
River Jetties
A beautiful, less crowded beach in Huntington Beach known for gentle surf waves, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

River Jetties
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, less crowded beach in Huntington Beach known for gentle surf waves, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunset views.
"Best beach I have ever been to in Cali! It is such a beautiful place to go watch the sunset."

Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:
Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays.
Parking Patience 🚗
Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 49 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surfing Waves
Near the jetties
Gentle, consistent waves make it ideal for learning to surf or longboarding.

Wildlife Sightings
Ocean waters
Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins playing in the surf.

Sunset Views
Beachfront
A stunning spot to watch the sunset paint the sky over the Pacific.

Stingray Encounters
Shallow water
Thousands of stingrays can be seen close to shore, a unique wildlife experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Stingray Awareness
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:
Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays.
Parking Patience 🚗
Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search.
Surf's Up! :surfboard:
Great spot for beginner surfers and longboarders.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Limited food options nearby, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:
Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays.
Parking Patience 🚗
Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search.
Surf's Up! :surfboard:
Great spot for beginner surfers and longboarders.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Limited food options nearby, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
Respect Wildlife 🐬
Observe seals and dolphins from a distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about River Jetties for its beautiful, clean, and spacious beach with great waves for surfing. The limited crowds and easy street parking (when available) are significant draws, making it a favorite for watching sunsets and spotting wildlife like seals and dolphins. Some find the parking challenging, and the presence of stingrays requires caution.
"Lovely beach with limited street (free) parking. Was able to find it three of the four times we went over the weekend. Goregous, clean, and pretty empty in January. Still warm and captivating. We saw seals AND dolphins!! Can't wait to come back."
Violet
"Best beach I have ever been to in Cali! It is such a beautiful place to go watch the sunset. I go at least once a week. The best part is the parking. Street parking is so easy and free. They do have 2 paid parking lots if needed. It is also a great place to learn how to surf. The waves are so gentle."
Marsha G
"Beautiful place, tons of sand, bigger than average waves (in between Huntington and Newport beaches) not too crowded."
Jonathan Webber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
River Jetties is located in Huntington Beach, California. You can reach it by car via Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is available on the street and in paid lots.
While direct public transport to the jetties is limited, you can take local bus routes that stop near Huntington Beach and then walk or take a short ride-share to the jetties. Check local transit schedules for routes.
Street parking is free but fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday for the best chance. Paid parking lots are also available.
Occasionally, there might be construction or maintenance work near the jetties, which can affect access or the surfing conditions. It's always good to check local advisories if possible.
Yes, the jetties are accessible after rain, but the water quality might be affected. The scenery can be dramatic, as seen in some social media posts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, River Jetties is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the beach and jetties is free.
River Jetties is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific operating hours posted for the beach itself.
There is no entrance fee to access River Jetties beach or walk on the jetties. Parking fees may apply if you use the paid parking lots.
Typically, dogs are not allowed on Huntington Beach, including River Jetties, unless they are service animals. Always check local ordinances for the most current rules.
General beach rules apply, such as no fires on the beach. Surfing and swimming are permitted, but always be aware of ocean conditions and potential hazards like stingrays.
🎫 🏄 Onsite Experience
The waves at River Jetties are generally considered gentle and consistent, making them excellent for beginner surfers and longboarders.
You might spot seals and dolphins in the water. Thousands of stingrays are also commonly seen in the shallow areas near the shore.
River Jetties is often described as less crowded than neighboring beaches, partly due to limited parking.
Comfortable beach attire is recommended. If you plan to walk on the jetties, consider shoes that can handle uneven surfaces, as flip-flops might not be ideal.
Public restrooms and outdoor showers are typically available at Huntington Beach access points, including near River Jetties, for rinsing off sand and saltwater.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no direct food vendors or restaurants on the jetties themselves. You'll need to head into Huntington Beach or nearby areas for dining options.
Huntington Beach offers a wide variety of dining, from casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants. The pier area also has several options.
Yes, picnicking is allowed on the beach. It's a good idea to bring your own food and drinks as amenities are scarce directly at the jetties.
Many visitors enjoy the casual beach vibe with options like fish tacos or burgers in Huntington Beach.
It's not advisable to leave perishable food out for extended periods, especially in warm weather, due to potential spoilage and hygiene concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' before sunset offers beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
You can capture surfers catching waves, dramatic ocean vistas, wildlife, and the unique textures of the jetties themselves.
Be mindful of the tide and waves when setting up your gear. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife.
Yes, but be cautious and maintain a safe distance. Capturing them in their natural habitat can be a unique photographic opportunity.
For surfing, use a fast shutter speed to freeze action. For landscapes, consider aperture priority mode to control depth of field.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit