Huntington Beach, which is also known as Surf City, is one of the largest coastal cities in Orange County, and if it is a slice of the Southern California beach life that you crave, then a vacation to Huntington Beach should be an ideal fit. Huntington Beach California is ideally situated between Long Beach and Newport Beach, and Los Angeles is just 35 miles away, while San Diego rests just 90 miles to the south. Beaches abound in this part of the country, and Huntington Beach California boasts some of the best around, so plan your Huntington Beach vacation today, and see why this energetic city is only gaining in popularity when it comes to tourism.

Part of the reason why tourists enjoy coming to Huntington Beach California is because of the city’s 8.5 miles of uninterrupted beaches. These beaches are without question at the top of the list when it comes to the best attractions in Huntington Beach, and as the city’s nickname implies, surfing is a big here. It’s not uncommon for Huntington Beach to host professional surfing competitions. In addition to the beaches, the International Surfing Museum is another one of the top attractions in Huntington Beach. Sand volleyball is also one of the featured activities that can be enjoyed on the Huntington Beach beaches, and pro volleyball events are held here as well from time to time. During such events and come summertime, Huntington Beach tourism is at its highest, so it’s always a good idea to book your hotel room in advance if you’re visiting during the summer months or when a top event is in town. 

Part of the reason why surfing is so popular in Huntington Beach is because of the fact that the beaches here offer some of the best and most consistent surf breaks in the country. On the northern side of the city, the northwest-facing Bolsa Chica State Beach is just one of the spots where surfing is a blast. Bolsa Chica State Beach basically starts where Sunset Beach leaves off, and besides being a good surfing destination, it is also popular with anglers who come to do some surf fishing. Across the highway from Bolsa Chica State Beach is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which is one of the top attractions in Huntington Beach for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts. Parking is available at Bolsa Chica State Beach, and there is an RV park here as well for those who want to enjoy some RV camping. Just south of this beach is Dog Beach, which is also known as The Cliffs. This beach extends from Seapoint Street to Golden West Street, and is the only beach in the city where dogs are allowed, hence the name. Backed by cliffs, Dog Beach doesn’t boast many facilities, and it is often under water during high tide. Surfing is among the top things to do at Dog Beach, and while you’re enjoying the water here, keep an eye out for dolphins, which often pass by. Metered parking is available at Dog Beach.

South of Dog Beach, the Huntington City Beach begins, and it boasts the most in the way of concessions and restaurants. It also boasts the Huntington Beach Pier, which is one of the attractions in Huntington Beach that you simply won’t want to miss. Stretching some 1,853 feet into the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the Huntington Beach Pier is ideal for strolling, sightseeing, fishing, and more. Shops can be found on the pier, as can a restaurant. Not only can you enjoy views of Huntington Beach when relaxing on the Huntington Beach Pier, but you can also spot the Newport Beach Pier, Catalina Island, and Long Beach in the distance. As is the case at some of the other California beach piers, parking is available at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier. In addition to enjoying the water and the pier at the Huntington City Beach, you can also walk to nearby Main Street, which offers restaurants, shops, and bars. Various recreational equipment can be rented at the Huntington City beach, including surf boards, wetsuits, volleyballs, body boards, and bicycles. Surfing lessons are also available at the city beach.

South of the Huntington City Beach is the Huntington State Beach, which extends for just over two miles and ends where Newport Beach basically begins. As is true of the other beaches in Huntington Beach, this beach features a bicycle path that you can use for various exercise-related endeavors. Surfing is popular on Huntington State Beach, and come sundown, you can stir up a fire in the beach’s fire pits. Much like Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach is a great place to do some surf fishing, but you will also have to pay to use this beach. The state beaches in Huntington Beach California are open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and both offer Wi-Fi internet service. The Huntington City Beach is open to the public between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., while the Huntington Beach Pier is open from 5 a.m. until midnight.