Huntington Beach, CA

Travel Guide
Huntington Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
“Surf City USA’’ has the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront on the West Coast.

Surf City is proud of its casual and cool beach community vibe. Almost 200,000 people call this city home. While the beach and surfing breaks are the biggest attraction for the 11 million visitors here a year, there is plenty to do out of the water as well.

The city’s 8.5-mile (14-kilometer) long shoreline is divided into four separate beaches. Huntington City Beach, a 3.5-mile (six-kilometer) stretch closest to the shopping and dining district, attracts the biggest crowds. Lifeguards patrol the waters from dawn-to-dusk year-round. They are usually a friendly source of information on their city.

Downtown Main Street is the major hub for shopping and dining. Make use of the free Wi-Fi, complimentary of the city council, available in cafés, shops, and even outside on the sidewalk of the first three blocks of Main Street. You’ll have access to an Internet browser with information on local dining, shopping, events and parking. 

Every Tuesday night Main Street is closed to traffic and transforms into an outdoor carnival called Surf City Nights. This free event includes live music, street performers and sidewalk stalls. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with a concert or exhibition at the outdoor amphitheater, the Pier Plaza. Just off Main Street on Olive Avenue, pay a small fee to see the International Surfing Museum where the local history of this classic Southern California sport is displayed in memorabilia and rotating exhibits.

In summer, the city stages many sporting events — surfing championships, beach volleyball contests, biathlons and more. Huntington Beach is the site for the U.S. Open of Surfing in July, and  the city buzzes with visitors from all over the world. There’s action in the water and on land, including music events and skateboarding competitions.

The Huntington Beach Pier is the symbolic heart of the city and another hive of activity. Shop for souvenirs, watch locals reel in fish over the balustrades or join the crowds who gather along the pier to watch the sun set. Perched on the end of the 1,800-foot (549-meter) long pier is the iconic Ruby’s Diner. It’s set on a diamond-shaped platform that gives the illusion you are sitting on the water’s surface. 

Huntington Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Santa Ana, directly north of Newport Beach. 

Where to stay in Huntington Beach

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Sunset Beach

4/5(155 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Sunset Beach is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington Beach Beaches.

Sunset Beach
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Downtown Huntington Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Huntington Beach, Main Street and Huntington Beach Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Huntington Beach
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Huntington Harbour

The beaches and waterfront are just a few features travelers like about Huntington Harbour. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Bolsa Chica State Beach and Orange County Coast are a few top places to visit.

Huntington Harbour
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Yorktown

While Yorktown isn't home to many top sights, Main Street and Huntington Beach Beaches are some notable places to visit nearby.

Yorktown
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Pacific City

While visiting Pacific City, you might make a stop by sights like Pacific City and Huntington Beach Beaches.

Pacific City
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Garfield

4/5(54 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Garfield and surrounding area, you can visit Huntington Beach Sports Complex and Huntington Beach Beaches.

Garfield
Hotel Huntington Beach
Hotel Huntington Beach
3 out of 5
7667 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
The price is ¥16,505 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥16,505
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,966 reviews)
"We would have liked a fridge in the room as we had meds that needed to be refrigerated."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Hotel Huntington Beach
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥45,275 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥45,275
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this beach resort in Huntington Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
The price is ¥38,675 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥38,675
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Very Nice 😊 Loved it 😍"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Huntington Beach Haven w/ Gas Grill: Near Water!
Huntington Beach Haven w/ Gas Grill: Near Water!
Huntington Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Huntington Beach. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Main Street and Huntington Beach Beaches ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Downtown Huntington Beach
"The house was nice, the uneven floors caused some vertigo. The house is old and and perhaps they cannot fix the floors. The location was perfect"

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024

Huntington Beach Haven w/ Gas Grill: Near Water!
4DAY & HOLIDAY DEAL! POOL+SPA+SLIDE! WALK TO BEACH, CLOSE TO DISNEY NO CROWDS!
4DAY & HOLIDAY DEAL! POOL+SPA+SLIDE! WALK TO BEACH, CLOSE TO DISNEY NO CROWDS!
Huntington Beach
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Family Holiday Get Together!
"Perfect place for us to have our yearly family reunion! Easily held our three families-ages 5 months through 12 years. Six adults and five kids. Heated pool and hot tub a plus! Great location and a very attentive hostess! Highly recommend this house!"

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2023

4DAY & HOLIDAY DEAL! POOL+SPA+SLIDE! WALK TO BEACH, CLOSE TO DISNEY NO CROWDS!
Historic beachside home in charming Sunset Beach
Historic beachside home in charming Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Huntington Beach. Enjoy WiFi, a garden, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Perfect Spot!
"Adorable house, great location, had all the amenities we needed. You can tell there's been a lot of love and care put into the property. We ended up extending our stay an additional day because we did not want to leave. This property, and the proximity to the ocean, made for one of our most relaxing ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Historic beachside home in charming Sunset Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Huntington Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
625
" "5 - Excellent 61.27450980392157%
4 - Good
307
" "4 - Good 30.098039215686274%
3 - Okay
63
" "3 - Okay 6.176470588235294%
2 - Disappointing
14
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3725490196078431%
1 - Terrible
11
" "1 - Terrible 1.0784313725490196%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

the beach was amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 18, 2020

Drive thru at a fast food place was very fast and efficient.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 17, 2020

I didn’t get a chance to see the area as or stay was too quick.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 15, 2020

I luv this area the hotel was disappointing for the price maybe if they had more staff I would have been asked if I needed anything or not ran out of items in their menu or the pool would have been clean. I don’t know

4/5 - Good

Michelle
May 11, 2020

Got to see a seal sun bathing right on the beach pretty cool

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 7, 2020

I lived in the Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach area from 1969 through 1980. All my school friends are still in the area - My trip was to celebrate my birthday with my friends. When the no traveling ban is lifted I will rebook.

Cities near Huntington Beach