Feed the Meters along PCH
Your first and least expensive option is feeding the meters along PCH. We’re at the intersection of PCH and Huntington Street, so feeding the meters there is your first best option. Anywhere a block or two north or south is fine. If you can, park on the south (beach) side of PCH. That way, you don’t have to cross the street.
Please keep in mind that there are events quite often in Huntington Beach that can impact parking. Most notable is the Pacific Airshow. Since the city closes the area during the Pacific Airshow, we’re not having a swim that weekend.
Other weekends that are impacted include the US Open of Surfing (late July/early August); 5k runs and marathons; RAGNAR; concerts; etc. We still host swims during those events. Please keep in mind what’s happening when and you’ll be OK. We have a Signal group chat that keeps abreast of such events on a timely basis.
Parking in a Residential HB Area
Another inexpensive option is parking in the residential area on Huntington Street, just north of Atlanta. That’s about a 4-6 minute walk from the beach. Free, but it might feel like a trek after a swim.
If you park anywhere nearby in a residential area, you can walk or ride a folding bike. Should you choose to do so, here are a few tips: Don’t park too near downtown. Downtown HB can be a bit chaotic. Park closer to Huntington Street or east of there. Also, don’t leave valuables in your car. Oh, and you can walk down to Tower 9 and then use Circuit Huntington Beach for a drive back to your car. I believe Circuit costs $3-$5, but doesn’t operate until 10am on Saturdays.
More Expensive, but More Convenient
More expensive option is HB City Parking. You can usually enter from Beach Blvd. Be sure to veer RIGHT after you cross PCH. That will take you all the way to Tower 9. You veer left, and you’re driving away from us and into State Beach Parking.
City Parking is $15 to $50(?) per day, depending on the time of the year and the event. However, you can buy an annual pass for ~$200. If you swim more than once monthly, it’s a deal.
More Expensive, More Beaches
Otherwise, there is a CA State Beach Pass. You can buy those online. They’re even available at your local public library. There might be a waiting list at your library, but they’re awesome!
The CA State Beach Pass costs ~$200 and they give you access to most beaches in CA.
Pacific City
There are rumors about the Pacific City parking. Philz Coffee validates for free, and it lasts an hour or so. Just check details. After the validation, it’s ~$8/hour.
Pacific City has many options for eating and drinking. Just don’t know the particulars. They do have clean bathrooms and it is a great place to unwind after your swim. Probably a 3-6 minute walk from Tower 9.
BIKING
If you do bike down to Tower 9, LOCK your bike. Use an expensive, beefy lock. HB has a bike theft problem. USE A LOCK. Something thick ought to deter most bike thieves. Especially by Tower 9. There are a lot of passersby. Add to that the concession stand, and that would be enough to deter most bike thieves, however brazen.
Carpooling
There are some regulars who swim with us often. You can meet them in person during a swim. Others are available on our Signal group chat. You can post a message for carpooling and someone might take you up on it.