As the weekend approaches, the City wanted to remind everyone that our beaches and beach bike pathways are currently open for active recreation only. Beachgoers must “keep it moving” at all times. This will help us continue our efforts to provide open areas while limiting gatherings and potential crowding issues that may make it difficult to safely practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PERMITTED Beach Activities:
- Walking, running, hiking, bicycle riding, etc. where normally allowed
- Water sports (i.e. swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, kite surfing, paddle boarding, skim boarding, kayaking, and other similar ocean activities)
- Fishing from the beach and other ocean access locations where fishing activities are normally allowed, so long as social distancing requirements are abided by
NON-PERMITTED Beach Activities:
- Settling in place (i.e. sunbathing, picnicking, lying or sitting on the sand, etc.)
- Use of items to settle in place (i.e. chairs, blankets, tents, pop-ups, coolers, etc.)
- Groupings of any people outside their immediate household (all household groupings must be engaged in active recreation at all times).
- Fire pits
- Volleyball
- Loitering
Social distancing is required at all times (unless with persons of the same household), and the City strongly recommends the use of face coverings as an added precaution. The beaches are open to the public every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitations outside this timeframe are considered a violation subject to fines.
Additionally, at this time, the following amenities at the beach will remain closed to facilitate enhanced social distancing practices:
- Huntington Beach Pier
- Beach playground
- Fire pits and volleyball courts
- Open grass and picnic areas adjacent to the beach bike path
Active recreation is also allowed in Huntington Harbor and all connected channels (for activities such as boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc.). However, Huntington Harbor beaches will remain closed, including:
- Davenport Beach
- Humboldt Beach
- Trinidad Beach
- Seabridge Park Beach
- All harbor beaches along Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach
The City will maintain continued communication with the public to share details about the active recreation rules, with City lifeguards and law enforcement personnel set to make hourly public announcements about the need to engage in active recreation and social distancing while at the beach. Enhanced signage about the new active recreation rules will also be posted at the beaches to keep beachgoers informed at all times (see below).
The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, and the City is working to adapt to these changes and meet the needs of its community. As policies are updated or modified, they will be posted on the City’s HB Ready website at www.HBready.com. For questions about City policies and services, please call our Call Center at (714) 536-5511.
Link to Press Release PDF Here
