Huntington Beach, California, Travel Guide

Southern California has no shortage of beach towns, but not many have quite the right balance of surf culture and local energy like Huntington Beach.

With more than eight miles of coastline and consistently strong breaks, it has long been a magnet for surfers from around the world. However, the city’s appeal goes beyond the water—it also has a walkable downtown, a charmingly named pier, and plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants. Days here are best spent soaking up the sun, learning to catch waves, or exploring the waterways of the Huntington Harbor area by boat. Add in signature events like the U.S. Open of Surfing, and it’s clear why Huntington Beach stands out as a classic California vacation spot—one that, in my opinion, is often overlooked by the crowds that flock to Los Angeles or even nearby Newport Beach.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Huntington Beach, California.

Best hotels and resorts

Pasia Hotel & Spa

This modern hotel has some of the best views of the city from its treehouse on the rooftop of PCH, where guests can sip craft cocktails in style. Even non-visitors will find it worth a visit for the panoramic sea views alone. Enjoy year-round fun in the sun by the sparkling pool, settle into a plush cabana, indulge in the Balinese-inspired spa, or take advantage of complimentary beach service. Beach-chic rooms and suites—each with partial or full ocean views—offer the perfect retreat to unwind after a day soaking up the Southern California sun.

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort

Compton Shore Break Huntington Beach Resort gives you easy access to Surf City’s top shops and attractions, including the famous Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street, which is lined with some of the area’s best restaurants and bars. That said, you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy a proper meal. The on-site Pacific Highway Restaurant serves globally inspired cuisine in a lively, social atmosphere. The resort’s airy common areas include an open patio with fire pits, perfect for gathering with friends or relaxing after a day at the beach. Rooms and suites reflect a similar coastal-cool aesthetic, and amenities such as nightly wine and cheese socials, weekly yoga classes, and bike rentals abound.

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

Located next door to the Paséa Hotel & Spa, this sprawling resort stands out for its Spanish-inspired architecture and prime waterfront location. When they’re not exploring the outdoors, guests can often be found lounging in one of the property’s plush cabins or relaxing in the 20,000-square-foot Pacific Water Spa, which features tranquil treatment rooms, therapeutic soaking tubs and a tranquil outdoor courtyard. The property also features multiple pools, lush courtyards and a variety of upscale accommodations, many with private balconies or ocean views.

Waterfront Beach Resort

Spread across two large towers with 437 rooms and suites, The Waterfront Beach Resort is a full-service oceanfront escape reminiscent of the grand resorts you’d find in Mexico or the Caribbean. Thanks to amenities like a tranquil spa, a handful of bars and restaurants, and two sparkling pools, guests can easily enjoy their stay without leaving the property.

Best things to do

Explore the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

“For outdoor lovers, we also have the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, which offer beautiful hiking trails and incredible bird watching,” says Kelly Hallworth, a born-and-raised Huntington Beach local. “I love taking evening walks here to unwind from busy days, and I’ve seen coyotes, bald eagles, owls, rabbits, turtles and more.” The nearly 1,450-acre ecological reserve is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the beach and surrounding city with well-marked trails winding along coastal dunes, sea flats and marshes.

Hit the beach.

That’s the obvious answer, but aside from lying on the sand, the real magic happens in the water — Huntington Beach is Surf City USA, after all. You’ll find plenty of surf schools, including HB Surf School and Banzai Surf School, with lessons and rentals for every skill level. Before or after taking a dip, take a stroll along the Huntington Beach Pier, which, according to Hallworth, is “probably the most popular attraction associated with Huntington Beach.” Beyond the eight-mile palm-fringed main stretch, be sure to check out the popular, leash-optional Dog Beach, a beloved spot where locals and visitors alike let their dogs run free along the beach—a rarity in Southern California.

Learn about Huntington Beach’s surf history.

Denise MacAllister, a lifelong Huntington Beach local who works at the city’s famous International Surfing Museum, recommends stopping by to see exhibits like the World’s Largest Surfboard and learn about the history and culture of Surf City USA. The museum displays vintage boards, photos and memorabilia honoring surfing legends past and present. Just outside, take a stroll along the Surfing Walk of Fame on Main Street, where plaques celebrate the icons who have made their mark here.

Take a scenic boat ride.

Huntington Beach is the best experience on the water. Although I’m not a surfer, I loved my cruise along Prince Charters, which took us past Huntington Harbor, a beautiful network of canals lined with luxury homes. Several other companies, such as the Huntington Harbor Yacht Club, have similar cruises, with options such as sunset cruises, wine tastings, and holiday lights tours in the winter.

go shopping

Both MacAllister and Hallworth recommend visiting Pacific City, a lively outdoor retail and dining complex conveniently located across the street from the beach. Here, you’ll find stylish shops, local brands, and restaurants, all with sea views. Meanwhile, just a short walk away, Main Street is lined with independent boutiques, surf stores, and cozy cafes that capture the city’s laid-back spirit.

For a completely different style, visit Old World Village, which Hallworth describes as “a hidden gem, with art, shops, coffee and more, giving you a little change of scenery from the beaches.” The charming, German-inspired enclave looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, complete with cobblestone paths, half-timbered buildings and cozy courtyards.

Nightlife

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

Set atop the twin Dolphin Towers at The Waterfront Beach Resort, the Offshore 9 rooftop lounge features ocean views, fire pits, and a compact menu of cocktails, wines, and shareable bites. Come here to catch the sunset and relax after the evening chill.

Sandbar Cocaine and Tequila

For “fantastic margaritas and Mexican food,” Hallworth heads straight to Sandbar. It’s especially happy hour, when people flock here for appetizers and half-off shots and beers for under $8. The lively patio and lively crowd make it the perfect place to kick back after a day at the beach.

Julie

Julie’s is one of Hallworth’s favorite bars for its amazing sunset views and top-notch service, which she describes as “some of the best in Huntington Beach.” Its beachfront setting makes it the perfect place to relax with a drink and watch the sun sink below the horizon.

Treehouse on PCH

Hallworth says the aforementioned treehouse on PCH deserves its spot on the list thanks to its fun treehouse theme and “super cool atmosphere.” With $10 cocktails during happy hour, cabanas and plush lounge seating, and live DJ sets, it’s the perfect place to kick back and soak in the scenery and go people-watching.

Best restaurant

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Both Hallworth and McAllister rave about Duke’s incredible atmosphere, delicious food, and central location just steps from the sand. Named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku—and part of the same beloved restaurant group found throughout Hawaii—the oceanfront spot offers a laid-back island vibe with Hawaiian-inspired, seafood-based fare (think poke tacos and crispy coconut crab), and tropical tropical unbeatable pier views. As it gets crowded, especially around sunset, get there early to snag a prime spot.

Sugar Shake Cafe

A Huntington Beach institution since 1967, the family-owned Sugar Shack Cafe on Main Street is beloved for its classic diner-style menu, friendly service, and old-school surf town charm. “My fondest memories are eating breakfast with my family at Sugar Shack,” says McAllister. “We always ate early and enjoyed great food, chatting with friends and locals, and catching up on the news.” All-day breakfast—including classics like omelets with California-inspired breakfast burrito favorites—attracts locals and travelers alike.

Sushi on fire

Sushi on Fire is MacAllister’s “go-to place for great food,” especially fresh sashimi and creative sushi rolls. Standouts include the aptly named Beach Boy Roll (a seafood-filled extravaganza featuring shrimp tempura, snow crab, tuna, and more, topped with avocado and the restaurant’s sweet and spicy sauce) and the California Tempura Roll (a deep-fried California roll).

Bear Flag Fish Company

Part fish market, part restaurant, this seafood spot serves up the freshest catches in town. In addition to market-fresh fish like ahi poke by the pound, they also serve dishes like cioppino (a San Francisco-style seafood dish stuffed with fish, clams and shrimp) and fish tacos, a personal favorite.

Mama’s Comfort Food and Cocktails

This all-day spot has something for everyone, from endless variations of waffles and eggs benedict to seafood favorites like fish and chips and poke towers. The restaurant’s signature dishes include prime rib, meatloaf, fried chicken, fettuccine alfredo, and mac and cheese — the menu is as scrumptious and comforting as its name suggests.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Huntington Beach is from May to September. Summer marks the return of the US Open of Surfing, the 4th of July parade and fireworks show, and the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge surf dog competition, which usually takes place in June. Off the sand, Main Street and Pacific City’s pulse with live music and late-night crowds.

How to get there

Getting to Huntington Beach is a breeze. The closest and most convenient gateway is to fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California, about 20 minutes away depending on traffic. Travelers from further afield can also fly into Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), approximately 30 and 60 minutes away, respectively. Once you land, rent a car or hop into a ride-hailing service like Uber to make your way to the beach. A large portion of the Pacific Coast Highway passes through Huntington Beach, making it a great stop on any Southern California road trip.

How to get around

While a car is recommended for exploring neighboring beach towns, Huntington Beach itself is easy to navigate. The OC bus system runs routes along Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, connecting you to nearby destinations like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa in just a few dollar rides. Uber and Lyft are widely available, but if you’re planning to explore beyond Huntington — say, a scenic drive down PCH — renting a car is your best bet.