Best Things to Do in Huntington Beach, California
- October 10, 2025
- Things to Do
- 5 mins read
Huntington Beach, California — also known as Surf City USA, the heart of Orange County’s coastal lifestyle.
With 9.5 miles of sandy shoreline, world-class surf, bonfire pits, and a lively pier-front downtown, Huntington Beach perfectly blends California cool with adventure, relaxation, and oceanfront energy.
Whether you’re here to surf the waves, watch sunsets by the fire, or explore local eats and nightlife, this guide covers all the best things to do in Huntington Beach — from iconic landmarks to hidden local gems.
1. Surf the Legendary Waves at Huntington Beach Pier
If there’s one thing you must do in Huntington Beach, it’s surf.
The Huntington Beach Pier is the epicenter of surf culture, where locals and pros ride clean, consistent waves year-round. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth walking the 1,850-foot pier for panoramic views and watching surfers at sunrise.
Don’t Miss:
Take a lesson from Toes on the Nose Surf School or HB Surf School.
Visit Duke’s Huntington Beach or Sandy’s Beach Shack for ocean-view dining.
Best Time to Surf: Early morning (7–10 AM) when conditions are cleanest.
2. Explore Downtown & Main Street
Just steps from the pier, Downtown Huntington Beach is the city’s energetic core — lined with surf shops, bars, cafés, and live-music venues.
Top Spots to Visit:
Pacific City: A modern oceanfront complex with shopping, dining, and rooftop views.
Pacific Hideaway: Fusion dining with a beach-house vibe.
The Bungalow: Sunset cocktails with live DJs and ocean views.
Jack’s Surfboards: A local institution for surf gear and apparel.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Tuesday evening for Surf City Nights, the weekly street fair featuring food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music.
3. Relax at Huntington City Beach
Huntington City Beach stretches for over 3 miles between Beach Boulevard and Goldenwest Street — the perfect place for sunbathing, volleyball, and swimming.
Why it’s great: Wide sandy areas, clean facilities, lifeguards year-round, and unbeatable sunsets.
Amenities:
✅ Volleyball courts
✅ Restrooms and showers
✅ Fire pits for bonfires (free, first-come, first-served)
✅ Nearby rentals for chairs, umbrellas, and bikes
Pro Tip: Bring s’mores supplies and claim a bonfire ring before sunset — it’s a local tradition!
4. Bike or Skate the Huntington Beach Trail
The Huntington Beach Bike Trail (also called the Ocean Strand) runs nearly 10 miles along the Pacific Coast, connecting Huntington to Newport and Bolsa Chica.
Rent a beach cruiser, skateboard, or e-bike from Pedego Electric Bikes or EV Ride Adventures and explore at your own pace.
Highlights Along the Route:
Huntington Dog Beach (north)
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Huntington State Beach (south)
Oceanfront cafés for coffee breaks
Pro Tip: Start early in the morning or just before sunset for cooler temperatures and great light.
5. Visit Huntington Dog Beach
If you’re traveling with your furry friend, this one’s a must.
Huntington Dog Beach, located between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets, is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in California where pets can run off-leash.
Why locals love it:
Clean, safe, and well-maintained
Dogs can swim freely in the waves
Doggy showers and waste bags provided
Best Time: Mornings or evenings when it’s cooler.
6. Explore Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Just north of the main beach lies the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a 1,300-acre coastal wetland filled with wildlife, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots.
Top Activities:
Walk the 5-mile network of trails
Spot egrets, herons, pelicans, and occasionally coyotes
Capture sunrise photos over the wetlands
Visitor Tip: Bring binoculars and water — there’s little shade along the trails.
7. Fish or Stroll Along the Pier
No fishing license is required to cast a line off the Huntington Beach Pier, making it perfect for beginners and families.
You can also just take a leisurely walk, grab an ice cream, and watch pelicans swoop over the surf.
Best Pier Activities:
Grab breakfast at Sugar Shack Café (locals’ favorite)
Shop for souvenirs at HB Pier Surf City Store
Watch the sunset behind Catalina Island
8. Eat & Drink Your Way Through Surf City
Huntington Beach’s dining scene celebrates California coastal cuisine — fresh seafood, craft beer, and outdoor patios with ocean views.
Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach:
Duke’s Huntington Beach: Classic Hawaiian surf vibe and seafood.
Sandy’s Beach Shack: Great for casual bites on the sand.
Pacific Hideaway: Elevated beach cuisine with ocean views.
The Longboard Restaurant & Pub: Local hangout with craft beer.
Harley: Farm-to-table fare in downtown HB.
Pro Tip: Grab brunch at Sugar Shack Café — it’s been serving locals since 1967.
9. Attend a Surf City Event
Huntington Beach is home to some of the biggest coastal festivals and surf competitions in the world.
Top Annual Events:
US Open of Surfing (July–August): The largest surfing competition on the planet.
Pacific Airshow (October): Fighter jets perform stunts over the beach.
Fourth of July Parade: A California tradition since 1904.
AVP Pro Volleyball Tour: Watch pro athletes compete on the sand.
Surf City Marathon (February): Run along the coast with breathtaking ocean views.
Tip: Book hotels early — these events attract massive crowds.
10. Stay Oceanfront & Enjoy Resort Life
Why just visit the beach when you can wake up to it? Huntington Beach is home to some of California’s best oceanfront hotels.
Top Places to Stay:
Paséa Hotel & Spa: Modern luxury with infinity pool and fire pits.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach: Family-friendly resort with a pedestrian bridge to the beach.
Kimpton Shorebreak Resort: Stylish and steps from Main Street nightlife.
The Waterfront Beach Resort (Hilton): Iconic ocean-view property.
Pro Tip: Many hotels offer free bikes or surfboard rentals for guests.
Bonus: Don’t Miss the Sunset
Few places in California rival the sunset views at Huntington Beach.
Walk the pier, grab a drink at a rooftop bar, or sit by a beach bonfire — the sky’s orange glow over the waves is pure magic.
Best Sunset Spots:
Huntington Beach Pier
Pacific City rooftop decks
Dog Beach dunes
Hyatt pedestrian bridge
Planning Your Visit
Location: Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA
Nearest Airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 20 minutes away
Parking: Public lots and garages near the pier ($2–$4/hour or $20/day)
Best Time to Visit:
Spring & Fall: Perfect weather and fewer crowds
Summer: Peak surf season with all events in full swing
Final Thoughts
Huntington Beach isn’t just a destination — it’s a lifestyle. With its blend of surf culture, sunsets, festivals, and laid-back beach vibes, it’s the ultimate Southern California experience.
Whether you’re catching waves, cruising the boardwalk, or just soaking in golden hour by a bonfire, Surf City USA captures the spirit of the California dream.
So grab your flip-flops and surfboard — Huntington Beach awaits.
