Huntington Beach is Surf City USA, with miles of wide sandy shoreline, consistent surf, and one of the longest public piers on the West Coast.
Huntington City Beach & the Pier
The heart of Surf City. The iconic pier (about 1,850 feet) is perfect for walking, fishing, and sunset views. The sand here connects directly to Main Street shops, restaurants, and the classic beach-town scene. Voted best beach in Orange County in recent local balloting. Great for first-timers, people-watching, and events like the U.S. Open of Surfing.
Huntington State Beach
The southern stretch offers more open sand, fire rings, a paved bike path, and strong surf. Popular with families, bodysurfers, and anyone who wants a little more space than the pier area.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North of the city beach, this longer stretch is excellent for surfing, camping, and evening bonfires. The nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a bonus for bird-watching.
Huntington Dog Beach
A rare off-leash dog beach at the northern end of the city beach. Check current rules before visiting.
Tips: Parking fills early on summer weekends and holidays. Meters and lots near the pier ticket actively. Arrive early, use the bike path, or consider inland options for meals after your beach time.
The city offers everything from pier-area seafood and casual beach eats to higher-end coastal dining, Mexican, Asian, Italian, and pizza spots. Popular areas include the pier/Main Street corridor and Pacific City.
Well-known options around town include waterfront and downtown restaurants for ocean views and classic Surf City atmosphere. For groups or anyone who wants variety without driving between multiple places, a multi-restaurant center works especially well.

Most visitors want to stay near the pier and beach. Top options include:
Kimpton Shorebreak Resort — Steps from the pier and beach, boutique feel.
Paséa Hotel & Spa — Oceanfront luxury near Pacific City.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel — Family-friendly with pools and direct beach access.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa — Larger resort with pools, spa, and beach proximity.
Hotel guests often look for dinner or breakfast options beyond the immediate pier area. Flipside Point on Magnolia is an easy drive inland with multiple cuisines and easier parking than the beachfront lots.
Multiple restaurants in one stop — Mexican, Greek, Asian fusion, Italian, pizza & beer, tea/acai, and breakfast burritos coming soon.
Straightforward parking next to Home Depot (accessible spaces are being improved).
Useful for families, groups, and anyone avoiding pier-area traffic and wait times.
Additional shops: beach cruisers, music lessons and repair, dance studio, and more.
Light archaeology/discovery theme that makes it more than a standard strip center.
Borrowing is viewed as a loss of freedom.
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