The wide, white sand beach at Huntington Beach State Park is popular year round with locals and visitors alike. Some come for the beach only, but a stroll on the sand can also be part of a full day of acivities in the state park. The historical site of Atalaya Castle, wildlife watching on the Causeway, exhibits at the Education Center, hiking on Sandpiper Loop Trail, and the campground are all nearby.

Three miles of continuous beach are within the park along with two main access points. For South Beach Access, park in the lot near the park office and Atalaya. For North Beach Access, take Jetty Drive to the large parking lot at its end. Both areas have restrooms, outdoor showers and footwash stations, picnic shelters with grills, and trash cans. Lifegaurds are on duty seasonally, but usually at South Beach. The entire beach is open to walking, swimming, picnicking, biking, paddling, beachcombing, and fishing. A long jetty at the beach's far north end is also a popular fishing spot.

Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are kept attended and on a leash, but they are not allowed at all on the section north of the North Beach Access because this area is preserved as a bird sanctuary.