Across the Pacific Coast Highway from the sands of Huntington Beach is a wildlife photographer’s haven where about 200 species of birds have been identified.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve’s  existence started in the 1970s when the State of California acquired initially 300 acres of the wetlands. And through the years additional acreage were added to a total of 1,341 acres today after a major renovation project was done in the late 2006.

Access is through either of the two parking lots, one at the western part of the preserve and another at the north next to the interpretive center. No parking fees to park which gives you access to a 4-mile network of public hiking trails. A portion of the reserve is close to the public however.