Tourist attractions in Surf City, Huntington Beach, Southern California

Huntington Beach, the city of surfing! In the summer, the U.S. Open of Surfing is held here, attracting top professional surfers and surfing enthusiasts from around the world.

California has many surfing spots, but there was a competition to determine which city deserved the title of "Surf City"—Santa Cruz in Northern California or Huntington Beach in Southern California. Huntington Beach emerged victorious, officially earning the name "Surf City."

True to its name, waves are present year-round, and the coastline is always bustling with surfers. With its blue ocean, blue sky, and palm trees, Huntington Beach is a popular tourist destination!

1. Huntington Beach Pier

Walking straight down the main street leading to the pier and crossing the Pacific Coast Highway will take you to one of Huntington Beach’s main attractions, the Huntington Beach Pier. Surrounding the pier, you’ll find surf shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores, making it the quintessential Southern California beach resort! From the pier, you can get a full view of Huntington Beach, which stretches approximately 16 km.

At the end of the pier, you’ll find the restaurant Ruby’s Diner, making for a perfect destination for a 565-meter stroll. From the pier, you can watch surfers, see people fishing, admire the sunset over the ocean, or even spot people walking their dogs. The area around the pier is also a hub for events. Every summer, the U.S. Open takes place, featuring competitions in surfing, BMX, and skateboarding, turning Huntington Beach into a lively festival town bustling with tourists.

2. Huntington Beach Downtown

Huntington Beach’s downtown is a lively and fun place, uniquely blending a beach, a pier, and a bustling main street. Restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, nail salons, and fashion boutiques line the streets, always filled with tourists and locals alike.

“What should we do today?”—there’s no need to worry about that because downtown Huntington Beach is always buzzing with something exciting. It’s not uncommon to see people walking around in swimsuits and barefoot—it’s just part of the relaxed atmosphere here.

Every Tuesday, an event called Surf City Nights takes place, during which the main street is closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian-friendly zone. Vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and crafts, while live performances and music liven up the night. Exploring downtown after dark is definitely a great experience.

3. International Surfing Museum

The International Surfing Museum is located just one block off Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach. You’ll recognize it by the surfing mural on the building. If you want to learn everything about surfing, be sure to stop by this museum during your visit.
Not only does it showcase the history and cultural background of surfing, but it also features a collection of rare and restored surfboards, reflecting the deep local passion for surfing in Huntington Beach.

One of the highlights is the display of motorized surfboards and other unique surfing-related artifacts. The museum is home to a collection that truly represents Surf City, Huntington Beach. In 2015, 66 surfers set a Guinness World Record by riding a giant surfboard together, and that very surfboard is expected to be displayed near the International Surfing Museum soon. Be sure to check it out during your visit!

4. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Located along the Huntington Beach coastline, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a 1,300-acre coastal estuary featuring a variety of habitats, from open waters and mudflats to salt marshes and coastal dunes. It lies between the Pacific Coast Highway, residential areas, and oil fields, serving as a sanctuary for migratory birds, local wildlife, and endangered species.
Visitors can explore the 7.5 km of trails along the Huntington Beach coastline, where they can observe migratory birds and over 200 species of wildlife.

At the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Interpretive Center on Warner Avenue, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and even join guided wetland tours organized by local environmental groups. The reserve is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and since it is right next to the beach, it makes for a great additional stop during a visit to Huntington Beach.

5. Even your dog loves the beach! Huntington Dog Beach

One of the popular tourist spots is Dog Beach. Californians are known for their love of dogs, but the people of Huntington Beach take it to another level. Located between 21st Street and Seapoint Street near downtown Huntington Beach, this designated dog beach allows dogs to roam freely. Under the supervision of their owners, dogs can enjoy playing frisbee, chasing balls, swimming, and just having fun. Most dogs run around freely without a leash.

Both dogs and people here are extremely friendly, and it's easy to make new friends and strike up conversations. In recent years, even dog surfing competitions have been held, a unique event that perfectly represents Huntington Beach. You can also buy Dog Beach-themed T-shirts, so be sure to check it out when you visit!

6. Huntington Harbour

Huntington Harbour, located at the corner of Huntington Beach, is made up of five small islands. The harbor features small waterways running between the islands, while the lively beachfront offers dining, restaurants, and shopping options. Visitors can enjoy canal tours in a safe and relaxing environment, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available.

The waterways connected to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve provide opportunities for observing local wildlife and birdwatching. This canal tour is one of the most popular tourist activities, attracting many visitors.

Of course, there are also surfboard rentals for those who want to surf. Surfing at the pier can be intimidating for beginners, but the beachside near Huntington Harbour is an excellent place to learn.

7. Surfers’ Hall of Fame

The Surfers’ Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach is a monument dedicated to legendary surfers who have a deep love for the sport. Located in the heart of Huntington Beach, this hall of fame is home to the annual Surfing Championships held beneath the pier, making it a hotspot for tourists. Just like the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where celebrities leave their handprints, the Surfers’ Hall of Fame commemorates surfing legends by having them leave their handprints, footprints, and signatures on the sidewalk.

At its center stands a life-sized bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, created by Edmund Shumpert in 2001. This is truly a must-visit destination for sports fans, perfectly embodying the spirit of Huntington Beach.

8. Huntington Beach Bolsa Chica State Park

The U.S. is home to many state-managed parks, and Huntington Beach has two of them, both located along the coastline, making them popular tourist destinations. To the south is Huntington Beach State Park, and to the north is Bolsa Chica State Park. These two parks stretch about 3 km on either side of downtown Huntington Beach. The paved trail connecting Bolsa Chica Beach to Huntington Beach State Park is approximately 13 km long.

The state parks offer great locations for surfing, swimming, fishing, playing in the water, or simply relaxing under a beach umbrella. They are also equipped with volleyball and basketball courts, as well as hiking and cycling trails along the coast, providing a variety of activities for visitors. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are also RV camping sites, barbecue areas, and nighttime campfire spots, making this an ideal destination for nature lovers.

◎ Summary

As you take in the blue ocean, blue sky, palm trees, and the sight of seabirds and pelicans soaring through the air, you’ll feel the relaxing beach-town atmosphere that defines Huntington Beach.

Beyond the bustling downtown area filled with locals and tourists, there are also protected ecological zones for migratory birds, a dedicated beach for dogs, and other open spaces for both wildlife and pets. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of this iconic Southern California beach town to the fullest.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Tourist attractions in Surf City, Huntington Beach, Southern California