Not ready to bid farewell to summer? Between Newport and Sunset Beach, one town is riding the wave one laid-back day at a time. Named one of Wallet Hub’s top 10 happiest cities, and fondly dubbed “Surf City USA”, Huntington Beach has an irresistible carefree vibe, and a youthful, effervescent energy. As you wander around downtown – a refreshing frozen creation in hand, there’s something about the “retro California” feel that sets this city apart from Orange County’s fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you were born to surf, or just love a spectacular sunset, living in Huntington Beach is the Pacific Coast version of an island getaway – and just like a trip to Dubai, the weather is pretty fantastic all year round.
Park the Car Bring the Surfboard
With almost nine miles of sparkling coastline and offbeat palm-lined streets to explore, your best bet for soaking in the sea-breeze is perched atop a surfboard, or on two or four (as in double bike) wheels. No gear? No problem. Huntington Beach is dotted with quirky little surf and rental shops like privately owned, Zack’s Rentals offering every mode of beachside transportation you could imagine from beach cruisers, and tandem bikes to recreational gear including surf and bodyboards, volleyballs, footballs, and wetsuits. Additionally, many grocery stores and restaurants are within an easy walking distance from one another – with a flip-flop and shorts dress code of course.
Leave Pawprints in the Sand
If you don’t have a dog, you might want to consider borrowing one because the canine paradise at Huntington Dog Beach gets an enthusiastic paw up. Footloose and leash-free, this stretch of sand is the perfect spot for bonding over a game of frisbee, hanging out together on a surfboard, or watching your fur-kids make new friends. Dog beach makes it convenient for humans as well with inexpensive convenient parking, picnic tables, and plenty of room to sprawl out and watch a sunset.
Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
Huntington’s claim to fame is its 1,850 pier (one of the West Coast’s longest) situated at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, and home to shops, restaurants, and some of the most picturesque fishing you’ll ever experience. Learn about Huntington’s wave-making history, and stand beside the world’s largest surfboard at the International Surfing Museum and check out legendary memorabilia like vintage skateboards, and tributes to surfing icons including Hawaiian Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku. For birdwatching, trail hikes, and incredible photo-ops, the 1,400 acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve boasts 1,400 acres of protected wetlands and is the natural habitat to more than 200 bird species. Sightseeing works up an appetite, and if you ask Huntington’s locals about where the hotspots are, they won’t steer you wrong. From epic fish tacos, and authentic Italian, to trendy smoothie bowls, and the Sugar Shack pancakes you’re guaranteed to write home about, you’ll be amply fueled for a day of anything from hanging ten, shopping till you drop, or just lounging beneath an oversized umbrella.
Communities located in Huntington Beach, CA
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