Huntington Beach.
You smell the salt and wet neoprene before you reach the sand. Huntington Beach sits flat along Pacific Coast Highway, a grid of low stucco motels and taco joints backing into nearly ten miles of open surf. Walk out on the 1,850-foot concrete pier early in the morning. Below you, surfers paddle into cold southern swells while anglers haul croaker and halibut onto wooden cleaning tables. It is working-class ocean culture at its core.
Last updated 22 Aug 2026
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What to do in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Huntington Beach Orange County United States sits in Orange County, United States. Travellers usually come for surfing culture, local seafood, coastal walks, wetland ecology — and the guide above turns any combination of those interests into a timed plan, stop by stop, with the local context behind each recommendation.
24 hours in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
With one day, keep it tight. A single-day Huntington Beach Orange County United States itinerary built around surfing culture and local seafood gives you a morning, an afternoon and one evening stop without crossing the town twice. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Two days lets you separate the town itself from what surrounds it — adding coastal walks on day two, plus time for a slower meal. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Three days is where Huntington Beach Orange County United States opens up: wetland ecology, day trips, and the things that only work when you are not rushing.
Huntington Beach Orange County United States itineraries by interest
Surfing Culture in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Watch dawn patrols at the south side of the pier, visit the International Surfing Museum on Olive Avenue, and check custom polyurethane board shapers on 5th Street.
Local Seafood in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Order grilled mahi-mahi tacos on Pacific Coast Highway or fresh rock cod and yellowtail plates served out of no-frills fry shacks along the boardwalk.
Coastal Walks in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Walk the paved oceanfront trail from Sunset Beach down to the mouth of the Santa Ana River, watching pelicans dive against the offshore oil platforms.
Wetland Ecology in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Walk the dirt trails of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve at low tide to spot blue herons, snowy egrets, and leopard sharks in the tidal channels.
Pier Life in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Walk out onto the 1,850-foot concrete pier at sunrise to watch line fishermen reel in corbina and mackerel beside Ruby's Diner at the far western tip.
Craft Beer in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Drink dry West Coast IPAs brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops in industrial taprooms tucked inside business parks along Gothard and Center Avenues.
Street Food in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Grab blistered carnitas and carne asada street tacos wrapped in double corn tortillas from family-run stands on Slater Avenue and Beach Boulevard.
Nightlife & Music in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Catch local garage punk and acoustic roots bands playing over cheap draft beers in long-standing dive bars on Main Street and Walnut Avenue.
Beach Culture in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Light cedar-wood bonfires in the concrete public fire rings along Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beach as the sunset drops behind Catalina Island.
Kayaking & Paddling in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Rent a touring kayak in Huntington Harbour to paddle the calm canals past mid-century waterfront homes and shallow eelgrass beds near Trinidad Island.
Local History in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Tour the 1898 Newland House on Beach Boulevard to see pioneer walnut-farming roots before oil strikes transformed Orange County in the 1920s.
Dog Beaches in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Walk north of Goldenwest Street to the designated off-leash Dog Beach, where hundreds of dogs run along the wet sand and splash in the Pacific shorebreak.