Huntington State Beach(Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach State Park)

Stretching along the western coast of Huntington Beach, Huntington State Beach is one of the most popular and iconic surf beaches in the world. Home to the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, Huntington State Beach spans 121 acres and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique coastal experience in Orange County.

With lifeguards, public restrooms, outdoor showers, and three snack shacks, beachgoers have all the amenities necessary for a great day in the SoCal sun. Fire rings are available for evening bonfires, adding to the beach’s allure.

The soft, beige sands of Huntington State Beach span nearly 8.5 miles, with volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire pits, and a beachside trail lining the coast. The Huntington Beach Pier, located near the Main Street entrance, jets out into the ocean and provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and this long stretch of sand. While Huntington State Beach is best known for its surfing, you’ll find many beachgoers fishing and birdwatching here as well. Surf fishing is particularly popular on the south end of the beach, near the Santa Ana River jetties. Remember to bring your fishing license if you plan to fish. Swimming can be dangerous at times due to rip currents here, so it is advised to only swim where lifeguards are present.

Huntington State Beach has wheelchair accessibility, with entrances off Beach Boulevard, Newland Street, Magnolia Street, Main Street, and Brookhurst Street.

Parking is $15 per day, with several parking lots running parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway along the entire beach.

Once a year, Huntington State Beach hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing, the largest surf competition in the world, attracting top-notch surfers and massive crowds. Be sure to visit the International Surfing Museum as well – it’s less than a five-minute walk from the Main Street entrance of Huntington State Beach and admission is only two dollars. Additionally, the nearby Huntington Beach State Park offers more recreational opportunities and beautiful coastal scenery.

Visit Heirloom a Modern Farmhouse for an array of sumptuous farm-to-table dishes you’ll surely love. Create lasting memories with family and friends while enjoying the open kitchen and incredible food, beer, and wine at Heirloom a Modern Farmhouse. If you’re in the mood for seafood, the casual Ikeda Japanese Dining has delicious, fresh sushi, top-notch service, and fantastic sake happy hours. It’s only a five-minute drive from the Beach Boulevard entrance and is very popular, so be sure to get there as early as possible. The closest and fanciest dining option is the famed Watertable, located right across the street from the Beach Boulevard entrance. Committed to creating a sustainable environment through ethical and responsible practices, Watertable boasts sophistication in both design and cuisine, with a locally sourced menu, world-class wines, and artisanal cocktails.

If you’re looking for a nearby hotel, there are several great options. Relax in luxury at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, a 4-Star hotel fusing Spanish-inspired architecture and coastal chic aesthetic. A quarter mile walk from the Beach Boulevard entrance, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa offers spas, pools, cabanas, and bike rentals for exploring the local area. Another option is the Paséa Hotel & Spa, a 4-Star hotel just a quarter mile from the Huntington Street entrance. Home of the Balinese-inspired Aarna Spa, Paséa Hotel & Spa offers oceanfront and outdoor dining, live music on the weekends, pools with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and luxury cabanas. For more affordable lodging, the Huntington Beach Inn is a quarter mile from the Main Street entrance, and provides complimentary breakfast, a rooftop spa, and a fully-equipped gym.