20 Best Things To Do in Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, California, is known as Surf City USA for good reasons. Located along the Pacific Coast in Orange County, the city is famous for its wide sandy beaches, consistent surf, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. Visitors come here to ride the waves, bike along the beachfront path, walk the iconic pier, and enjoy the area’s mild year-round climate.
Beyond the beach, Huntington Beach offers parks, shopping districts, museums, food spots, and outdoor activities for all ages. This guide covers the 20 best things to do in Huntington Beach to help you experience the city at its best.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve covers about 1,300 acres and is one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in Southern California. Visitors can walk along flat, well-marked dirt trails and enjoy excellent birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Informational signs explain the local wildlife and plant life. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed inside the reserve.
International Surfing Museum
Located on Main Street, the International Surfing Museum showcases the history of surfing with historic boards, photographs, and memorabilia. The museum highlights Huntington Beach’s role in surf culture and honors surfing legends, including Duke Kahanamoku. It’s a small museum, but well worth a visit and easy to explore in under an hour.
Huntington Beach Pier
The Huntington Beach Pier stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the longest piers on the West Coast. It’s open daily for walking, sightseeing, fishing (no license required), and photography. The area around the pier is a major surfing hub, and sunsets here are especially impressive. Restaurants and shops sit right at the pier entrance in downtown Huntington Beach.
Pacific City
Pacific City is a modern oceanfront shopping and dining complex directly across from the beach. You can dine with ocean views, browse boutique shops, or relax in the outdoor seating areas while watching surfers below. The complex also features a movie theater and convenient parking garages.
Huntington State Beach
Managed by California State Parks, Huntington State Beach runs along Pacific Coast Highway and is ideal for swimming, surfing, volleyball, and biking. The beach has fire pits, restrooms, showers, and seasonal lifeguards. Parking requires a fee, and the beach often hosts major surfing competitions.
Old World Village
Old World Village is a Bavarian-style shopping and dining complex with European-inspired architecture, bakeries, specialty shops, and German restaurants. The village hosts festivals throughout the year, including a popular Oktoberfest with live music and cultural events.
Huntington Beach Art Center
Located in downtown, the Huntington Beach Art Center focuses on contemporary art and features rotating exhibitions by local and national artists. Admission is typically free, and the center also offers workshops, classes, and artist talks.
Huntington Beach Central Park East
Part of the massive Central Park complex, this area offers lakes, walking paths, picnic areas, open fields, playgrounds, and wildlife viewing. It’s one of the largest city parks in Orange County and is ideal for walking, jogging, and relaxing outdoors.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Just north of the pier, Bolsa Chica State Beach is popular for surfing, fishing, biking, and beach bonfires. It’s usually less crowded than city beaches and has seasonal lifeguards. Parking fees apply.
Shipley Nature Center
Located inside Central Park, Shipley Nature Center focuses on native Southern California plants and ecosystems. Walking paths, interpretive signs, educational programs, and a small gift shop make it a great stop for families and nature lovers.
Newland House Museum
Built in 1898, the Newland House Museum is the oldest surviving residence in Huntington Beach. Operated by the Huntington Beach Historical Society, it offers guided tours showcasing period furnishings and early local history. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is one of California’s original off-leash dog beaches. Dogs are allowed year-round under voice control. The beach is wide and free to access, though there are no restrooms directly on the sand.
Surf City Nights Street Fair & Farmers Market
Held every Tuesday evening on Main Street, Surf City Nights features food vendors, local produce, live music, street performers, and late-night shopping. Admission is free.
Bella Terra
Bella Terra is a large outdoor shopping and entertainment center near the 405 Freeway. It features shops, restaurants, cafes, fitness studios, and a movie theater. Parking is free, and the center hosts regular events.
Huntington Beach Central Library
Located in Central Park, the Huntington Beach Central Library is a modern facility with a distinctive glass pyramid roof. It offers books, media, public computers, art exhibits, and community events.
The Reptile Zoo
The Reptile Zoo is a small indoor zoo focused on reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Visits include educational programs and live demonstrations, and admission supports conservation education.
Wheel Fun Rentals (On the Strand)
Located along the beachfront path, Wheel Fun Rentals offers bikes and surrey rentals for individuals and groups. The path is flat, paved, and ideal for a scenic coastal ride.
Go Whale Watching
Seasonal whale-watching tours depart from nearby harbors. Depending on the time of year, you may see gray whales, blue whales, and dolphins. Tours last a few hours and are weather-dependent.
Sugar Shack Café
A longtime local favorite near the pier, Sugar Shack Café serves classic breakfasts like pancakes, omelets, burritos, and eggs with bacon. The surf-themed décor and generous portions make it a must-visit breakfast spot.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s serves freshly made ice cream with rotating and seasonal flavors. It’s primarily take-out and is a great stop for dessert after a day at the beach.
Make the most of your Surf City USA trip—book at Starlight Inn today!
