Huntington Beach, CA

Travel Guide

Huntington Beach showing tropical scenes, street scenes and a city
Huntington Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Huntington Beach which includes a beach, landscape views and waves
Huntington Beach featuring landscape views, swimming and a lighthouse
Huntington Beach featuring a beach

“Surf City USA’’ has the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront on the West Coast.

Surf City is proud of its casual and cool beach community vibe. Almost 200,000 people call this city home. While the beach and surfing breaks are the biggest attraction for the 11 million visitors here a year, there is plenty to do out of the water as well.

The city’s 8.5-mile (14-kilometer) long shoreline is divided into four separate beaches. Huntington City Beach, a 3.5-mile (six-kilometer) stretch closest to the shopping and dining district, attracts the biggest crowds. Lifeguards patrol the waters from dawn-to-dusk year-round. They are usually a friendly source of information on their city.

Downtown Main Street is the major hub for shopping and dining. Make use of the free Wi-Fi, complimentary of the city council, available in cafés, shops, and even outside on the sidewalk of the first three blocks of Main Street. You’ll have access to an Internet browser with information on local dining, shopping, events and parking. 

Every Tuesday night Main Street is closed to traffic and transforms into an outdoor carnival called Surf City Nights. This free event includes live music, street performers and sidewalk stalls. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with a concert or exhibition at the outdoor amphitheater, the Pier Plaza. Just off Main Street on Olive Avenue, pay a small fee to see the International Surfing Museum where the local history of this classic Southern California sport is displayed in memorabilia and rotating exhibits.

In summer, the city stages many sporting events — surfing championships, beach volleyball contests, biathlons and more. Huntington Beach is the site for the U.S. Open of Surfing in July, and  the city buzzes with visitors from all over the world. There’s action in the water and on land, including music events and skateboarding competitions.

The Huntington Beach Pier is the symbolic heart of the city and another hive of activity. Shop for souvenirs, watch locals reel in fish over the balustrades or join the crowds who gather along the pier to watch the sun set. Perched on the end of the 1,800-foot (549-meter) long pier is the iconic Ruby’s Diner. It’s set on a diamond-shaped platform that gives the illusion you are sitting on the water’s surface. 

Huntington Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Santa Ana, directly north of Newport Beach. 

Where to stay in Huntington Beach

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Sunset Beach

4/5(155 area reviews)

Stretched along Pacific Coast Highway, this beachfront community boasts one of southern California's widest beaches and a 14-acre park called the Green Belt. Enjoy local dining options like Captain Jack's and admire the award-winning mural at the main Post Office.

Sunset Beach
Huntington Beach featuring swimming, a beach and landscape views

Downtown Huntington Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Huntington Beach, Main Street and Huntington Beach Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Huntington Beach
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Huntington Harbour

The beaches and waterfront are just a few features travelers like about Huntington Harbour. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Orange County Coast and Sunset Beach are a few top places to visit.

Huntington Harbour
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Yorktown

While Yorktown isn't home to many top sights, Huntington Beach Pier and Huntington Beach Art Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Yorktown
Sometimes you don't have to go very far to captured beautiful sunset.  Surf City USA Huntington Beach California.  One of the best beaches along the coast of Southern California.

Pacific City

While visiting Pacific City, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific City and Huntington Beach Beaches.

Pacific City
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Garfield

4/5(54 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Garfield and surrounding area, you can visit Huntington Beach Sports Complex and Huntington Beach Beaches.

Garfield
Hotel Huntington Beach
Hotel Huntington Beach
3 out of 5
7667 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,461 reviews)
"Nice, quiet, easy access to shops."

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

Hotel Huntington Beach
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
The price is NT$9,629 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$9,629
NT$12,520 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Huntington Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Very nice property"

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Paséa Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
The price is NT$9,318 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$9,318
NT$12,253 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"I booked a 3 day stay for my birthday. Sooooo worth it. This place is top tier."

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Paséa Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Walk to the Sand! Ocean Views, Balcony & Parking Sunset Surf
Walk to the Sand! Ocean Views, Balcony & Parking Sunset Surf
3 out of 5
17165 Pacific Coast Highway #3C, Huntington Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport Pier ...
Walk to the Sand! Ocean Views, Balcony & Parking Sunset Surf
Huntington Beach Vacation Rental ~ 3 Mi to Dtwn!
Huntington Beach Vacation Rental ~ 3 Mi to Dtwn!
3 out of 5
Huntington Beach
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and patios. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Asian Garden Mall are ...
Huntington Beach Vacation Rental ~ 3 Mi to Dtwn!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Huntington Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
625
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
307
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
63
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
11
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

the beach was amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Drive thru at a fast food place was very fast and efficient.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I didn’t get a chance to see the area as or stay was too quick.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I luv this area the hotel was disappointing for the price maybe if they had more staff I would have been asked if I needed anything or not ran out of items in their menu or the pool would have been clean. I don’t know

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Got to see a seal sun bathing right on the beach pretty cool

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I lived in the Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach area from 1969 through 1980. All my school friends are still in the area - My trip was to celebrate my birthday with my friends. When the no traveling ban is lifted I will rebook.

Cities near Huntington Beach