Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is located in Orange County, California, between Los Angeles and San Diego. The city is named after railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington, who helped bring the Pacific Electric Railway to the area. Today, Huntington Beach is world-famous for its surfing culture, stunning beaches, events like the US Open of Surfing, vibrant shopping districts, diverse food scene, lively nightlife, and sweeping ocean views.

From the expansive Huntington Beach Central Park and the Bavarian-inspired Old World Village to the International Surfing Museum and the legendary Huntington Beach Pier—among the longest on the West Coast—the city delivers a wide mix of experiences for every kind of traveler.

Planning to spend 48 hours in Huntington Beach and not sure where to start? This carefully crafted itinerary covers the best attractions, dining spots, and experiences to help you make the most of your stay.

Start your first day with breakfast at Park Bench Café, located in the heart of Huntington Beach Central Park. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, walking trails, and open green spaces, it offers a peaceful outdoor dining experience.

The menu includes French toast triangles, Denver and Mexican omelets, breakfast burritos, smoked salmon Benedict, eggs Benedict, brisket sandwiches, the Morning Cristo, and the hearty farm breakfast. With its relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and scenic setting, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors.

After breakfast, explore Huntington Beach Central Park, a 356-acre park and one of the largest city-owned parks in Orange County. The park features lakes, gardens, open lawns, paved walking paths, a disc golf course, equestrian trails, and an 18-acre nature center.

It also houses the Huntington Beach Central Library, a striking four-story building that includes art galleries, meeting rooms, a theater, and exhibition spaces. The park’s playgrounds, including a large modern play structure for children, make it a great stop for families as well.

Begin your afternoon at Old World Village, a Bavarian-style shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that has welcomed visitors since 1978. With cobblestone walkways, red-tiled roofs, murals, and traditional music, it feels like stepping into a small European town.

Have lunch at the famous Old World Biergarten, known for sausages, schnitzel, sauerbraten, pretzels, pork shank, rouladen, and German potato salad, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enjoy live music and a German beer or classic cocktail.

After lunch, stop by the German deli and bakery for apple strudel or Black Forest cake.

Next, head to the International Surfing Museum in downtown Huntington Beach. The museum showcases the city’s rich surf heritage with historic surfboards, photographs, memorabilia, and films.

Highlights include exhibits honoring Duke Kahanamoku, who helped popularize surfing worldwide, as well as the world’s largest surfboard. It’s one of the best places to understand the past, present, and future of surfing culture.

Spend the early evening exploring The Strand, a lively oceanfront shopping and dining area near 5th Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy ocean views while browsing surf shops and boutiques.

For dinner, try Primecut Taqueria for wood-grilled meats or HQ Gastropub for burgers, sushi, and craft cocktails. End the evening with live music and wine at Brightwater Wine Bar.

Wrap up your first day at Pacific City, a modern oceanfront shopping and dining destination that opened in 2015. Stroll the boardwalk, browse over 60 shops, catch live music, or grab dessert. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with sunset views over the Pacific.

Start day two at the iconic Sugar Shack Café, a longtime local favorite near Main Street. The walls are decorated with surf memorabilia, and the menu features classic American breakfasts: eggs and bacon, pancakes, French toast, omelets, breakfast burritos, and pork chops with eggs.

Their Main Street Burrito is especially popular.

Next, visit the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park, a 20-acre zoo focused on animals from Central and South America. You’ll see monkeys, otters, birds, reptiles, anteaters, and more. Don’t miss the walk-through aviary and the Conservation Carousel.

Enjoy lunch at Capone’s Italian Cucina, a family-run Italian restaurant on Beach Boulevard. Favorites include bruschetta, Caprese salad, homemade gnocchi, penne alla vodka, spaghetti Bolognese, pizzas, panini, and seafood dishes like salmon limone and linguine vongole.

Head to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, which stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean and is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Enjoy ocean views, watch surfers, take photos, or stroll along the beach and nearby shops.

End your trip with dinner at The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar, located near the pier. The menu includes fish and chips, fried chicken, steaks, salmon, and mahi-mahi, paired with a strong selection of California craft beers.

Book your stay at Starlight Inn Huntington Beach and enjoy Surf City at its best.