Huntington Central Park
A sprawling 343-acre urban oasis with diverse landscapes, playgrounds, trails, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Huntington Central Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 343-acre urban oasis with diverse landscapes, playgrounds, trails, and abundant wildlife.
"A beautiful place with trees, lakes, and birds, perfect for a relaxing day out."
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Lots of paved and dirt trails for walking and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a picnic
Plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas to enjoy your meal. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Urban Forest
Southwest side of the park
A serene nature escape with beautiful trails, trees, and flowers. Feels like a different world!
Central Park Playground
West side of the park
Gigantic treehouse jungle gym, zip lines, and climbing structures for endless kid fun.
Huntington Lake
Central area of the park
A beautiful natural lake with abundant wildlife, perfect for peaceful walks and bird watching.
The Secret Garden
Far southwest corner
A hidden gem with colorful gardens and shaded forest trails for a relaxing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Playtime & Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Lots of paved and dirt trails for walking and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a picnic
Plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas to enjoy your meal. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leash your pups and enjoy the park, but remember to clean up! :dog:
🌳 Explore the Urban Forest
A serene, hidden gem perfect for nature lovers. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Lots of paved and dirt trails for walking and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a picnic
Plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas to enjoy your meal. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leash your pups and enjoy the park, but remember to clean up! :dog:
🌳 Explore the Urban Forest
A serene, hidden gem perfect for nature lovers. :evergreen_tree:
🎈 Kid's paradise
The playground is huge with zip lines and a treehouse! :child:
☀️ Solar panel parking
Park under solar panels for shade on hot days. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Huntington Central Park's expansive natural beauty, diverse activities, and family-friendly amenities. It's praised as a clean, safe, and peaceful oasis offering something for everyone, from playgrounds and trails to wildlife viewing and picnic spots. Some mention occasional homeless presence in early mornings or late evenings, and the need to watch for muddy areas.
"On Memorial Day, my family went there. It was a beautiful place with trees, lakes and birds. I could walk around the beautiful natural lake, large with a comfortable path, with flocks of wild birds, geese and pelicans swimming around. The children had their own play area, climbing and sliding. Some played in the sand, flew kites. Families gathered in groups and camped or had outdoor parties. The air was warm. It was an early summer day, not too hot, and of course the children were starting their vacation. The parking lot layout, the planting and naming of plants made the children excited because they learned a lot. The flowers were colorful. We spread out a tarp and sat down in the grass for a light lunch, then the children explored the squirrels' dens and tried to take turns running around the park. It was a relaxing day and we will be back there to enjoy the natural freshness the next day"
Richard Chau Nguyen
"Really nice park in the middle of Huntington Beach. Great for picnics, reading, fishing, relaxing, dog walks, photography, garden walks, bird watching, squirrel entertainment, naps, and general activities. Plenty of picnic tables and lots of shaded areas. Naturally cooler here due to the trees and pond. Be careful of the muddy swamp-like areas on your shoes. There are two outdoor stages here that hold events every once in a while. Paved paths are great for bikes and scooters."
LotusStyle
"This sprawling park has something for everyone. It is hard to know where the park starts and ends, but the main part of the park is by the large lake and Kathy May's Lakeview Cafe.
From the parking there, you have access to the cafe, the huge kids' playground and several places to stroll or hike depending on your chosen activity level.
The kids' park has some really advanced climbing apparatus and a zip line. If you go there, you must go and stand in the rubberized ground around the play area. It feels like you're walking on a pillow top mattress.
The plants and trees are quite amazing and the park is generally immaculate. In March, there are a few dead plants and things in need of some TLC, but other than that natural situation, there is no graffiti, no litter, no dig water, etc. Very very clean, tidy and safe.
The plants that were flowering were covered in bees, which was very pleasant to see.
While there we saw various wildlife, including one of a few local bald eagles. There are lizards of some description, but they are very shy. I didn't experience any pests.
While there (on a Sunday) there were various church gatherings, birthday parties, yoga, etc. Within a square mile there were probably 300+ people there.
Lots of babies in buggies, kids on bikes and picnic.
A lovely oasis of quiet away from all of the main roads. It is very easy to forget you are in the middle of suburbia."
Kevin Pope
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huntington Central Park is easily accessible by car. It's located in Huntington Beach, CA. There are multiple entrances, with parking available around different areas of the park, including near the senior center and library. Some areas offer parking under solar panels for shade. +2
Yes, parking is abundant throughout the park. You can find parking lots near the senior center, the library, and various other points of access. Some spots offer shade under solar panels. +1
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the provided content, Huntington Beach has a bus system. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for routes that may service areas near Central Park.
Entrances off Ellis Ave (between Goldenwest and Edwards streets) are recommended for accessing the Urban Forest. For the playground and lake, the West side entrances are convenient.
+1
Yes, Huntington Central Park is located in Huntington Beach, just a short drive from the famous beaches. It offers a green escape close to the coast. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Huntington Central Park is completely free to visit! This makes it a fantastic option for budget-friendly outings. +1
The park is generally open from 5 am to 10 pm, offering ample time for exploration throughout the day and into the evening.
While park entry is free, specific events like summer concerts may have their own ticketing or admission policies. It's best to check the official Huntington Beach city website or local event listings for details.
The main restriction is that dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must pick up after them.
Absolutely! The park is perfect for picnics, and many visitors bring their own food and drinks to enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking and hiking on paved and dirt trails, explore the Urban Forest and Secret Garden, play at the large playground, fish in the lake, have picnics, bird watch, and even attend summer concerts. +5
Yes, there's an amazing and huge playground on the west side with a treehouse jungle gym, zip lines, and climbing structures, suitable for all ages. 
The park features wide paved trails perfect for biking and scooters, as well as dirt trails for hiking and exploring, including scenic routes in the Urban Forest and Secret Garden. +3
Yes, Huntington Central Park is dog-friendly! Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Visitors often spot a variety of wildlife, including wild birds, geese, pelicans, squirrels, and even local bald eagles. +1
Yes, public restrooms are available within the park, often located near the playground and other key areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kathy May's Lakeview Cafe is located within the park by the main lake, offering food with great views.
Absolutely! The park has numerous picnic tables and plenty of shaded grassy areas perfect for a picnic lunch. +1
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of a cafe and the park's popularity suggest that occasional food vendors might be present, especially during events. It's best to check local listings.
The Lakeview Cafe offers food with views, and while specific menu details aren't provided, it's a convenient spot for a meal within the park.
The provided information does not specify rules regarding alcohol. It's advisable to check local ordinances or park regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
📸 📸 Photography
The Urban Forest, Secret Garden, Huntington Lake with its wildlife, and the scenic bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities. The playground can also make for fun, candid shots.
Yes, the lake and natural areas are home to various birds, including geese, pelicans, and even bald eagles, making it a great spot for bird photography. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can also be beautiful over the park.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of private events.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with the Huntington Beach city authorities or park management for any rules regarding drone operation within the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Pack a picnic to enjoy in the many shaded areas or at the numerous picnic tables. 🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and be a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after them. The variety of trails, from paved paths to natural dirt routes, offers diverse walking experiences for both you and your furry friend. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+3 These areas offer serene walking trails through lush greenery and colorful gardens, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography. The Huntington Lake area is also a prime spot for wildlife photography, with frequent sightings of birds and other local fauna. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Havens: Urban Forest & Secret Garden
+2The Secret Garden, found in the far southwest corner, lives up to its name as a hidden gem. This area boasts colorful gardens and shaded forest paths, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll or a quiet moment away from the more active parts of the park. Both locations are free to visit and provide a beautiful backdrop for photography and quiet contemplation.
+1Family Fun at the Central Park Playground
+2The playground features a rubberized ground surface that's described as feeling like walking on a 'pillow top mattress,' adding to the comfort and safety for little ones.
With ample space and engaging equipment, it's a place where kids can spend hours climbing, sliding, and zipping. Nearby amenities like restrooms and shaded grass areas make it a convenient spot for parents. Wildlife and Recreation Around Huntington Lake
Beyond wildlife, the lake area is also a popular spot for fishing and offers access to amenities like Kathy May's Lakeview Cafe, providing a place to dine with scenic views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit