Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City, is a family-friendly destination in Orange County, California, about 35 miles south of Los Angeles. This is well-known for consistent surf, downtown, a 1,850-foot pier that’s been a landmark since 1904. It is consistently ranked among the best beaches to visit in California. This beach is dog-friendly, making it a more valuable spot for pet owners. Whether you’re planning for a family trip or a surf trip, this travel guide covers everything you need to plan it.
How to get to Huntington Beach?
You can plan your group tour by renting a California charter bus if it suits your convenience. Also, book a ticket to the nearest airport, like John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport, or Los Angeles airport to reach this wonderful beach. Here, you get the facilities of vehicles that drop you off at your location. Along with that, you can reach here by freeways and the Pacific coastal highways.
Huntington Beach Pier: The City’s Iconic Landmark
One of the longest piers that you have ever seen on the West Coast is Huntington Beach Pier. It’s a pier that has been redeveloped so many times, and finally, it’s all about 1,850 linear feet. Its history makes this place an even more ideal tourist spot. Here you can enjoy array of activities, such as surfing, whale watching, dining & much more. Along with that, you can also visit local shops, go fishing & visit photography spots like Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach Central Park for getting amazing views. If you are visiting, do plan it in September, better to go in early November when you get low crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is warm and pleasant.
Top Things to Do in Huntington Beach
Here are the top things that you enjoy with your dear ones in Huntington Beach:
Surfing lessons & top surf schools
Visiting Huntington Beach offers you a chance to enjoy and learn its surf lessons that you should. There, you get a coach who is experienced and trained to teach you about surfing. Techniques you have to learn so that you can face any problem while surfing. They also allow you to know and use highly qualified equipment that gives you the best possible experience of surfing. Also, you can visit the top Surf School that helps you to learn about surfing, which is:
| Basis | Price | Time |
| Corky Carroll’s Surf School | $115 to $160 | 2 hours |
| Banzai Surf School | $89 to $169 | 2 hours |
| McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons | $100 to $325 | 2 hours |
Note: Lessons available daily from 8 am or 10 am. Recommended to book earlier on weekends
Biking along the oceanfront path
To explore Huntington Beach, you must try bike riding, which offers an awesome experience. If you have your bike, that’s good but if you don’t, no need to worry. This beach offers you a bike for rent. You can visit for a bike ride at Huntington Beach Bike Trail. That is about 8-mile bike paths. This area is best for biking, jogging, or any other activity. It offers breathtaking ocean views with fresh, gentle winds in Huntington Beach. The trail prices start from $ 10 to $15.
Do enjoy its Outdoor Activities
These beach outdoor activities offer an amazing experience which you must remember in your journey.
- The water activities offered here are kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding. Also, go fishing with the free California fishing license.
- In sandy areas, you can have fun by playing volleyball, building bonfire pits, flying, walking, picnicking, etc.
- You can watch programs that are related to art, golf, and tennis.
Visit to the Main Street of Huntington Beach
One of the most visited spots in Huntington Beach is Main Street and Fifth Street. There are many dynamic activities available that attract most tourists to visit and enjoy. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants for tourists, such as Duke’s Huntington Beach, Sugar Shack Cafe, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco, with an amazing vibe of ocean breeze and calm atmosphere. Various events and festivals are being held for locals & for visitors. At this place, the live farm market runs on Tuesday, and Surf City nightlife is enjoyed on every Tuesday from 5 PM TO 9 PM. It’s the centre point of Huntington Beach, popularised as Surf City USA. Coming here will give you an amazing vibe with vibrant views.
Beaches in Huntington Beach
Visitors can visit these famous beaches mentioned below:
Huntington City Beach
Huntington City Beach has become a top surfing spot and found in downtown Huntington Beach. It spans up to 3.5 miles. Numerous events are held and handled, whether it’s small or large. Beach activities relished here are surfing, fishing, photography and swimming. Also, this beach offers amenities like pier plaza, volleyball courts and bonfire rings. If you are thinking of trying the bike ride trail, then you must. It’s just behind the beach. This is mostly convenient for walking, jogging, skateboarding and rollerblading. Plan your trip here and visit here from September to November, as during that time you get fewer crowds with warm weather and enjoy.
Huntington State Beach
Huntington State Beach which is situated in Orange County, California. It covers almost 121 acres. This beach offers amenities like public restrooms, picnic areas, volleyball courts & parking spaces. Along with that, things enjoyed here are surfing, sunbathing, swimming, beach walking, etc. Must take a trail that includes bike trails. Alcohol is not permitted, and violations carry a fine. If you plan your visit here, visit during September to October.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is perfect for beginners, offering gentle waves & relaxed atmosphere. It’s also been popular for its historic name as “Tin Can Beach”.It covers 169 arces and stretches up to 3 miles from West Street to Warner Avenue. It’s a friendly and dog-friendly place. This place offers several activities such as swimming , surfing, picnicking, and birdwatching. Amenities offered are restrooms, food service, picnic tables, lifeguard services and beach bonfires. You will get breathtaking views of sunsets, which is perfect for photography. The perfect time to visit this amazing beach is in the fall, from September to November, to enjoy with fewer crowds, warm weather, and all activities.
Disclaimer
The parking fees for all three beaches are $15.
Hotels & Places to Stay
If going to Huntington Beach, then you need to stay if your trip is for more than 1 day. Then here you get some of the best hotels with great facilities and affordable for visitors. Keep reading it to know:
The Hotel Huntington Beach
The Hotel Huntington Beach is just 5.7 miles away from Huntington Beach Pier taking around 15 minutes to reach. several amenities and facilities. The facilities that are being provided here include television in all rooms, a hot tub, Atm/banking facilities, gift shops, free wifi, and wheelchair accessibility. With this, you enjoy certain things here, like cycling, boating, fishing, and more. Within the room, you will get a microwave, refrigerator & private bathrooms. Smoking is strictly prohibited. This hotel’s great facilities make your stay more convenient and relaxing. A nightly rate for Hotel Huntington Beach is $120 to $200.
Ocean Surf Inn & Suites
Ocean Surf Inn & Suites is a great hotel for a stay. This hotel is nearest to Huntington City beaches at a distance of 0.3 miles. From the beach, it takes only 13 minutes to get there. Smoking is not allowed in this hotel. Facilities offered in every room are a ton, including an ironing board, a hair dryer, a microwave, a refrigerator, and an air conditioner. Amenities offered for stay are free parking, free wifi, and laundry facilities. Guests can access a hot tub and a golf course with direct beach access just minutes away. The night rates here are $120-$180.
Essential Tips for Smooth Sightseeing
While visiting Huntington Beach, you need to keep these essential tips in mind that make your trip even more wonderful that are:
- Book your accommodations early so that you don’t need to face any of the problems during your visit.
- Plan a budget-friendly trip
- Before visiting, check the weather conditions so that you don’t face any trouble during your sightseeing.
- Don’t harm the wildlife and birds. Be friendly with them and protect them from harm.
- Download the offline map app to see the route on the map.
- Carry essential documents like your tickets, passports, and cash
- Pack these items like sunglasses, hats, plenty of water, medicines, insect repellent, & sunscreen for your skin protection
- Wear comfortable clothes for your easy travel journey.
Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach’s best and most convenient time to visit is from September to November. This month is perfect for you, as at times you will get fewer crowds compared to peak seasons. Along with that, you will get warm weather, better deals, and the opportunity to see the California Wine Festival. Other months, like March to May, when you get low crowds and get a chance to see the events like the WSL Surf Ranch Pro Huntington Beach Open.
Final Thoughts
This ends this travel guide, and really hope you get all the details of Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach is filled with beautiful views, various activities, & numerous attractions. While visiting this beach, you get to look into its iconic pier, surf spots, bike trails, & dog-friendly beaches. Whether you are a first-time visitor and trying hard to learn surfing, you get all the knowledge from the guides who are available there for you. All you get here is memories and experiences. So, plan your Group trip with your family and friends to Huntington Beach by booking a charter bus from busxoxo and skip the parking hassle and ride together.