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Huntington Beach began as a small farming and seaside settlement called Pacific City. In the early 1900s rail builder Henry Huntington extended his Pacific Electric line to the coast, the town took his name and was incorporated in 1909. A big oil discovery in 1920 brought rapid growth, and oil derricks once lined the shore. That same decade, Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku helped introduce surfing here, starting the town's love affair with the waves.
Today Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA. Its long pier stretches into the Pacific, and around it the beach hosts surf contests, volleyball and huge crowds in summer. Main Street leads from the pier with surf shops and restaurants, and the Surfing Walk of Fame and the International Surfing Museum celebrate the sport's legends.
Beyond the waves, the city offers about ten miles of beaches, from Bolsa Chica State Beach to the dog-friendly Dog Beach, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, one of the best places for birdwatching in Southern California. Huntington Central Park, among the largest city parks in Orange County, has lakes, trails and a nature center.
One of the longest public piers on the West Coast, stretching about 1,850 feet into the ocean at the foot of Main Street. Walk to the end to watch surfers riding the waves below, fishermen and sunsets. Parking is expensive near the pier, so arrive early or use public transit.
A series of granite stones set in the sidewalk at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, honoring surfing champions, pioneers and culture figures. A statue of Duke Kahanamoku stands nearby. It takes only a few minutes to see, and the annual induction is held during the summer surf contest.
Miles of wide sandy beach on both sides of the pier, with volleyball courts, fire rings for evening bonfires, a beachfront bike path and consistent surf that gave the city the nickname Surf City USA. Bonfire pits are first come, first served, so claim one early on weekends.
A long state beach in the north of the city with fire rings, picnic areas, an RV campground and a paved bike trail along the sand. It is good for surfing, swimming and sunset bonfires. There is a day-use fee, and parking lots fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays.
A stretch of beach north of the pier where dogs are allowed off leash, one of the best-known dog beaches in Southern California. It is lively and social on weekends. Clean up after your pet, bring water for them and watch them closely near the waves and other dogs.
Huntington Beach's busy downtown on Main Street leads to the pier and is lined with surf shops, bars and restaurants, while the modern Pacific City center across Pacific Coast Highway adds shops and ocean-view dining. A farmers market and street fair runs on Tuesday evenings.
A waterfront residential area of canals and small islands in the north of the city, best seen by boat, kayak or paddleboard. In December, the Cruise of Lights boat tours pass homes decorated with holiday lights. Rentals are available, and Peter's Landing has restaurants by the water.
A small museum near downtown that tells the history of surfing, with vintage surfboards, photos, surf music memorabilia and exhibits on surfing legends like Duke Kahanamoku. It is quick to visit and inexpensive. Check opening days, as hours are limited and can change.
A major international surfing competition held each summer on the waves around the Huntington Beach Pier, with professional surf heats, skateboarding, music and a large festival area on the sand. Crowds are big, so arrive early, bring sunscreen and take public transit or ride a bike.
A large coastal wetland across from Bolsa Chica State Beach with flat loop trails, boardwalks and viewing points for herons, egrets, terns, pelicans and many migrating shorebirds. Admission is free. Early morning is the best time for birds and for avoiding the afternoon wind.
One of the largest city parks in Orange County, with lakes, trails, a library with fountains, disc golf, an equestrian center and Adventure Playground, where children build forts and paddle rafts in summer. Bring a picnic and spend a relaxed afternoon under the trees.
An 18-acre nature preserve inside Huntington Central Park with short trails through native plant communities, a pond, a visitor center and good birdwatching. It is run by a nonprofit and offers educational programs. Check opening days, which are limited, before planning a visit.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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