Published October 1st, 2024

Photos by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted.
Lead image by Visit Huntington Beach.

Sitting cross-legged on the wide expanse of sandy beach, I gaze out to sea. The breeze is warm and the sun is low, illuminating wet-suited surfers plying waves in the Pacific’s eternal rhythm. Huntington Beach, aka "Surf City USA," is putting on a golden hour show, complete with kite-flying families, couples cracking open picnic baskets and cyclists pedaling along the beach trail.

This is peak California dreamin’ country, with an oceanside soundtrack of waves breaking on the shore mixing with the constant flow of Pacific Coast Highway traffic that separates the historic beach from the surfside town.

If your coastal contemplations run toward surf safaris and sipping on gin and juice, our guide to Huntington Beach will help you find your slice of Cali paradise, either on a surfboard, yoga mat or at an oceanfront patio in Surf City.

Visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

A haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, Bolsa Chica (the name means ‘little pocket’) is just that - a small tidal saltwater estuary reserve spanning over 1,300 acres. Established in 1978, the protected wetlands are home to ducks, terns, loons, egrets, sandpipers, pelicans and several hawk species.

The reserve is part of the migratory Pacific Flyway, and more than 200 bird species may stop over for a snack and a break on their way between Alaska and South America.

If you sit for a while and tune out the steady drone of Highway 1 traffic, you’ll hear the cry of terns, splashes of water, spot fish jumping, tiny lizards and geckos in the grass below and smell the combination of mud and brine and ocean which is just across the highway to the west.

Located 10 minutes’ drive from downtown Huntington Beach

Walk Huntington Beach Pier

The iconic Huntington Beach Pier stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views (especially at sunset), fishing opportunities and a chance to watch pro and amateur surfers in action.

At the end of the pier, you’ll find Broad Street Oyster Co. which replaced the longstanding pier mainstay, Ruby’s Diner, in 2023. The restaurant features warm and cold lobster rolls and chilled seafood towers.

Spend time on Huntington State Beach

The wide 121-acre expanse of protected beachfront is the city’s purest gem. The state beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, oceanfront yoga and sandy games of beach volleyball.

And then there’s the surfing. The state beach is home to superb swells which “freight train” off the coast with a regularity that attracts nearly 50 surf competitions to the park and beach every year, including the Big Kahuna, the Vans US Open of Surfing.

At nighttime, pull up to one of the beach fire pits for evening bonfires, a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.

Go surfing

Huntington Beach is Surf City and justly famous for its surf culture. You can either watch the pros catch waves or take a surfing lesson yourself at one of the numerous surf schools offering beginner surf classes and board rentals along the beach.

Tip: You will need to rent a wetsuit. The temperature of the Pacific Ocean off Huntington Beach ranges from 14-19 C.

Visit downtown Huntington Beach

The main drag of Huntington Beach is literally Main Street. It and the surrounding areas of the downtown are very walkable. Here, you’ll find a mix of surf shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Many hotels are in located and around Main Street, including the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort.

The Shorebreak is big on surfer-style beachfront vibes and long on comfortably spacious rooms kitted out with vinyl record players and good-sized closets that include branded yoga mats. You can take your pick from vinyl records in the lobby (my choices were Prince’s Purple Rain and some CCR classics), or simply open your window to sleep to the sounds of ocean waves.

The public areas are home to free wine happy hours, an open-air patio with cozy firepits, elevated beach-chic cocktails and dining at the hotel’s Pacific Hideaway restaurant and patio.

Visit Pacific City Center

This upscale outdoor shopping center offers a mix of high-end retail stores, restaurants, with some stellar ocean views over the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fun place to shop, dine, (Nardó Italian has a great patio and delicious Italian cuisine) and unwind after a day at the beach or pool.

Do not miss stopping off for a bonbon or box of handmade Bella Sophia Chocolates. Owners Steph and JD Shafer are passionate chocolatiers and owners, making incredible hand-painted European chocolates in the unlikeliest of places.

Bike the Huntington Beach Bike Trail

The Huntington Beach bike path connects the Huntington Beach Pier to the Newport Beach Pier, a scenic 10 km/6-mile cruise south or a 20 km/12-mile bike ride if you do an out-and-back. The level trail provides easy access to all the beaches en route and begins where Warner Ave. runs into the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Of course, you can hop on anywhere on the trail you’d like. Rent bikes or e-bikes from one of many bike shops, including Rad Power Bikes along the highway near Main Street.

As this stretch is a go-to spot for running, surfing and volleyball, there are washrooms and water fountains all along the route. There are also lots of places to stop for lunch, a picnic and photo ops along the bike trail.

International Surfing Museum

Dedicated to the history and culture of surfing, this small museum is a must-visit for surf enthusiasts. Founded by Canadian Natalie Kotsch, the humble museum features a variety of exhibits, including vintage surfboards and memorabilia. Tip: Take a selfie at the biggest surfboard in the world, just because you can.

Paddle the Huntington Beach Harbour

If you want to take a pass on surfing but still get out on the water, rent a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), sea kayak, or an electric Duffy boat to explore the less turbulent canals of Huntington Beach Harbour. You’re likely to spot wildlife like herons and pelicans as you paddle in the Pacific, just remember to stay at a respectful distance from wildlife.

Go to the spa

Follow up active surfing, yoga and cycling sessions with a day at Aarna Spa, located at the Paséa Hotel. The Balinese-inspired spa is a heavenly haven, rated as one of American Spa Magazine’s “Top Spas in the U.S.”

Enter a pamper zone of 5,800 square feet of tranquil space and wellness services, including all manner of face and body treatments in tastefully designed treatment rooms. There’s also a private outdoor Spa Garden with fire pits and cabanas.

Surf, Sun, and Fun in Huntington Beach, California

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