Santa Ana River Mouth (River Jetties) - Image 1
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River Jetties

4.9
·49 reviews·Newport Beach, United States

A beautiful, less crowded beach in Huntington Beach known for gentle surf waves, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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Santa Ana River Mouth (River Jetties) - Image 1

River Jetties

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful, less crowded beach in Huntington Beach known for gentle surf waves, abundant wildlife, and stunning sunset views.

4.9
(49 reviews)

"Best beach I have ever been to in Cali! It is such a beautiful place to go watch the sunset."

Vertical photo
TIP

Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:

Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays.

Parking Patience :car:

Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surfing Waves

Surfing Waves

Near the jetties

Gentle, consistent waves make it ideal for learning to surf or longboarding.

Instagram+1
Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings

Ocean waters

Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins playing in the surf.

Reddit
Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Beachfront

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

Reddit
Stingray Encounters

Stingray Encounters

Shallow water

Thousands of stingrays can be seen close to shore, a unique wildlife experience.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Stingray Awareness

Be mindful of stingrays, especially in shallow waters. Shuffle your feet when walking in the water to avoid stepping on them. While sightings are common, stings are rare but painful. TikTok

Parking & Access

Street parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider the paid lots. The jetties themselves can be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Clear skies, fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

INCHES AWAY from THOUSANDS OF STINGRAYS?!?! #stingray #stingrays #stingraysquad #surfersworstnightmare #santaanariver #riverjetties #rivermouth #rivermouthbeach #surfer #surfing #ocean #oceanlife #huntingtonbeach #hb #stingraysting #oceananimals #fun #danger #hurt #pain #upclose #bolsachica #bolsachicabeach
@thatsurfguy_
9.5K likes • 116.4K views

Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:

Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays. TikTok

Parking Patience :car:

Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search. Reddit

Santa Ana River, SoCal 2/6/24 #orangecounty #southerncalifornia #flood #santaana #rain #atmosphericriver
@sean.chandler
453 likes • 41.2K views
River jetties looked gloomy but had a few runners. Can’t wait for more this summer!! #learningvideo #surfvideos #riverjetties #surfing #surfer #huntingtonbeach #socal #jklingphotos #jklingvideos
jklingphotos
14 likes • 400 views

Surf's Up! :surfboard:

Great spot for beginner surfers and longboarders. Instagram+1

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Limited food options nearby, so bring your own snacks and drinks. TikTok

Feeshin at little river jetties 🎣 hooked into a ocean monster 🎣 #Feeshin #letsgofeeshin #littleriverjetties
shawn.lowry2
4 likes • 194 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Shuffle Your Feet! :athletic_shoe:

Always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid startling stingrays. TikTok

Parking Patience :car:

Street parking is free but limited. Arrive early or be prepared to search. Reddit

Surf's Up! :surfboard:

Great spot for beginner surfers and longboarders. Instagram+1

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Limited food options nearby, so bring your own snacks and drinks. TikTok

Respect Wildlife :dolphin:

Observe seals and dolphins from a distance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(49 reviews)

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

Beautiful and clean beach
Great surfing waves
Less crowded

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Stingray caution

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, River Jetties is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the beach and jetties is free. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🏄 Onsite Experience

The waves at River Jetties are generally considered gentle and consistent, making them excellent for beginner surfers and longboarders. InstagramReddit+1

You might spot seals and dolphins in the water. Thousands of stingrays are also commonly seen in the shallow areas near the shore. TikTokReddit

River Jetties is often described as less crowded than neighboring beaches, partly due to limited parking. Reddit

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. TikTok

Public restrooms and outdoor showers are typically available at Huntington Beach access points, including near River Jetties, for rinsing off sand and saltwater. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

Huntington Beach offers a wide variety of dining, from casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants. The pier area also has several options. Reddit

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. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy the casual beach vibe with options like fish tacos or burgers in Huntington Beach. Reddit

It's not advisable to leave perishable food out for extended periods, especially in warm weather, due to potential spoilage and hygiene concerns. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' before sunset offers beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Instagram

You can capture surfers catching waves, dramatic ocean vistas, wildlife, and the unique textures of the jetties themselves. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Yes, but be cautious and maintain a safe distance. Capturing them in their natural habitat can be a unique photographic opportunity. TikTok

For surfing, use a fast shutter speed to freeze action. For landscapes, consider aperture priority mode to control depth of field. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

River Jetties offers a fantastic, family-friendly beach experience. The gentle waves are perfect for young children to play in safely, and the wide sandy shores provide ample space for building sandcastles and running around. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins, which are always a hit with kids! InstagramReddit+1

Remember the stingray advice: shuffle your feet when wading in shallow water to ensure everyone stays safe. Parking can be a challenge, so planning your arrival time is crucial for a stress-free family outing. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, as food options are limited directly at the beach. TikTokReddit

🏄 Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts

For surfers, River Jetties is a gem, especially for those honing their skills. The consistent, mellow waves are ideal for learning to surf, practicing longboarding, or simply enjoying a relaxed session. The jetties can help create fun, rideable sections. Instagram+2

While it's great for beginners, experienced surfers might find it less challenging compared to more powerful breaks. However, it's a reliable spot for catching waves, and the less crowded nature compared to other popular surf spots can be a major draw. Always check the surf report for the best conditions. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty of inspiration at River Jetties. The dramatic coastal scenery, the interplay of light on the water, and the surfers catching waves offer dynamic subjects. The golden hour before sunset provides stunning light for landscape and portrait shots. Instagram

Don't miss the opportunity to capture wildlife, from playful dolphins to the unique patterns of stingrays in the shallows. Be prepared for changing conditions, and consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both wide ocean vistas and close-ups of marine life. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing at River Jetties

River Jetties is a popular spot for surfers, particularly those who are learning or prefer a more relaxed ride. The waves here are known for being gentler and more consistent than at some other Orange County beaches, making it an excellent place for beginner surfers and longboarders to practice their skills. The jetties themselves can help shape the waves, creating fun sections for rides. Instagram+2

Many surfers appreciate the accessibility and the fact that it's often less crowded than the main Huntington Beach pier area. It's a place where you can often find a good wave without battling huge crowds. The atmosphere is generally laid-back, with surfers of all levels enjoying the ocean. Instagram+1

When planning your surf session, keep an eye on the tide and swell conditions. While generally beginner-friendly, conditions can change. It's also worth noting that the area around the jetties can sometimes be a 'construction zone' for surfers, meaning the waves might be influenced by the structures. Instagram

Wildlife Encounters

One of the most fascinating aspects of River Jetties is the abundant marine life. Visitors frequently report seeing seals and dolphins playing in the surf, offering a delightful spectacle for beachgoers. These sightings add an extra layer of magic to a day at the beach. Reddit

Perhaps the most talked-about wildlife encounter is with stingrays. Thousands of these creatures can be found in the shallow waters, especially near the river mouth. While this is an incredible natural phenomenon to witness, it also necessitates caution. The common advice is to shuffle your feet when walking in the water to alert any stingrays of your presence and avoid accidental stings. TikTok

Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a privilege. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding or disturbing them. The presence of such diverse wildlife underscores the ecological importance of this coastal area. TikTokReddit

Parking and Accessibility

Navigating parking at River Jetties can be a key part of the visitor experience. While the beach itself is free to access, street parking along the adjacent roads is limited and often fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning or on a weekday to secure a spot. Reddit

For those who prefer a guaranteed spot or arrive later, there are paid parking lots available. These offer convenience but come at a cost. The limited parking is often cited as a reason why the beach remains less crowded than its neighbors, which can be a significant advantage for those seeking a more tranquil beach day. Reddit

When it comes to accessing the jetties themselves, some visitors note that the terrain can be uneven. While many people walk on them in casual footwear, others suggest wearing shoes that provide good grip and support, especially if you plan to walk further out. TikTok

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