Photo Credits: Joe Katchka
The question in Huntington Beach, Calif., will never be what to snap a photo of — but what not to shoot! There’s a reason the quality of life ranks high in this seaside resort. Its 10-mile beach toasts under lots of sunshine and 85-degree days, which attracts swarms of fun lovers and sun lovers. Locals boast of having an “endless summer.” With an average of 281 sunny days each year, it’s a hard point to argue.
Huntington Beach is known for having some of the best surf breaks anywhere and began attracting the surfing crowd long before the Beach Boys were in shorts. The visitor's bureau touts the town as Surf City USA! Plus, the endless beaches are perfect for play, swimming, or just perfecting that summer tan. You might even get a glimpse of whales and dolphins frolicking! No wonder the town draws praise from international media — Best California Beach (USA Today), Top 10 Happiest Cities in America (Wallethub) Ultimate Beach (The Telegraph). The list goes on.
With so much going on, how do you decide what photos to use on your Instagram page? If you choose the pics, we’ll suggest the best places to take them.
Photo Credits: Joe Katchka
The Huntington Beach Pier. This is a must-see. The Huntington Beach Pier begins on Main Street and stretches into the ocean. Day and night, it lures tourists, strollers, and fishermen. No visit to Huntington Beach is complete without a walk and a few pictures. If the pier looks familiar, that’s because it’s been featured in TV shows like 90210, The X-Factor, and The Real Housewives of Orange County. The Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier offers mid-stroll refreshment.
The Beaches. Huntington Beach actually has five beaches — Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Sunset Beach, and Huntington Dog Beach. That’s right — dog beach! It’s a place for four-legged beachcombers to run free. Visit in late September and catch boxers riding boards and wirehairs doing wipeouts at the Surf City Surf Dog competition, a late-September annual event. Or maybe the Corgi Beach Pawties are more your style. By the way, doggie waste bags are available.
Photo credits: Jennifer Herron
The Sports. Surfing began at Huntington Beach more than 100 years ago. Competitions are regular fare at Huntington Beach, and world surfing championships are held here each summer. It’s also the home to more Association of Volleyball Professionals major tournaments than any other location. Competitors often include Olympic medalists. Talk about video ops!
The Museums. Most towns have museums, but how many can claim to have a surfing museum? Huntington Beach has three! Visit the International Surfing Museum, the Surfing Hall of Fame, and the Surfing Walk of Fame.
The Shopping. Downtown Huntington Beach and 5th & PCH are colorful places to shop, browse, or just stroll and snap. All things surfing are in abundance, as well as restaurants that overlook the ocean. Trivia note: Although closed now, The Golden Bear nightclub was once the spot and featured live music by the likes of Janis Joplin, BB King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Photo credits: @wlovefrombella
The Ecological Reserve. If your tastes are more serene, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers a place to commune with nature. The huge saltwater marsh has a boardwalk for visitors and miles of trails for hikers, runners, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Binoculars and cameras are welcome.
For sand, sea, and sun, few places rival Huntington Beach as an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also a mecca for shutterbugs who want to share a remarkable experience with friends — and maybe make them a little envious!
Photo Credits: Craig Larson
