Huntington Beach, California, also known as Surf City USA®, is a premier Southern California beach destination nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego. With miles of pristine coastline, iconic surf culture, and a vibrant dining and shopping scene, there's no shortage of incredible experiences to make your visit unforgettable!

Whether it's your first time exploring HB or your 10th visit, we've put together the ultimate "5 Musts" to help you experience the best of what Huntington Beach has to offer. Get ready to soak up the sun, ride the waves, and immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal lifestyle!

  1. Walk the Huntington Beach Pier
  2. Relax on the Sand
  3. Shop Local & Explore Surf Culture
  4. Savor the Flavors of HB with Fresh Seafood & Oceanfront Dining
  5. Catch a Rooftop Sunset Over the Pacific Ocean

Walk the Huntington Beach Pier

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No visit to Surf City USA® is complete without a stroll down the iconic Huntington Beach Pier to soak in the panoramic ocean views. Stretching 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, the HB Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, Catalina Island, and surfers carving up the waves below. Fun fact, it was destroyed in 1914 due to large wave surges and rebuilt taller and stronger! It is also home to Broad Street Oyster Co. The red roofed building at the end of the pier offers one-of-a-kind views from their two-story dining options! 

Local Tip: Arrive in the morning for a peaceful walk with your coffee or visit in the evening to catch a picture-perfect California sunset. Be sure to bring a jacket or a hat because it can get breezy the further down you walk. 

Relax on the Sand

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With 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline, Huntington Beach offers wide, sandy shores perfect for soaking in the California sun. Whether you're setting up a beach blanket, playing volleyball, building sandcastles, or dipping your toes in the Pacific, spending time on the sand is an absolute must!

Local Tip: Mornings and evenings can be crisp, so bring a light jacket! Afternoons bring that classic endless summer weather, making it ideal for sunbathing or catching a beachside nap. 

Shop Local & Explore Surf Culture

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From longstanding surf shops to unique local finds, Huntington Beach's shopping scene is full of coastal charm. Whether you're looking for surf-inspired fashion, souvenirs, or handcrafted goods, there's no shortage of spots to explore. 

Must-Visit Shopping Destinations: 

Want more shopping inspiration? Click here to explore all the best shopping spots in HB.

Savor the Flavors of HB with Fresh Seafood & Oceanfront Dining

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No trip to Huntington Beach is complete without diving into the local food scene! Whether you're craving fresh seafood, juicy burgers, fresh açaí bowls, or laid-back taco spots, HB has a variety of dining experiences - many of them with stunning ocean views. 

Top Oceanfront Dining Spots: 

  • Cabo Wabo Sand Bar - A vibrant beachside cantina with bold Mexican flavors
  • SHOR - A refined oceanfront dining experience featuring fresh, locally-sourced modern coastal cuisine 
  • Lōrea - Elevated coastal cuisine with craft cocktails and amazing views 
  • Pacific Hideaway - A hidden gem with globally-inspired coastal flavors
  • Duke's - Classic seafood and Hawaiian vibes right by the pier, honoring the legendary Duke Kahanamoku
  • Sandy's Beach Shack - A casual oceanfront eatery serving up SoCal favorites, cold drinks, and unbeatable pier views
  • The Brant - A modern steakhouse with a cozy, upscale atmosphere and a focus on premium cuts and bold flavors
  • Bluegold - An elevated coastal dining experience featuring farm-to-table cuisine with a stunning oceanfront setting
  • Old Crow Smokehouse - A lively spot for slow-smoked BBQ, live music, and Southern-style comfort food
  • BLK Earth Sea Spirits - A second story steakhouse with stunning Pacific views, premium steaks, and fresh seafood
  • Jolie - A stylish and intimate French-inspired restaurant serving fresh coastal cuisine with second story views and a rooftop experience
  • Fred's Mexican Cafe - A Mexican eatery with bold flavors, refreshing margaritas, and oceanfront views from the patio
  • Bear Flag Fish Co. - One of the freshest seafood spots in Huntington Beach with views 
  • View all of our oceanfront dining options here - there are plenty to pick from!

Catch a Rooftop Sunset Over the Pacific Ocean

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A California sunset in HB is pure magic. Watching the sky light up in shades of pink, orange, and purple over the Pacific Ocean is an experience you won't forget. Slowly watching the sun disappear behind Catalina Island and the horizon is simply beautiful and breathtaking!

Spots for Rooftop Sunset Views:

  • Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge - The highest rooftop lounge in HB, offering craft cocktails, small bites, and unbeatable panoramic ocean views. 
  • Treehouse on PCH - A trendy rooftop bar with tropical vibes, handcrafted cocktails, and breathtaking sunset views. 
  • The Bungalow - Laid-back coastal vibes with oceanfront patio seating.

Local Tip: The sunset looks incredible no matter where you are in Huntington Beach!

Plan Your Trip to Surf City USA® Here!

Now that you know the 5 Musts when visiting Huntington Beach, it's time to start planning! From beach days to surf culture, delicious eats to breathtaking sunsets, there's something for everyone in Surf City USA®. 

Here are some additional pages to help plan your next visit!

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