Hours & Fees

Bolsa Chica State Beach is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year, and the entry gates close at 9 p.m. Day use is $15 per vehicle, rising to $20 on summer weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The beach is cashless, so bring a card or pay on your phone.

Hours

California State Parks lists the beach hours as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Cars cannot drive in after the entry gates close at 9 p.m., so plan to arrive before then if you want an evening at the fire rings, which can be used until 10 p.m.

The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and the reception phone, (714) 377-5691, is answered the same hours. See the Visitor Center page for programs.

Campers in the RV campground follow their own rules: check-in is 2 p.m., and registered campers get a gate code for the Warner gate after 9 p.m.

Day-Use Parking Fees

State Parks says special rates may apply in peak season, on holiday periods and on weekends, and prices can change without notice. The published rates are below.

Regular rates

• Regular vehicle: $15
• Senior (ages 62+): $14
• Disabled discount: $7.50 (a valid California State Parks Disabled Discount Pass is required)
• Oversize vehicle, 25 feet or longer: $30 (senior $29, disabled $22.50)

Summer weekend and holiday rates

These run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

• Regular vehicle: $20
• Senior (ages 62+): $19
• Disabled discount: $10
• Oversize vehicle, 25 feet or longer: $40 (senior $39, disabled $30)

State Parks also lists a Major Holidays/Events vehicle rate of $40 and warns that fees can change on major event days and holidays.

How to Pay

Bolsa Chica has switched to park-and-pay with LAZ Parking. Drive to an open space, scan the QR code posted in the lot and pay online; no app is needed. The beach is cashless: only credit cards, debit cards and electronic payments are accepted. LAZ may add a service fee on top of the day-use fee. If payment fails at the beach, LAZ's customer care line is (949) 402-0303.

Your day-use fee lets you leave and come back the same day, as long as there is parking. More on lots and getting in on the parking and directions page.

Annual Passes

Annual pass holders do not pay again. Display a current pass on the dashboard, or hang a hangtag pass from the rear-view mirror facing out. Bolsa Chica accepts:

• California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass
• Golden Bear Pass and Senior Golden Bear Pass
• Limited Use Golden Bear Pass (not valid from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Disabled Discount Pass (choose the "Disabled Discount Pass" day-use option on LAZ and enter the details asked for)
• Distinguished Veteran Pass
• California State Library Parks Pass (with the library hangtag)

Check any blackout dates on your own pass before you go.

When the Beach Fills Up

If the park has a full closure, State Parks lets in only vehicles with a campground reservation until the closure is lifted.

Camping Fees

RV campsites are priced per night, not per car: $70 for the front row on the beach side and $60 for the back row on the highway side, with $2 off per night for seniors 62 and up. Details on the camping page.