Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California, United States. The city is named after American businessman Henry E. Huntington. The population was 198,711 during the 2020 census, making it the fourth most populous city in Orange County, the most populous beach city in Orange County, and the seventh most populous city in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Downtown Los Angeles, it is bordered by Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area on the west, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest, by Seal Beach on the northwest, by Westminster on the north, by Fountain Valley on the northeast, by Costa Mesa on the east, and by Newport Beach on the southeast.
Huntington Beach is known for its long 9.5-mile (15.3 km) stretch of sandy beach, mild climate, excellent surfing, and beach culture. Swells generated predominantly from the North Pacific in winter and from a combination of Southern Hemisphere storms and cyclones in the summer focus on Huntington Beach, creating consistent surf all year long, hence the nickname “Surf City”
Fun Things to do at Huntington Beach
Philz Coffee
If you’re a coffee aficionado like me, your first stop at Huntington Beach should be Philz Coffee.
Philz Coffee is an American coffee chain with stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Chicago, and Washington DC. However, I’ve always loved visiting the location in Huntington Beach to grab a cup of coffee to start my day!
Philz Coffee specializes in pour-over coffee, and you can order light, medium, or dark roast blends. My favorites are the Tesora, with nutty and caramel notes, and Philtered Soul, with hazelnut and chocolate notes, lightly sweetened with cream. Yum
Bike Near the Beach
While you’re drinking your coffee, walk down to one of the bicycle rental places along the beach. Wheel Fun Rentals and Ray’s Rentals are both highly rated bike rentals companies along the beach that will allow you to rent beach cruisers, tandem bikes, surrey bikes, and more.
Huntington Beach is 8.5 miles long, making renting a bike one of the best things to do in Huntington Beach if you want to see the area quickly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bike down the coast to Newport Beach to visit Balboa Pier, Fashion Island, or the Corona del Mar State Beach, or you can bike up the coast to visit Huntington Dog Beach Bolsa Chica State Beach, or Sunset Beach.
The Sugar Shack Café
After spending a morning biking, you’ll probably be hungry for breakfast. Once you’ve returned your bikes, head to the Sugar Shack Café for a tasty brunch on the laid-back patio on Main Street in Downtown Huntington Beach.
Sugar Shack Café serves traditional breakfast items, and they have tons of breakfast specials. I loved Peggi’s French Toast—French toast made with raisin bread. Plus, the full stack is less than $10!
The Sugar Shack also serves omelets, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and more. They also serve lunch items like sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.
Downtown Huntington Beach
Before you leave Main Street, spend some time after breakfast exploring the surf shops in Downtown Huntington Beach, like Jack’s Surfboards, Rip Curl, Huntington Surf & Sport, and the other local shops selling fun trinkets and souvenirs.
Plus, if you don’t already have a boogie board or surfboard, this would be the perfect time to buy or rent one—you’ll definitely want to hit the waves on the beach later this afternoon!
Huntington City Beach
Now, for the real reason you’re here—the beach! The afternoon is the perfect time to visit Huntington Beach—the sun is out, the waves are big, and the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement.
Huntington Beach is not a “relaxing” beach, per se. The majority of people visiting Huntington are here for water sports! In fact, Huntington Beach is one of the best places to learn how to surf. However, if you’re someone who likes to tan & read on the beach, Huntington City Beach is well-maintained and a great spot for laying out in the sun.
In fact, Huntington City Beach is the location of the Vans US Open of Surfing—the largest surfing competition in the world! If you’re lucky enough to visit during this time, you’ll be able to watch the surfing competition, which is always tons of fun.
However, regardless of when you visit, I recommend taking advantage of the awesome waves in Huntington Beach and spending the afternoon boogie boarding or surfing. It’s one of the best things to do in Huntington Beach. If surfing is not your thing, you can also rent an ocean kayak or stand-up paddleboard to partake in the ocean activities.
Pacific City
Once you’re ready to leave the beach, head over to Pacific City. Exploring the Pacific City shopping center is one of my favorite things to do in Huntington Beach—I feel like I always discover something new every time I visit!
Depending on your mood, you can do lots of things at Pacific City. Here are a few ideas:
Shopping—Peruse trendy boutique-style stores like Free People, Francesca’s, Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, and more.
Dessert—Nothing like pre-dinner dessert, right? Grab a treat at Lemonde or Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream.
Drinks—Hit up happy hour at The Bungalow, Four Sons Brewing, or Old Crow Smokehouse before dinner.
Fred’s Mexican Café & Cantina
Although you might be tempted to grab something to eat in Pacific City, head back to Downtown Huntington Beach for dinner to grab a table at Fred’s Mexican Café & Cantina.
Southern California serves up some really great Mexican food—and Fred’s is no exception. The restaurant is located above the Huntington Surf & Sport Shop and offers fantastic beachfront views of the surrounding area (especially if you request a seat on the balcony!). Since the food and views are both incredible, eating at Fred’s is definitely one of the best things to do in Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach Pier
Finally, one of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is walking down the Huntington Beach Pier during sunset (or any time of the day, really!). You can walk to the edge of the pier to watch the sun sink under the horizon or people-watch on the beach. Plus, it’s an excellent place for photos!
Best Places to Stay in Huntington Beach
If you want to extend your stay in Huntington Beach for longer than a day (which is totally understandable) or even check in to a resort for a relaxing afternoon instead of the beach, check out these excellent beachfront resorts & hotels to stay close to all the best things to do in Huntington Beach!
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa—This resort is located adjacent to the beach and offers surfing lessons, two outdoor pools, and a gorgeous dining space
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort—Trendy boutique hotel with state-of-the-art amenities and beachfront access
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel—This Mediterranean-Italian-inspired resort has a large pool, waterslides, restaurants, and a rooftop bar. I’ve stayed here twice.
Places to Stay in Huntington Beach
Stay in Huntington Beach and immerse yourself into Surf City USA®.
Hotel Specials and Packages – Bundle up and save on your trip to 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline on the Orange County coast.
Explore All Hotels – Explore endless hotel options for your leisure or business trip. From budget-friendly options to luxurious suits, Huntington Beach has a place to stay to suit your needs.
Oceanfront Hotels & Resorts – Wake up the sound of the waves crashing every morning with no shortage of incredible ocean views. Explore our option for an unforgettable stay.
Motels – Huntington Beach offers a wide range of affordable options to enjoy sun-filled days and incredible views.
Pet-friendly Hotels – Huntington Beach is the perfect place to bring your 4-legged friends with you. The endless beaches to run and swim will not only bring human hearts to light up.
RV Camping – Enjoy your morning coffee with ocean views and fresh air when staying at one of your favorite RV camping spots.
Plan Your Visit in Huntington Beach
Come stay in Huntington Beach and discover Surf City USA’s® beachside culture. Located in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, with three airports near Huntington Beach. Surf City USA’s 10 miles/16 kilometers wide open sandy beaches make it a paradise for families, couples, dogs, and surfers. Our endless summer weather offers relaxation, things to do, and oceanfront dining year-round. Some visitors’ favorites include biking, beach bonfire pits, kayaking, and of course, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier spanning 1,850 feet / 0.56 kilometers in length. Our pier sits in the heart of Huntington Beach and allows visitors to experience the breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze.
Huntington Beach is an active, energetic town where life is lived outdoors, especially along the oceanfront. Every day, residents and visitors gather to surf, play beach volleyball, or walk and bicycle along the famed Ocean Strand paved boardwalk. Washed by sea breezes and bathed in sunshine, Huntington Beach offers an almost perfect climate – whether you’re looking to exercise or do little more than hang out along the sand, watch the waves and take in the scene. When it’s time to head indoors, explore Huntington Beach’s many day spas and indoor attractions.