SPOTLIGHT: HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH

Description: This three-mile-long sandy beach stretches along the coastal side of Pacific Coast Highway from Beach Boulevard south to the Santa Ana River. At the southern end of the beach is a five-acre preserve for the California least tern, an endangered bird that nests on the sand.

Information: (714) 536-1454.

Parking: There are parking lots at Beach Boulevard, and at Newland, Magnolia and Brookhurst streets. Parking is $4 per day.

Camping: En route camping is $10; one night only and the vehicle must be fully self-contained (with sleeping and toilet arrangements inside).

Facilities: Picnic areas, restrooms, outdoor cold showers, food and equipment concessions, wheelchair ramps to the sand, and volleyball courts (users must provide own net). A Class I (off-road) bicycle trail goes through the length of the park.

Bus: Orange County Transit District routes 1 and 35. Bus information: (714) 636-4327.