Huntington Beach.
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Sitting forty miles south of Los Angeles and twenty minutes west of John Wayne Airport, Huntington Beach is defined by ten uninterrupted miles of wide Pacific sand and steady ocean swells. The city revolves around its 1,850-foot municipal pier, active surf breaks, and coastal wetlands. Huntington Beach is worth visiting if you want reliable Pacific surf, miles of flat oceanfront cycling, and grilled fish tacos within earshot of the break. Look elsewhere if you want calm swimming coves, major art museums, or a compact, walkable historic town center.
Last updated 8 Sept 2026
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What to do in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Life here clings to Pacific Coast Highway and the flat oceanfront path. Days begin with early swell checks at the pier, ease into long bike rides along the sand, and finish over cold beers and fresh seafood on Main Street. It suits independent travellers, surfers, and families who prefer open coastal space and salt air over urban density.
24 hours in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Begin at sunrise watching surfers at the pier, then grab a chorizo breakfast burrito on 5th Street. Rent a single-speed cruiser to pedal four miles north to Bolsa Chica, then finish with grilled fish tacos and a pint on Main Street as the sun drops. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Devote the morning to the wooden boardwalks of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to spot coastal egrets. Head inland for lunch in the Oak View neighbourhood for authentic carnitas, then kayak the quiet waterways of Huntington Harbour before an oceanfront bonfire. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Take a relaxed morning along the quiet sands of Sunset Beach before driving fifteen minutes south to explore the historic Balboa Peninsula. Return in the late afternoon for quiet coffee and an unhurried walk through the surfing museum exhibits on 3rd Street.
Huntington Beach Orange County United States itineraries by interest
Local Seafood in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Grilled halibut, mahi-mahi tacos on corn tortillas, and clam chowder served hot along Main Street and the municipal pier.
Surfing in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
South Pacific swells breaking against the pier pilings, with boards rented from shops along Pacific Coast Highway.
Coastal Walks in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
The paved ten-mile oceanfront trail between Sunset Beach and Newport Beach, ideal on foot or rented single-speed cruiser.
Birdwatching in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
The 1,400-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, home to nesting terns, herons, and shallow saltwater tidal mudflats.
Craft Beer in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
West Coast IPAs poured fresh in industrial tasting rooms and taprooms along Gothard Street and Ocean Avenue.
Maritime History in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
The International Surfing Museum on 3rd Street, documenting board design from heavy wood to fiberglass since 1907.
Beach Bonfires in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Dedicated concrete fire pits at Bolsa Chica State Beach for roasting sausages as the Pacific fog rolls in at dusk.
Stand-Up Paddling in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Calm harbour channels and calm inlets winding behind Huntington Harbour, sheltered from the open ocean surf.
Farmers Markets in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Friday morning stalls on Main Street selling ripe Santa Ana avocados, local strawberries, and fresh sourdough bread.
Cycling in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Flat, continuous beachfront trails stretching past dog beaches, state parks, and coastal dunes with ocean breeze.
Day Trips in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Short drives south to Newport Harbour electric boat rentals or north to the quiet salt marshes of Seal Beach.
Casual Dining in Huntington Beach Orange County United States
Breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs, bacon, and salsa eaten curbside from old roadside stands off the highway.