There are many great surf towns on the Orange County coast, but few are as famous as Huntington Beach. In fact, Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA®, hosts the annual Vans US Open of Surfing. The Open is the world's largest surf competition and lifestyle festival showcasing, world-class surfing, skateboarding and BMX competitions, movie premieres, and more.
Main Street is lined with the Surfing Walk of Fame, a beachside answer to Hollywood Boulevard. The many surfing schools scattered around Downtown make Huntington a perfect place to get out there and ride the waves.
Beachy Vibes
Beachfront lounges, lively breweries, distilleries, and having cocktails on the sand ― Huntington is one of the best party spots in Orange County, maybe in all of Southern California. While its bars are legendary there is a lot more to do here than just bar-hopping.
For beautiful views, you will want to visit Downtown Huntington Beach, situated just across the Pacific Coast Highway from the majestic Huntington Beach Pier. Here you can also explore the Surf City Nights Certified Farmers Market every Tuesday evening on Main Street.
If you want to get away from the city buzz, check out Huntington Harbor. This gorgeous system of man-made islands has bars and restaurants like Downtown but with a quieter feel. Have a brew at the bayside Golden Road Brewery Huntington Beach.
Just a few miles down Pacific Coast Highway from the harbor, is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, an area of unspoiled coastal wetland that is a paradise for birdwatchers. The three-mile Bolsa Chica State Beach is one of the most popular spots for surfing on the West Coast, and it makes an inspiring beach walk. The Santa Ana River that separates Huntington Beach from Newport Beach has a walking trail running alongside it, the Santa Ana River Trail. Serious walkers or runners can take it all the way back to Anaheim.
Cultural Snapshots
More than just a gallery, the Huntington Art Center is a wonderful place to observe art. It’s a well-rounded center for arts and culture, offering a full program of affordable classes and stunning exhibitions.
Pacific City Huntington Beach is one of the most fun shopping experiences you could imagine. This is a shopping center with a relaxed but refined California feel. The facilities include boutique designers, local restaurants and breweries, and spas. Like most Huntington Beach attractions, Pacific City sits right across from the ocean, making it a classic road trip stop for anyone traveling through Orange County.
