How to Enjoy Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach in Orange County, CA is located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, and 90 miles north of San Diego. Known as Surf City USA®, it has long been a favorite destination for Southern Californians, surfers from around the world, and tourists.

Here are a few ideas to help make the most of your next visit to Huntington Beach.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Head to one of the area's beaches. World-class surfing and 330 days of sunshine make the beach area the main attraction in this city of approximately 200,000 residents (2008 est.). Huntington's City Beach boasts a fantastic pier to stroll or fish on, ample areas for sunworshipers and sand castle builders, and several places to rent surfboards and bikes. Some beach areas also have pits to enjoy a sunset bonfire, as well as designated areas for RVs.

2. Take a stroll along Main Street and the side streets of the Downtown area. Main Street is located directly across from the main City Beach. There are dozens of upscale restaurants, brew pubs and outdoor cafes to enjoy, in addition to several unique gift shops and clothing boutiques.
   
   Be sure to stop by the International Surfing Museum. It's located in the Downtown area as well.

3. Check out the wetlands at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, located a couple miles north of Main St. on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Ths 1300-acre parcel is a sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds. Many professional and amateurs alike flock to the area to photograph the numerous birds that call this area home. A bridge and 1.5 mile trail make it a popular area for walking. The wetlands are located across PCH from Bolsa Chica State Beach, and are adjacent to Huntington Harbor.

4. Enjoy a day with family and friends in Huntington Beach's Central Park. Located at Goldenwest St. and Talbert Ave., Central Park boasts 350 acres of trees, trails and large rolling lawns with picnic benches and other amenities. Also part of the Central Park area are the Equestrian Center, Disc Golf Course, Adventure Playground and the Sports Complex. In addition, the Main Library and Playhouse are also located in Central Park.
   
   Special events are held throughout the year, including a Jazz festival, classic car show, Civil War Re-enactment and other family-friendly events.

Tips & Warnings

• Huntington Beach is a dog-friendly city, with several dog parks, trails and even a portion of beach known as Dog Beach that are available to those that travel with their favorite pooch.

Resources

• What to Do with Your Dog in Huntington Beach
• Laguna Beach, Orange County - Mecca for Art Lovers

[ruf1950]

on 9/22/2009 If I can ever get there, I'm sure I'd enjoy Huntington Beach, CA - 5*****

[e-Rambler]

on 9/16/2009 It's been more than 10 years the last time I was in this city. Maybe we can have lunch next time when I revisit? Great tour article on Huntington Beach, CA.

[kristara]

on 9/12/2009 Sounds like a great place to visit with lots to do 5*

[goodselfme]

on 9/11/2009 I had no idea how huge Huntington Beach was. TX for this post with all the info given and done so well too.

[kittycooks]

on 9/11/2009 I visited here years ago. Thanks for the lovely memory trip, it is a wonderful place to visit.