Huntington Beach

The endless summer was born in Huntington Beach, the town that goes by the nickname Surf City, USA. Even if you never get your toes on the nose of a surfboard, you can still watch locals riding the waves alongside the landmark 1,850-foot-long pier or browse through Huntington Beach’s wealth of surf shops.

Where Is Huntington Beach?

Huntington Beach sits on the north side of Orange County, with Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, running along the beach. It’s about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, 90 minutes to San Diego, and about 40 minutes to Anaheim. If you’re driving along the coast, the next stop would be Long Beach to the north, and Newport Beach to the south.

Why Is Huntington Beach Called Surf City USA?

Surfing forefathers George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku mastered the waves along this stretch of Orange County during the early 20th century, and the U.S. Surfing Championship—now the Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico has been held here since the late 1950s.

Explore the International Surfing Museum

To understand how surfing has defined this beach town—and earned it the nickname of Surf City USA—step into the city’s International Surfing Museum and immerse yourself in a world of waves, winds, tides, and swells. Get up-close looks at boards from over the years, learn about the history of California’s state sport, and admire the photos of both surfing and surf culture.

Legendary Surf Shops in Huntington Beach

Nearby, the corner of Huntington Beach’s Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway is its own hub of surf culture. First, head into Jack’s Surfboards, a surfing palace that began as a modest shop in 1957. Outside the shop, pay tribute to surfing legends memorialized in granite at the Surfing Walk of Fame. On the opposite corner is Huntington Surf & Sport’s flagship store, home to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, where the footprints and handprints of surfing’s biggest names are embedded in cement.

Since Huntington Beach has more than 40 surf shops scattered around, you’ll never lack for flip-flops, sunglasses, and surf fashions. Be sure to stroll through Huntington’s outdoor mall, Pacific City, where you’ll find stylish boutiques and one-of-a-kind artisanal eats—all with an ocean view.

Surf Lessons and Beach Rentals in Huntington Beach

For a lesson, check out operators like Corky Carroll’s Surf School or Surfriders Academy, which often do lessons in spots like Bolsa Chica State Beach, known as a good spot for beginners. You can rent boards and wetsuits at Huntington Surf & Sport, Jack’s, or Everyday California—and the latter rents out paddleboards and kayaks too.  Head to shops such as Zack’s or Ding Drx to rent bikes, ebikes, beach umbrellas, and chairs.

More Things to Do in Huntington Beach

Savor the beach life by bicycling along Huntington Beach’s oceanfront path or watching the pros play volleyball on the sand. Go hiking or bird-watching at the restored estuary at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, one of Southern California’s most vital coastal wetland habitats. Or lace up your shoes and run in the annual February Surf City USA Marathon, which also includes a half-marathon and 5K. Finishers receive a surfboard-shaped medal after running the flat oceanfront course.

Checking out a local library may not seem like an obvious part of a beach town visit, but the Huntington Beach Central Library is a don’t-miss. The four-story 1970s-era building was designed by the son of famed modernist architect Richard Neutra and features floor-to-ceiling windows, a showstopping spiral ramp, and reading areas with views of the 343-acre Huntington Central Park East. Head outside to hike the trails leading to a drought-tolerant Secret Garden and Talbert Lake.

Huntington Beach’s Dog Beach 

Traveling with your pup?  Head to the 1.5-mile dog beach located along Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Ave. and Goldenwest/21st St. Dogs must be leashed when exiting or entering the beach, then can go leash-free. You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, and wheelchair access ramps; you can typically park in the two metered lots across the street 

Restaurants in Huntington Beach

If you’d rather live out your sand-and-sea fantasies without breaking a sweat, sit down for lunch or dinner at Duke’s, a perennial favorite for coastal views and Hawaiian-style seafood right by the pier. Other great seafood restaurants in Huntington Beach include Kings Fish House, Calico Fish House, and, also on the pier, Sandy’s Beach Shack, which pairs seafood and burgers with a deep inventory of beers on tap.

Take a stroll down the historic Huntington Beach Pier and stop for lobster rolls, oysters, and fries at Broad Street Oyster Company, which is located at the dramatic end of the walk.

To start your day right, consider breakfast at Sugar Shack Café, with its classic breakfast platters and breakfast burritos, and Mama’s Comfort Food, which offers breakfast-biscuit sliders, red velvet pancakes, and chicken and waffles.

Where to Stay in Huntington Beach

Or plop down in a chaise lounge at one of Huntington Beach’s luxurious beach resorts—like The Waterfront Beach Resort or Paséa Hotel & Spa (don’t miss Paséa’s rooftop lounge for a sunset cocktail). Families will love the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, which is a short walk to the beach and whose pool complex has waterslides.

For more brand names and price points, check out options such as the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach, the Best Western Surf City, and the Ayres Hotel Fountain Valley (the latter a branch of the mid-range SoCal-based chain).