Skip to main content

Top 5 things to do in Huntington Beach

top 5 things to do in huntington beach
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Are you over the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles? Bored with the beaches in San Diego? Head to Huntington Beach, California, which is 10 miles of pristine coastline and uninterrupted beaches right between the two Southern California metropolises. Huntington Beach has perfect weather all year round with warm temperatures that rarely over 85 degrees so that you can get your dose of California sunshine. Here are the top five places you should visit in Huntington Beach:

Huntington Beach Pier
Whether you want to take a long walk, dine by the ocean, or gaze at the throngs of surfers trying to catch some waves, the Huntington Beach Pier is perfect for people watching, exercising, or just soaking in the sunshine.

Pacific City
Head to downtown Huntington Beach to Pacific City, which is full of oceanfront shopping, dining and entertainment. Filled with 11 acres of beachfront shops and eateries overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Pacific City captures the area’s surf culture through shops like Billabong, Quicksilver, Hurley, and Rip Curl. Listen to life music, or go bar hopping in Pacific City.

Vans Off the Wall Skatepark
Skateboarding was born in Southern California, and what better way to partake in the sport’s heritage than to visit a skatepark there? Grab your board and head to the Vans Off the Wall Skatepark where you can do kick flips or take a dip in the bowl.
7471 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
If nature and wildlife is what you like, visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. There you’ll find a 1,300-acre wildlife estuary. Open waters, mudflats, salt marshes, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian and freshwater marshes make up the reserve, where more than 200 avian species call the place home.

International Surfing Museum
So you’ve caught waves all day, want to know all about the history of surfing? Go to the International Surfing Museum, where you’ll find surf ephemera, from old competition posters to surfboards to rash guards.
411 Olive Avenue
Huntington Beach

Editors' Recommendations

Ann Binlot
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…
These are the 8 new airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for
There are now nearly 100 airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for
person in airport walking to airport security checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently expanded its TSA PreCheck program, bringing the total number of participating airlines to nearly 100. Travelers flying on the following airlines can now enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening.

Air Premia
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Transat
Bahamasair
BermudAir
Iberia
La Compagnie
New Pacific Airlines

Read more
The best bars in New York City: Our top picks
Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC
The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Read more
Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?
A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Read more