Huntington Beach Urban Forest
A serene, hidden urban oasis in Huntington Beach Central Park, featuring themed gardens and peaceful trails for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Superbloom flowers are stunning
Huntington Beach Urban Forest
Best Time
Superbloom flowers are stunning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, hidden urban oasis in Huntington Beach Central Park, featuring themed gardens and peaceful trails for nature lovers.
"A pleasant hidden gem with well-maintained paths amongst small themed gardens and trees."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy exploring the paths with your furry friend. :dog:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Ellis St lot is tiny (4 spots). Try Goldenwest side near dog park for more space. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Themed Gardens & Trails
Throughout the Urban Forest
Wander through distinct garden areas and well-maintained paths, many featuring botanical placards. A true nature lover's delight.
Equestrian Center Views
Adjacent to the Equestrian Center
Experience the unique blend of urban nature and equestrian life, with opportunities to see horses on the trails.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the Urban Forest
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like hummingbirds, skunks, and even coyotes (signs are posted).
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Discover This Hidden Urban Oasis
+1Best Access & Parking Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy exploring the paths with your furry friend. :dog:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Ellis St lot is tiny (4 spots). Try Goldenwest side near dog park for more space. :car:
🌸 Spring Bloom Views
Visit in spring for vibrant wildflowers and beautiful photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Connect to Central Park
Easily links to the larger Central Park for extended walks or visits to other amenities. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy exploring the paths with your furry friend. :dog:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Ellis St lot is tiny (4 spots). Try Goldenwest side near dog park for more space. :car:
🌸 Spring Bloom Views
Visit in spring for vibrant wildflowers and beautiful photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Connect to Central Park
Easily links to the larger Central Park for extended walks or visits to other amenities. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Huntington Beach Urban Forest as a peaceful, well-maintained 'hidden gem' perfect for leisurely walks and nature photography. Its themed gardens and connection to Central Park are highlights, though parking can be challenging. Some note the presence of horse manure due to the adjacent equestrian center.
"My visit today was to bring my dog to the Urban Forest, a pleasant hidden gem in the SW corner of Huntington Beach Central Park. Lots of well-maintained, clearly marked paths amongst small themed gardens and trees. Many trees have botanical placards with the tree names.
Dogs are allowed while on leash. There is wildlife, including coyotes (signs are clearly posted), and today we saw hummingbirds, skunks, and horses.
The Urban Forest is adjacent to the equestrian center so you will likely notice horse manure on the path. There is a chain link fence separating the Urban Forest and Central Park from the horse stables and equestrian center with a private dirt road between the properties, but horses are taken on the paths regularly.
Next to the park, there is an area with signs saying "Therapy horses working". Google for the company name in HBCP if that info is something you may be interested in looking in to.
The parking lot I entered, on Ellis, is tiny, for 4 cars, 5 if drivers park considerately."
Guy Felton (FrankenFelton)
"Been going to this jewel of a park for nearly 40 years. And since then, ive seen this park grow and grow into a magnificent city park. So much of this growth has been in the last 10 years. From a redesigned dog park, new bridge layout by the lake, the city / community horse park and to a new senior community center and Frisbee park, growth has been exponential. In high school, much of the park was just the lake the playground and the nature center. Since then, the area has seen a Renaissance!
The the urban forest has been a tiresome endeavor; a labor of love. Now the new mini natur park has multiple trails, separate mini eco areas of interest and room for bikers horses hikers and walkers joggers; even your pets can enjoy the area. Overall, it has around 1 to 2 miles.of trails, many picnic tables and a grand view for photo takers. Couple with other areas of the park, you can easily make it into a 5 mile course. Parking, thats the hard part. There's a small area by Ellis street, around 4 spots safely. I would recommend the golden west side, by dog park, you'll find enough space there. In addition, a nice trail will lead you to the urban forest.
Now , for the bikers, please be careful, slow speeds. For horses 🐎, a relaxing stroll. For walkers and runners, you'll enjoy your time. Access for bathrooms, water fountains, and facilities, most located by the main park. Overall, a strong 3.95 to 4 25.
Clean place
Safe place
Multiple uses
Missing... water fountains and parking and more trails for runners or walkers to the south east."
Javier Rosete
"So amazing! Very fun to walk through. We drove an hour to get here and it was super worth it. There's a park with ziplines for children also. I wish more cities would make urban gardens."
Suzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Urban Forest is located in the southwest corner of Huntington Beach Central Park. Access is often recommended from Ellis Avenue, between Goldenwest Street and Edwards Street. Some visitors suggest parking near the dog park on the Goldenwest side for more ample parking and then taking a connecting trail.
Public transportation options to Huntington Beach Central Park are available, but direct routes to the Urban Forest itself might require a short walk or ride-share from a main bus stop. Check local transit schedules for routes serving the Central Park area.
Look for signs indicating the Urban Forest within Huntington Central Park. It's often described as being tucked away behind rolling hills near Edwards Street and surrounded by equestrian fences.
Yes, biking is a great way to reach the Urban Forest, especially if you're coming from other parts of Huntington Beach or Central Park. There are trails suitable for cycling.
The Urban Forest features well-maintained and clearly marked paths, making it easy to navigate. Some areas have small hills for added exercise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Huntington Beach Urban Forest is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's a free community space for everyone to enjoy.
As part of Huntington Beach Central Park, the Urban Forest is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during park operating hours, typically from dawn until dusk.
There is no admission fee to enter the Huntington Beach Urban Forest. It's a free public park.
While the Urban Forest is a public space, 'Friends of the Urban Forest' occasionally host volunteering opportunities. For private events, it's best to inquire with the Huntington Beach Parks and Recreation department about park facility rentals.
The main restrictions are typical for a park: dogs must be leashed, and visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Urban Forest offers multiple trails, including paved and dirt paths, that wind through themed gardens and natural areas. They are generally well-maintained and suitable for walking, jogging, and biking.
Absolutely! The Urban Forest is a popular spot for photography, especially during spring when flowers are in bloom. It offers beautiful natural backdrops and themed garden areas.
Restroom facilities and water fountains are generally located in the main areas of Huntington Beach Central Park, not directly within the Urban Forest itself. You may need to walk to the main park facilities.
Visitors can often spot hummingbirds, skunks, and coyotes (signs are posted). The area is also adjacent to an equestrian center, so you might see horses.
Yes, the Urban Forest is perfect for a leisurely walk. The peaceful atmosphere and well-kept paths make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
🎫 🐶 Pet-Friendly
Yes, dogs are welcome in the Urban Forest as long as they are kept on a leash. It's a great spot for a dog walk.
The primary restriction is that dogs must be leashed at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
Yes, Huntington Beach Central Park has a dedicated dog park, and the Urban Forest is accessible from that area, making it convenient for pet owners.
No, dogs must remain on a leash throughout the Urban Forest and Central Park.
While there are water fountains in Central Park, there are no specific pet water stations within the Urban Forest itself. It's advisable to bring water for your pet, especially on warmer days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider parking near the dog park on the Goldenwest side and enjoying the connecting trail, which can be an adventure in itself for kids. The adjacent Central Park also features playgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to combine a visit to the Urban Forest with other family-friendly activities for a full day out.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be sure to bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them. The proximity to the equestrian center means you might encounter horses, so keep your dog under control. The connecting trails from the larger Central Park also offer extended walking opportunities for you and your furry friend.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 The variety of themed gardens, the changing seasons (especially the spring blooms), and the potential for wildlife sightings offer endless photographic opportunities. Visit during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most beautiful light. The well-maintained paths make it easy to move around and find the perfect angle. Don't forget to look for the botanical placards to identify the diverse plant life you're capturing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Gardens
This area is particularly beautiful in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.
+1 It's a fantastic spot for nature photography, with opportunities to capture the beauty of the gardens and the surrounding environment. The presence of the adjacent equestrian center also adds a unique element, with the possibility of seeing horses on or near the trails. While the Urban Forest is a tranquil escape, it's important to be aware of the local wildlife. Signs are posted warning of coyotes, and visitors have reported seeing hummingbirds and skunks.
Parking and Access: Navigating Your Visit
For a more reliable parking experience, many visitors recommend heading to the Goldenwest Street side of Huntington Central Park, near the dog park.
It's worth noting that while the Urban Forest itself is a compact area, it seamlessly integrates with the larger Huntington Beach Central Park. This connection allows for extended outings, where you can combine a visit to the Urban Forest with other park amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, or the nature center, creating a full day of outdoor activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit