Rules & Regulations

Bolsa Chica State Beach has a short list of rules that catch visitors out: alcohol is prohibited unless approved through a Special Events permit, dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water, fires are allowed only in the park's fire rings, and drones, balloons, piñatas, charcoal grills and enclosed tents are all banned. Here is the full list from California State Parks.

Beach Rules

These are the posted Bolsa Chica rules on the California State Parks page.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is prohibited unless approved through a Special Events permit. Violators can be cited and removed from the park (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 4326). Registered campers 21 and up may drink inside their own campsite.

Fires and grills

• Bonfires only inside State Park fire rings (fire pits).
• Coal and wood only in the fire rings.
• No charcoal grills.
• Propane grills are allowed if at least 18 inches off the ground, anywhere on the beach behind the line of lifeguard towers.

Shade and tents

• No enclosed tents. Every sun shelter must have at least one wall completely open.
• E-Z Ups must be 100 square feet (10 by 10 feet) or smaller.
• No tent camping anywhere at Bolsa Chica.

Dogs

Pets are not allowed on the sand or in the water, except service animals. Leashed, controlled pets are allowed on the multi-use trail and in the parking lots (dogs).

Party items

Balloons and piñata-type items are prohibited, to keep the beach clean and stop wildlife from mistaking them for food.

In the water

Non-U.S. Coast Guard-approved floats are prohibited: inflatable floats, boats, pool toys, tubes, rafts, loungers and kayaks (swimming).

Drones

Powered drones and other remote-control aircraft are prohibited inside the park. Filming use can be requested under a California film permit.

Selling

Vending or selling items, food or services in the park needs a State Parks permit or contract.

Parking and RV Rules

• Park only in marked spaces, between the white lines.
• Pop-outs, slide-outs and awnings are not allowed in the lots, and every space must stay available for a paid vehicle.
• If you bring an RV for the day, you must be inside it or on the beach at all times.
• Oversize vehicles that need two spaces park in the middle row, one space behind the other; maximum length 40 feet.
• Staff may tell you how to arrange your equipment at any time.

Full details on parking.

Hours

Beach hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the entry gates close at 9 p.m. (hours). Campground quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (camping).

E-Bikes and Motorized Equipment

Non-human-powered equipment, with few exceptions, is restricted on Orange Coast District trails. The rules are in District Superintendent's Posted Order No. 925-23-14, which State Parks links from the park page (bike path).

In the Wetlands Across PCH

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and its two marine conservation areas have their own separate rules (the reserve is run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife): no dogs or bikes, stay on trails, no swimming or wading, limited fishing, and no entry to the conservation areas from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (wetlands).