The Southern California coastal city Huntington Seaside’s nickname is Surf Metropolis, USA. That just about captures the id of this laid-back, beachy, west coast city.
Situated in Orange County, Huntington Seaside is about 45 minutes south of Los Angeles and about 30 from Anaheim and Disneyland. There are over eight miles of shoreline with broad stretches of sandy seashores. On one aspect of them, you’ll discover burrito bars, seashore cruisers, and bronzed locals; on the opposite, constant units rolling throughout the floor of the Pacific – setting the best scene for surf tradition.
For sure, one of many primary causes to go to Huntington Seaside is to catch a wave or find out how to take action. Nonetheless, there are a ton of different distinctive outside actions and attention-grabbing issues to see on this iconic California city.
You can spend a day, every week, or much more when visiting Huntington Seaside. We’ve put collectively a number of the superior issues to do in Surf Metropolis, together with nice locations to remain, eat, and drink – learn on to plan your keep!
TLDR
| Class | Advice |
|---|---|
| Most important landmark | Huntington Seaside Pier |
| Finest park | Huntington Central Park |
| Finest free exercise | Seashores & Huntington Seaside Bike Path |
| Finest exercise for teenagers | Browsing |
| Finest exercise for adults | Huntington Seaside Worldwide Browsing Museum |
| Finest meals | Duke’s Huntington Seaside |
| Finest place to remain | Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort |
Finest & Enjoyable Issues to Do in Huntington Seaside, CA
1. Huntington Seaside Pier
We should always undoubtedly begin with one of the vital iconic and romantic issues to do in Huntington Seaside: its well-known pier. You’ll discover it proper in the course of city, the place Principal Road meets Huntington Metropolis Seaside, extending far throughout the broad seashore and previous the breakers.
You’ll discover a number of memento retailers and artwork shows which can be enjoyable to discover alongside the pier, in addition to loads of locations to look at surfers and fishermen from above. You’ll be able to seize a meal or drink at Huntington’s on the Pier (midway level) or Broad Road Oyster Firm (on the finish). Most of all, that is the spot to soak within the views of the sun-drenched palm bushes, golden sand, wavy water, and busy seafront that make Huntington Seaside so particular.
Duke’s Huntington Seaside is firstly of the pier and needs to be probably the greatest locations to eat on the town – the place else (on the mainland) is extra applicable for a laid-back, surf-themed Hawaiian restaurant with frequent stay music and a view?
And if you wish to keep as shut as potential to this superior spot, the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort is true throughout the road and occurs to be one of many nicest motels round.
2. Bolsa Chica State Seaside
The three miles of sandy shoreline in Huntington Seaside’s north is Bolsa Chica Seaside, which makes for an additional nice seashore possibility moreover the busy Huntington Metropolis Seaside close to the pier. Because of fewer crowds, that is an particularly standard spot for browsing, kite browsing, and surf fishing. Convey a seashore blanket and a picnic, and you would watch these guys and ladies all day!
SeaLegs on the Seaside needs to be your go-to spot for some informal sandwiches and drinks on the sand over right here. Bolsa Chica State Seaside can also be the top of the Huntington Seaside Bike Path, one of the vital scenic biking trails on the Southern California coast – undoubtedly seize a rental on the town and pedal to this lovely spot.
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3. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
On the opposite aspect of the sand is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which protects 1,300 acres of coastal wetlands residence to round 200 chicken species. Take a break out of your seashore day to discover a number of of the paths and scenic overlooks, or cease by the interpretive heart to be taught concerning the significance of this haven for therefore many animals.
In case you’re into chicken watching, that is the most effective spot for it within the Huntington Seaside space. Mornings are when many species are most lively, whereas the receding tide brings extra that attempt to hunt for critters within the uncovered sand. And even in case you’re not a birder, the simple, accessible climbing trails across the protect are nonetheless an attractive option to admire a little bit piece of pristine nature.
4. Sundown Seaside
Sundown Seaside is yet one more one in all Huntington Seaside’s prime spots to benefit from the sea and kinds the northernmost a part of the city. Sundown Seaside is its personal little neighborhood, centered round Huntington Harbour, and makes for a little bit of a quieter spot to remain.
Native seashore bars and grills will be discovered on each the seaside and the harbor aspect of this neighborhood, as can trip rental properties like this historic beach house. The sand and sea listed here are good for swimming, browsing, paddle boarding, and different actions, whereas the harbor gives a singular setting for boating and even romantic gondola rides.
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5. Huntington State Seaside
Let’s end off the final of the 4 primary seashores of Huntington Seaside: stretching from the pier to the Santa Ana River, Huntington State Seaside kinds the southern portion of the city’s shoreline. It’s one other sandy seashore very best for swimming, lounging, browsing, and extra, and it has a paved strolling and biking path working its size.
A number of of the highest motels in Huntington Seaside are on this a part of the shoreline, together with the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa and the Paséa Hotel & Spa, making this an amazing place to play and keep for luxurious seekers. The seashore has lifeguards, bogs, showers, and even fish-cleaning stations.
One of the standard actions at Huntington State Seaside is having a seashore bonfire in one in all its many free hearth pits. It’s the right option to finish a coastal California day, and also you simply must deliver some firewood and pals to look at the solar go down over the Pacific Ocean on this gorgeous setting.
6. Huntington Seaside Worldwide Browsing Museum
Handle: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
Even in case you’re not a seashore individual, you may nonetheless take pleasure in Huntington Seaside and the well-known sport it’s recognized for. In truth, the Worldwide Browsing Museum in downtown Huntington Seaside was based by a girl who’s by no means even surfed! However most individuals on this surfy city, and from in all places else world wide, can agree that browsing continues to be fascinating to look at and admire, and that’s why this museum exists.
Guests can see all types of browsing memorabilia right here, starting from a ton of outdated longboards to browsing artwork, images, and tales. Guides can lead you thru all types of browsing historical past and provide you with an amazing introduction to the game that Huntington Seaside claims to be the capital of (which can be disputed by a handful of different locations).
It is a incredible exercise for any couple, household, or solo traveler and is a simple cease whether or not it’s a wet day or not. The encompassing streets of central Huntington Seaside are filled with burrito bars, Hawaiian poke retailers, and different tasty eateries and cafés, too.
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7. Surf Classes
Subsequently, if there was ever a spot to take a surf lesson, Huntington Seaside is it. There are many surf colleges lining the seashores, prepared to supply their experience, whether or not you’re a younger child who needs to get into it or an outdated one who has no thought surf.
Try Corky Caroll’s Surf School or Surfrider Academy for 2 of the lesson suppliers which have lengthy been serving the neighborhood. Complete learners are completely welcome, as are those that have a little bit of expertise however need to enhance. You’ll be taught on easy-to-paddle longboards in unintimidating waves, and don’t fear – falling in is a part of the enjoyable.
8. Catch a Efficiency by the Huntington Seaside Symphony Orchestra
Huntington Seaside could also be a little bit seashore city, but it surely occurs to have a really gifted symphony orchestra that places on frequent live shows for native followers and guests alike. The Huntington Seaside Symphony Orchestra does tributes to musical legends, classical themes, vacation hits, and extra.
So, in case you’re a fan of the musical arts, take a look at the orchestra’s website to see its upcoming exhibits and specials, that are performed at venues throughout Huntington Seaside. A typical one is the Academy for the Performing Arts, which is only a mile-and-a-half up Principal Road from the downtown space, making it a fast drive or Uber journey for many.
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9. Store or Dine at Pacific Metropolis
Handle: 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
It’s okay to need to deliver residence some good issues from one in all California’s nicest locations! Just some steps from downtown Huntington Seaside, you’ll discover Pacific Metropolis, an indoor-outdoor procuring heart filled with high-end retailers and easy surf retailers. There are additionally a number of tasty eating and enjoyable leisure shops, together with a well-liked mini golf course.
Pacific Metropolis is a superb selection for dinner, thanks to a couple eating places on the second ground with views straight to the seashore. Watch the sundown, the surfers, and the busy Pacific Coast Freeway from a desk at Ola Mexican Kitchen or Bluegold, for instance.
10. Store Some Extra or Merely Discover round Previous World Village
Handle: 7561 Heart Ave #50, Huntington Seaside, CA 92647
On the northern outskirts of city is Previous World Village, a singular mall with European-looking buildings and cobblestone streets connecting them. There are extra boutiques and surf retailers right here, together with appropriately European eating places, together with a crêperie, a delicatessen, a biergarten, and an English tea room.
Throughout the road from Previous World Village is Hotel Huntington Beach for individuals who need to keep good and near this little transplanted village from Europe or preferring this a part of city normally. It additionally places you nearer to Disneyland and the opposite sights of Anaheim simply up the street.
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11. Huntington Seaside Artwork Heart
Handle: 538 Principal St #98, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
You’ll discover artwork shows scattered round Huntington Seaside, however the Huntington Seaside Artwork Heart is the formal place to see the works of locals and artists from far-off alike. This neighborhood gallery is positioned just some blocks from the seashore on Principal Road.
The attractive seashore scenes of Huntington Seaside are the right topic for work, and fairly a number of artists from all around the world have painted them, as have native residents. These work, plus others and a few sculptures, are displayed within the gallery, with frequent particular exhibitions that herald all types of labor. Try the Huntington Beach Art Center website to see what’s taking place throughout your keep.
12. Discover Surf Metropolis Nights
Handle: 315 third St Ste E, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
Some may argue that the Surf Metropolis Nights weekly road market gives even higher procuring, meals, and leisure than any mall. Each Tuesday night, three blocks of Principal Road are shut down in order that native artisans, farmers, eating places, musicians, and extra can arrange.
You’ll be able to come right here to purchase contemporary produce to deliver residence or full meals and snacks to eat amid the pleasant ambiance. There are even video games for teenagers, and plenty of boutiques supply particular gross sales at Surf Metropolis Nights. There are some actually nice objects to deliver residence, like native surf model clothes, artisan jewellery, contemporary and natural items and cosmetics, and rather more.
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13. Huntington Central Park
The most important city-owned park in Surf Metropolis, USA, is Huntington Central Park, positioned a number of miles inland in an enormous inexperienced area. There’s a big community of strolling trails across the lakes, playgrounds for teenagers, picnic areas, and a few cafés, plus much more distinctive methods to take pleasure in nature.
The Shipley Nature Heart is a fenced-off park inside the park that preserves native natural world; it’s completely free to go to, however a small donation to their efforts is all the time appreciated. Public artwork shows and an amphitheater usually present spectacles to take pleasure in, whereas there’s a canine park on the western aspect in case you’re bringing your pet alongside. It is a excellent spot to catch a break from the coastal crowds in Huntington Seaside.
14. Newland Home Museum
Handle: 19820 Seaside Boulevard, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
The Huntington Seaside Historic Society preserves locations of vital historic and cultural significance across the city, and one in all its most vital websites is the Newland Home. It is a late-1800s Queen Anne-style Victorian farmhouse that was one of many first in Huntington Seaside.
The home sits proper off Seaside Boulevard, the principle thoroughfare of Huntington Seaside, and it has been fastidiously restored to match its authentic glory. As soon as belonging to William and Mary Newland, the property farmed beets, celery, and chili peppers after its development in a spot that was largely barren of some other civilization.
It’s superb to consider Huntington Seaside this manner these days! You’ll be able to check out this piece of the previous from the road or take a look at the website to see what days the historic society is providing excursions.
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15. So Cal Corgi Seaside Day
Even in case you couldn’t care much less about browsing, the seashore, or anything we’ve talked about up to now, nobody can resist a gathering of tons of of lovable corgis! “The Greatest Corgi Seaside Celebration on the Planet” takes place on the Huntington Canine Seaside yearly, bringing collectively 1200+ corgis in addition to tons of extra honorary corgis (all canine are welcome) to the shore.
You don’t must have a canine to attend. The seashore will get filled with recreation stands, contests, prizes, meals vans, and all issues corgi. There are even corgi races so the pups can fulfill their outside pursuits.
It’s mainly essentially the most lovable factor you are able to do in Huntington Seaside, and your telephone reminiscence might nicely refill from the photograph alternatives. Try the occasion’s official website to see when it’s taking place.
16. Whale Watching
One of many nice issues concerning the waters off Huntington Seaside is that whales stay right here all yr lengthy. You’ll be able to see large blue whales and finback whales in the summertime and fall, whereas gray whales and humpback whales come within the winter and spring.
There are a ton of whale-watching tours that depart from Newport Seaside, which is the city simply south of Huntington Seaside on the scenic Pacific Coast Freeway, due to its bigger marina. They are often as brief as two-hour excursions or full-day occasions.
Earlier than you head again to Huntington Seaside for the day, take a look at the enjoyable sights of this little city – there’s a pier, an amusement park, and a $1 ferry to Balboa Island for its boardwalk. Newport Seaside additionally has some nice locations to remain, like Lido House, an Autograph Collection Hotel, in case you’d prefer to spend your nights on this aspect of the bridge.
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17. See the Magnificent Orange County Coast from Above
Lastly, there’s nothing fairly like seeing an attractive vacation spot from the air, and the shoreline of and round Huntington Seaside is unquestionably not an exception. You’ll be able to take a airplane specifically designed for sightseeing on an aerial tour of the Orange County coast to get an entire new appreciation for this scenic shore.
Apart from Huntington Seaside’s sandy shores, pier, and busy streets, you’ll additionally get to understand Dana Level, Laguna Seaside, and Newport Seaside, plus quite a few spots additional inland that your pilot is completely satisfied to level out. The tour takes off from the small and handy John Wayne Airport and might be customized to no matter you want and need to see. Simply deliver a digital camera, since you’ll undoubtedly need it.
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18. Have a Pint at 4 Sons Brewing
Handle: 18421 Gothard St Suite 100, Huntington Seaside, CA 92648
The craft beer scene is robust in California. One in every of Huntington Seaside’s hottest taprooms is 4 Sons Brewing, positioned just some steps from Huntington Central Park.
This place is run by a literal household – mother, dad, and 4 sons, who solely started experimenting with beer in 2014 however shortly turned a success. In truth, it’s the primary cease on an area Orange County craft beer tour.
You’ll discover everybody from barefoot surfers to suited businessmen of their taproom. There are 20 completely different beers on faucet, with a brand new one rotated in every week. Whereas they don’t have a kitchen, meals vans line up within the parking zone to maintain that half, offering all types of tasty and budget-friendly bites. Cease by this place for a tour, a drink, and an excellent time!
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19. Sip on Whiskey at Bonetree Distillery
Handle: 15557 Graham St, Huntington Seaside, CA 92649
If beer isn’t your factor, otherwise you want one thing a little bit bit stronger, Huntington Seaside has its very personal native liquor manufacturing at Bonetree Distillery. This place is even newer, having been opened by an area couple in 2021, and produces small-batch whiskeys, rums, and different liquor in northwestern Huntington Seaside.
Cease in to strive a flight of their American Oak-aged single-malt whiskey, bourbon, or darkish rum, every aged for 12 months. They’ll present you the grasp distiller strategies of making these libations as nicely. You’ll want to verify their web site or name earlier than going, as they aren’t all the time open for guests.
20. Hike Round Crystal Cove State Park
Lastly, whereas Huntington Seaside is an entire lotta seashore, hikers don’t must accept the paths of the town’s park or ecological reserve. Whereas it isn’t in Huntington Seaside, Crystal Cove State Park is just some miles to the south and gives much more elevation and unpaved paths.
It’s not a mountain, however the cliffs and hills of this rocky spot alongside the coast make up 2,400 acres of pure area for climbing, biking, and tenting. Strive El Moro Canyon Path in case you’re in respectable form and need to see some sweeping ocean views from up excessive. Afterward, you may leap in and funky off at one of many small, hidden seashores on the shore!
FAQ
What are the highest sights in Huntington Seaside?
The Huntington Seaside Pier is likely one of the most iconic, because it’s the place yow will discover superior meals, attention-grabbing artwork, and incredible views of the waves and the surfers. The seashore scene itself is a prime attraction with enjoyable actions like volleyball and bike leases. Don’t miss the Huntington Seaside Worldwide Browsing Museum – that is Surf Metropolis USA, in any case.
Are there any surf competitions in Huntington Seaside?
There are a selection of annual browsing championships in Huntington Seaside, together with the US Open of Browsing, the world’s largest browsing competitors. That one is essentially the most well-known, and it takes place each summer time; it’s completely free to look at from the seashore. There are frequent smaller competitions on a regular basis – ask round a number of the surf retailers if there are any native contests occurring.
What are some family-friendly actions in Huntington Seaside?
The Huntington Seaside Pier is a family-friendly place for eating, memento procuring, surfer-watching, and fishermen-watching. Higher but, get within the water yourselves on a household browsing lesson. You don’t must catch a monster wave to have a ton of enjoyable, and children of all ages could have a blast!
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