Bolsa Chica Grunion Runs
What are grunion?
Grunion are small, silvery marine fish that come completely out of the water to spawn on the sand during the high tides after the new and full moon.
These fish are only found along the Southern California and Baja California coastlines; therefore, witnessing them “dancing” on the sand is truly a California experience. Unfortunately, since the highest tides usually occur after beach curfews, it is very hard to watch this natural phenomenon on your own.
Is there a way to safely observe this unique occurrence?
Bolsa Chica State Beach offers a guided program that allows registered participants to safely park and watch the grunion run. State park staff will give visitors a short, educational program on the grunion before heading out on the sand to observe the fascinating mating ritual of these fish and enjoy s’mores by a complementary bonfire.
Visitors must register to attend. Space is limited. Please sign up by clicking on the RSVP link below for the date you desire and registering each participant in your group. Parking and event site details will be sent to all confirmed participants.
REMINDER: During the open season, a California fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older. Grunion may be taken by hand only. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. The daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish.
See California Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.
REGISTRATION FEE: $10 for Adults | $5 for children under 18
California State Parks will issue a refund if notified of cancellation 72-hours prior to your registered event. Please email Elizabeth.Bailey@parks.ca.gov for more information.
2026 GRUNION RUN DATES:
| DAY | DATE | TIME | SEASON | REGISTRATION |
| FRI | 3/20 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 3/20 |
| FRI | 4/3 | 10:30PM | CLOSED | Register for 4/3 |
| SAT | 5/2 | 10:00PM | CLOSED | Register for 5/2 |
| MON | 6/15 | 10:00PM | CLOSED | Register for 6/15 |
| THUR | 7/2 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 7/2 |
| WED | 7/15 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 7/15 |
| FRI | 7/31 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 7/31 |
| FRI | 8/14 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 8/14 |
| SAT | 8/29 | 10:30PM | OPEN | Register for 8/29 |
CLOSED SEASON = NO TAKE, Observation ONLY.
If you would like to catch grunion, please attend an open season program.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Limited space available.
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Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers will return to Bolsa Chica State Beach in May of 2026. Please return to the website for more information!