Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the City of Huntington Beach has been long known for its 8.5 miles of beautiful beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing.
The Surf City boasts endless summer weather, offering relaxation, year-round oceanfront dining, and plenty of outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Huntington Beach, CA. If you have never been to this city and are planning an upcoming trip, here are our top five recommendations.
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Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a 3-mile-long wide sandy beach in Huntington Beach. Bonfire, volleyball, sunbathing, and surfing are some of the activities to enjoy at this beach. It is also a popular spot for surf fishing for perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon, and sand shark.
This beachfront state park stretches across the Pacific coastline and boasts a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The sandbar allows you to walk far out into the ocean without getting into deep water.
A bikeway connects Bolsa Chica State Beach with Huntington State Beach, seven miles south. Across the road from the beach is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, making it a unique destination that offers both water sports activities and nature exploration.
There are about 200 bonfire pits at the beach to keep you warm and enjoy toasting up some S’mores in the cooler evening hours. Concessions include a snack shop, showers, and BBQ.
Conveniently outside the gate of the park, you’ll find Jack in the Box, Super Mex, and Tsunami Sushi.
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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER), the largest saltwater marsh along the coast of California, is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Spanning nearly 1,500 acres, this coastal estuary features several habitats, including open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh.
Hike along the 5-mile trails and discover the diverse wildlife at the reserve, from coyotes, squirrels, and rabbits to black widows, rattlesnakes, fish, and ducks.
One of the popular trails is the Inner Bolsa Bay Loop Trail, a flat, 1.6-mile loop walk that includes a walk across the footbridge, a great spot for taking photos. The trail also offers a view of Rabbit Island, which is not accessible by people.
Ranked as one of the best birding sites in the state, the reserve is home to nearly 200 resident and transient bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway and over 100 plants and trees.
Visit the Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center. Aside from the exhibits, you can take a free guided tour to the local birds. The tour is a great way to learn about the birds that are currently migrating through the area, which changes frequently.
You can also explore the surrounding area, like the Bolsa Chica State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park. The Bolsa Chica State Beach is located just across the street. It’s a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, playing in the sand, walking, and camping.
The Crystal Cove State Park is a fantastic space for hiking in the hills, camping, and exploring tide pools along the coastline. Crystal Cove offers sand and surf, rocky reefs, ridges and canyons, and numerous recreational opportunities.
Huntington Beach Farmers' Market
Every Tuesday, Surf City Nights turns Main Street into one of the country’s best neighborhood farmers markets, a buzzing hub filled with the best vendors and artisans from around Southern California.
Explore the many great offerings from local merchants as you stroll along Main Street and listen to live music. Huntington Beach Farmer’s Market also offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Make sure to check out the seasonal fruits, hand-cut flowers, local honey, gourmet spices, baked goods, handcrafted items, and other offerings from local merchants. Then, head over to the eateries in downtown Huntington Beach for more gastronomic adventures.
The market is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the winter months.
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International Surfing Museum
The International Surfing Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of surfing culture worldwide. It offers an entertaining stop for surf culture enthusiasts.
The front of this small museum showcases the world’s biggest surfboard, according to the Guinness World Records and features some of the finest collectibles from the storied history of one of California’s favorite sports.
The museum offers a comprehensive look at the sport’s history and its most influential figures through various exhibits and activities. Visitors can explore the sport’s history with photos, vintage surfboards, movie memorabilia, and surf music.
Aside from displays of historic surfboards, information about legendary surfers, and screenings of classic surf films, chatting with the all-volunteer staff will give you the best historical tidbits!
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Huntington Central Park
And last but definitely not the least – Huntington Central Park. Huntington Beach is home to Orange County’s largest city-owned and administered park, which spans 356 acres and includes both Huntington Central Park West and Huntington Central Park East.
Huntington Central Park East features the following amenities:
- Huntington Beach Central Library
- Library Theater
- Adventure Playground
- Sports Complex
- Park Bench Café
- Talbert Lake
- Secret Garden
- Natural Amphitheater
- Bandstand
- Picnic Tables and Grills
- Exercise Course
- Winding Pathways
The facilities in Huntington Central Park West include:
- Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center
- Disc Golf Course
- Lake Huntington
- Kathy May’s Lakeview Café
- Shipley Nature Center
- Senior Center
- A Dog Park
- A Rentable Covered Picnic Shelter
The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center is one of Southern California’s best equestrian facilities. It has almost 400 horses, with various trainers and venues. Horseback riding rentals are available, and you can enjoy a 30-minute or 1-hour trail ride around the gorgeous park.
Huntington Central Park happens to have Orange County’s only disc golf course! The course is perfect for a traditional 18-hole game of golf, starting on a mountaintop and winding across farmland and Lake Huntington.
Huntington Central Park also hosts a variety of activities, concerts, and special events year-round, including The Revolution, Easter Hunt, Family Fun Day, and the Taste of Huntington Beach.
Conclusion
There you have it – the best things to do in Huntington Beach in your upcoming visit to the Surf City!
If you’d like to know more about this location and maybe even want to explore the homes in the area, give me a call at 714 875-7029. You can also send me an email at john.garcia@camoves.com for any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Huntington Beach?
The best time to visit Huntington Beach is during the autumn months, between September and November. During this time, you get to enjoy warm weather without the peak season’s thick crowds and high accommodation prices.
Are there any dog-friendly restaurants in Huntington Beach?
Yes, Huntington Beach has dog-friendly restaurants, including Fred’s Mexican Grill, Pacific Hideaway, Kathy May’s Lakeview Café, Park Bench Café, Sandy’s Beach Shack, and Cruisers Huntington Beach.
Are there any free activities in Huntington Beach?
There are tons of free activities in Huntington Beach, such as going to the beach, spending an evening around a beach bonfire, going fishing at the Huntington Beach Pier, going on a free tour at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, sampling local fresh fruits at the Certified Farmers Market on Friday afternoons, and taking your dog to Huntington Dog Beach.
Is Huntington Beach suitable for families?
Yes, Huntington Beach is a great place to spend a vacation with your kids, with attractions like Shipley Nature Center and Blackbird Pond, Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park, Seabridge Park, and Bauer Park offering fun activities to enjoy with the entire family.
