An Insider’s Guide to the Top 7 Places to Visit in Huntington Beach

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Huntington Beach’s top 7 must-visit places, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s iconic beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions.

Introduction

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as Surf City USA, is a vibrant coastal city in Orange County, California that offers a perfect blend of surf culture, natural beauty, and endless activities. With its 10 miles of pristine sandy beaches, consistent waves, and laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder Huntington Beach attracts over 11 million visitors each year. Whether you’re a surfer, beach lover, nature enthusiast, or foodie, this charming city has something for everyone. Here’s our insider guide to the top 10 places to visit in Huntington Beach, CA.

1. Huntington Beach Pier

The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is the heart and soul of the city. Stretching 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, it’s one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and soak in the stunning ocean views, watch surfers catching waves, or try your luck at fishing (no license required). Don’t miss Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier, a 1940s-style restaurant serving classic American fare with a side of nostalgia.

• Length: 1,850 feet (564 meters)

• Hours: 5:00 am – 12:00 am daily

• Fishing: No license required

• Dining: Ruby’s Diner at the pier’s end

2. Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach is a pristine 2-mile stretch of sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. The beach is well-maintained with amenities like restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty. It’s also a popular spot for camping, with over 100 campsites available for RVs and tents. Be sure to catch the stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean – it’s a sight you won’t forget.

3. International Surfing Museum

Dive into the fascinating world of surf culture at the International Surfing Museum. The museum showcases the history of surfing through a collection of vintage surfboards, photographs, and memorabilia. Learn about legendary surfers, the evolution of surfboard design, and Huntington Beach’s role in shaping surf culture. Don’t miss the unique surfboard-shaped benches outside the museum – perfect for a quirky photo op.

• Hours: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Tuesday – Sunday

• Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for students and seniors

• Highlights: Vintage surfboards, surf history exhibits, unique photo ops

4. Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Beach isn’t just a paradise for humans – it’s also a haven for our four-legged friends. The Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline where dogs can run, play, and swim off-leash. It’s a popular spot for dog owners to socialize and enjoy the beach with their furry companions. The dog beach hosts annual events like Corgi Beach Day and Surf City Surf Dog, where pups can show off their surfing skills.

• Length: 1.5 miles

• Hours: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm daily

• Off-leash policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the beach

• Events: Corgi Beach Day, Surf City Surf Dog

5. Huntington Harbour

For a laid-back day on the water, head to Huntington Harbour, a scenic marina area with calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the harbour’s tranquil waterways, keeping an eye out for sea lions and birds. The harbour is also home to several waterfront restaurants, like The Crab Cooker and Woody’s Diner, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view.

• Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating

• Wildlife: Sea lions, various bird species

• Dining: The Crab Cooker, Woody’s Diner, several other waterfront restaurants

6. Huntington Central Park

Huntington Central Park is a 350-acre oasis in the heart of the city, offering a variety of recreational activities and natural attractions. The park features miles of walking and biking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. Don’t miss the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, where you can take horseback riding lessons or go on a guided trail ride through the park’s scenic landscapes.

• Size: 350 acres

• Trails: Miles of walking and biking trails

• Activities: Sports fields, picnic areas, disc golf, horseback riding

• Equestrian Center: Horseback riding lessons, guided trail rides

7. Downtown Huntington Beach

Experience the lively atmosphere of Downtown Huntington Beach, a bustling area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Main Street is the heart of downtown, lined with surf shops, boutiques, and cafes. Check out Huntington Surf and Sport, a local institution selling surf gear since 1978, or grab a bite at Sancho’s Tacos, a popular spot for authentic Mexican street food. In the evenings, downtown comes alive with bars and live music venues like Perqs, a coffee shop by day and a lively bar by night.

• Main Street: Surf shops, boutiques, cafes

• Dining: Sancho’s Tacos, several other restaurants

• Nightlife: Bars, live music venues like Perqs

Where to Eat in Huntington Beach

In addition to the dining options mentioned above, Huntington Beach offers a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. For upscale seafood with ocean views, try Watertable at the Hyatt Regency. For a casual bite, head to Jan’s Health Bar for fresh salads and sandwiches. Other notable American restaurants in Huntington Beach include Duke’s for Hawaiian-inspired fare and Sugar Shack Cafe for hearty breakfasts.

Bars in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has a lively bar scene, with options ranging from laid-back dive bars to upscale cocktail lounges. Some popular bars in Huntington Beach, CA include Huntington Beach Beer Company for craft brews, Killarney Pub & Grill for an Irish pub experience, and Hurricanes Bar & Grill for a beach bar vibe. For a unique experience, check out SeaLegs at the Beach, a beachfront bar and concert venue.

Conclusion

From its world-famous surf beaches to its vibrant downtown, Huntington Beach offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you’re catching waves, exploring nature reserves, or indulging in the city’s diverse dining and nightlife scenes, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Huntington Beach.

To make the most of your trip, consider purchasing an Airtel prepaid international roaming plan. With reliable connectivity, you can easily navigate the city, make reservations at popular Huntington Beach restaurants, and share your beach adventures on social media. Airtel’s affordable and flexible plans ensure you stay connected throughout your Surf City USA getaway.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen, grab your surfboard, and get ready to experience the best places to visit in Huntington Beach, CA. This coastal paradise is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a craving to return again and again.