Huntington Beach

The basics

With long stretches of sandy coastline and mild weather, life revolves around the shore in Huntington Beach. Families, dog lovers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts come to surf, play volleyball, kayak, swim, and bike year-round. Much of the action revolves around the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest piers on the West Coast. The nearby downtown is lively and walkable, with restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Unlike in the surrounding cities, three of five beaches in Huntington Beach contain fire pits for evening bonfires. Dog lovers come to the city thanks to the Huntington Dog Beach, a rare spot to bring your dogs on the sand. Finally, bird watchers and nature lovers will enjoy the 1,400-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a wetland area just off the shore.

Things to know before you go

• Over 500 beach bonfire pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except at Bolsa Chica State Beach, where you can reserve fire pits through two local restaurants, SeaLegs and Seasalt.

• Access the deep-rooted surfing culture with a surf lesson, surfing event, surf shops, or the International Surfing Museum.

• The Huntington Beach Pier juts into the Pacific at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, offering excellent ocean fishing, strolling, on-pier dining, or watching the sunset.

• RV camping is available beachside from October to May or year-round at participating beaches.

How to get there

Befitting its Surf City USA nickname, Huntington Beach lies right on the Pacific Coast Highway. The city can be accessed by many major freeways in the greater Los Angeles area, including I-5, I-405, and I-10. The city has Long Beach to the north and Newport Beach to the south.

When to get there

While year-round weather is excellent, September to November offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. This is also the time for the popular Great Pacific Airshow and Surf City Surf Dog. Thousands of gray whales migrate through the area from December through April, creating excellent whale-watching opportunities. While the weather warms by May, the early summer season is marked by cloudy coastal weather called "May Gray” and "June Gloom."

Enjoy beach volleyball

Huntington Beach may be known for surfing, but beach volleyball attracts many fans. All you need to participate is a beachside court, available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Balls can be rented at beach kiosks. You'll find two dozen nets on either side of the pier and more at Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Sometimes it is just as fun to watch the pros, especially at the annual AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

Is Huntington Beach worth a visit?

Yes, Huntington Beach is worth a visit, especially if you love surfing. The Southern California city is known as Surf City, after all. It's also great for lounging on the beach, building a bonfire, or enjoying outdoor shopping and oceanfront dining, plus outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling.

How do you spend a day at Huntington Beach?

If you’re a beach person, the best way to spend a day at Huntington Beach is—you guessed it—at the beach. From sunbathing or surfing in the sunshine to dining at the restaurants on the Huntington Beach Pier (including slurping those oysters), there’s plenty to do for the day.

Can you swim at Huntington Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Huntington City Beach. It’s open daily from 5am to 10pm, with plenty of room to hangout on the sand. Lifeguards are on duty from 10am to sunset daily, so set up near a lifeguard tower if you plan on going into the water.

What types of tours can you do at Huntington Beach?

There are many types of tours offered in Huntington Beach, with whale-watching and dolphin-watching boat tours being among the most popular. Other tours options include taking bike, Segway, and side-car tours along the beachfront, following a guide on the Surf City USA Barrel Trail for craft breweries, and fishing tours.

When is the best time of year to visit Huntington Beach?

The best time of year to visit Huntington Beach is in fall, September–October as the city and the beach aren’t as crowded as in summer and the water temperature is still warm. That said, it's popular in summer, and August is the busiest month with temps averaging 73°F (23°C).

Is Huntington Beach worth it?

Yes, Huntington Beach is worth it. The city is exactly what you’d imagine a West Coast beach vibe would be, complete with surfing, a lively pier, skate-park rollerbladers, beach volleyball courts, and taco eateries. It’s no wonder why Huntington City Beach is one of Southern California’s most popular spots.

Ways to explore

Located about 45 minutes south of Los Angeles in Orange County, Huntington Beach makes an easy day trip from LA or Long Beach and an idyllic home base for a California beach vacation. Book a surfing lesson, stand-up paddleboard tour, or guided bike ride along the beach, then explore the walkable downtown area’s shops, restaurants, and International Surfing Museum. Dog lovers will appreciate the Huntington Dog Beach, while nature enthusiasts should visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, just off the shore. If you’re short on time, see the highlights on a guided tour of Orange County’s best beaches by car.

Accessibility

Huntington Beach has accessibility features such as Mobi-mat® walkways that stretch to the shore on Huntington City Beach, and the flat, paved Huntington Beach Bike Trail that provides access to several beaches and bonfire pits. Check ahead for accessibility information about specific tours and attractions.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, towel, surfboard, other beach-day gear

What to wear

Wear a swimsuit, sandals, and casual clothing to enjoy the beach, and bring a light jacket for the ocean breeze.

Not allowed

Don’t bring alcohol or glass containers to the beach, and be sure to swim and surf only in designated areas.

Amenities

Local beaches, such as Huntington City Beach, have lifeguards, public restrooms, bonfire pits, and rental services for bikes and surfboards.

Address 

Huntington Beach is on the Pacific Coast Highway, neighboring Long Beach to the north and Newport Beach to the south. Most people drive from LA or Orange Counties, but you can also take the bus or visit on a guided day trip.

Driving

You can get to Huntington Beach from several major freeways in the greater Los Angeles area, including I-5 and I-405. Once you’re there, you’ll find lots of parking along the Pacific Coast Highway and in downtown garages and metered spaces.

Public transportation

Rideshare apps are often faster than public transportation in Huntington Beach, but you can ride OC Buses in the surrounding area; Route 76 runs from John Wayne Airport to Huntington Beach on weekdays, for example.

Best times to visit

To experience Huntington Beach’s signature surf, visit in the early morning for minimal wind. Or, go in the evening to see a stunning Pacific sunset.

Best days to visit

Huntington Beach is popular among weekend beachgoers, so head there between Monday–Friday for easier parking and more available bonfire pits.

Best months to visit

While the coastal city’s weather is peachy year-round, March–May and September–November typically offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Whale watching, however, is excellent in the winter.

Special events

Naturally, many of Huntington Beach’s most popular events take place by the water, including Surf City Splash—a New Year’s Day swim—and the 3-day Pacific Airshow® in October.