun. In addition to fresh water for your dogs, poop bags are located in dispensers throughout the dog park.
🐾 Pro-Tips for First-Timers
Scout Before You Shout: Before unlashing, spend a few minutes observing the park from outside the fence. It helps your dog get used to the energy and lets you spot any overly rowdy play before diving in.
Ditch the Toys: While the park provides some donated balls, it’s best to leave your own favorite toys and treats at home. This prevents "resource guarding" and keeps the peace among new furry friends.
Keep Moving: Instead of standing by the gate (where dogs tend to crowd), start walking along the perimeter. Your dog will naturally follow you, which encourages them to explore the full 1.7-acre space rather than getting overwhelmed at the entrance.
The "Pup Wash" Prep: The park uses mulch ground cover, which can get a bit dusty. Keep a towel in the car, or take advantage of the onsite pup wash station to clean off those paws before heading home.
Visit the Neighbors: After some off-leash fun, leash up and grab a snack at the nearby Park Bench Cafe—they even have a "Canine Cuisine" menu just for dogs!
4. John Baca Park
The most underrated park in Huntington Beach.
Tucked away at 7329 Sherwood Drive, John Baca Park is a local hidden gem perfect for a quick escape! While there are four ways in, the West Entrance on Sherwood is your golden ticket to the Ecological Reserve.
Parking is a breeze in this quiet neighborhood, so ditch the car and head west past the playground. Keep your eyes peeled once you hit the "Junction"—bear right toward the water basin for a little nature magic.
Depending on the rain, you might find a lush oasis or a peaceful birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s a bit of a "hit or miss" adventure, but whether you spot a Snowy Egret or just some chatty House Finches, it’s always worth the stroll.