Huntington Beach Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Huntington Beach with our travel guide. Read more for a memorable trip.


Introduction to Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, located in Beach Cities, Orange County, Southern California, is considered one of the best vacation destinations in the United States of America. This vibrant coastal city offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to all types of travelers, from outdoor enthusiasts to culture seekers and food lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has a diverse range of attractions that will keep you engaged throughout your trip. Below are some must-visit places in Huntington Beach:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum - Showcasing the history of surfing and surf culture, this museum has a collection of surfboards and memorabilia.
  • Old World Village - A German-themed shopping center and cultural center, Old World Village worth a visit to experience the German cuisine and beer.
  • Huntington Beach Art Center - Located in the heart of downtown Huntington Beach, the Art Center showcases local and regional contemporary art exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Huntington Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Huntington Beach State Park - One of the most popular state parks in California, it offers stunning views of the coastline and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, surfing, fishing, and swimming.
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - An excellent place for bird watching and nature tours, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a coastal wetland that hosts several species of birds and fish.
  • Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street - The iconic pier stretching 1850 feet over the Pacific, combined with the vibrant Main St. area, offers breathtaking views of the coastline and excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife options.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has a range of hiking/biking routes that let you explore scenic views and natural wonders. Below are some of the popular ones:

  • Santa Ana River Trail - A 110-mile-long trail goes through Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties that allow you to see the natural beauty of the region.
  • Huntington Beach Boardwalk - A 10-mile-long boardwalk with well-lit and beautiful scenery for you to explore by a bike.
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - The reserve has miles of trails available for hiking and biking through wetlands and wildlife habitat.

Best Things to Do in Huntington Beach: Activities and Tours

Huntington Beach offers an array of activities and tours, including water sports, cultural tours, and nature walks. Below are some of the must-try activities and tours to ensure a memorable trip:

  • Surfing Lessons - As a hub of surf culture, Huntington Beach has several surf schools and surf camps that offer surfing lessons. Take a lesson to ride the waves like a pro.
  • Sunset Gondola Tour - Witness the stunning sunset views while cruising through Huntington Harbor on a gondola ride.
  • Helicopter Tours - Get a bird’s eye view of the coastline and the city by taking a helicopter tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huntington Beach

To make the most out of your Huntington Beach trip, a week-long itinerary will be perfect. You can follow the below table for an idea of how to plan your trip.

Day Activity
Day 1 Surfing lessons
Day 2 Visit Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum and enjoy the city’s nightlife at Main St.
Day 3 Take the Sunset Gondola Tour and explore Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Day 4 Downtown Huntington Beach Art Walk and shopping at Pacific City
Day 5 Trip to Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm
Day 6 Nature walk at Huntington Beach State Park and a bike ride on the boardwalk
Day 7 Visit Old World Village and enjoy the German cuisine and beer

Food and Drink Scene of Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach offers a vast range of food options, from Mexican street food to classic American burgers and seafood. Below are some must-try dishes and local beverages to complete your culinary experience:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Tacos - A local specialty, fish tacos are a must-try dish in Huntington Beach.
  • Burgers at TK Burgers - TK Burgers is a popular eatery in the city, where you can enjoy classic American burgers.
  • Enchiladas at Mario’s Mexican Restaurant - An iconic Mexican restaurant in the city, Mario’s serves authentic taste.

Local Beverages

  • Golden Road Brewery - Offers a range of quality craft beers and delicious food.
  • Hurricanes Bar and Grill - One of the oldest and popular bars in the city, Hurricanes Bar and Grill, offers signature cocktails and spirits.

Where to Stay in Huntington Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Huntington Beach has a range of accommodation options that suit different budgets and interests. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, there are many options you can choose during your stay in the city. Below are some options to consider:

  • Pasea Hotel and Spa - A beachfront luxury hotel featuring a spa, fitness center, and ocean view rooms.
  • Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa - A family-friendly resort offering a range of activities, including water sports, tennis, and a spa.
  • Surf City Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel located on Main St. catering to backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Huntington Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options in Huntington Beach. Below are some of the must-buy souvenirs and local products:

  • Surfboard - With its rich surf culture, Huntington Beach is an ideal place to buy a surfboard or surfing gear.
  • Vintage Clothing - You can find a range of vintage shops on Main St. where you can buy unique and classic clothing items.
  • California Memorabilia - California-themed souvenirs, such as t-shirts, magnets, and keychains are popular among tourists.

Local Culture and Customs of Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach takes pride in its surf culture, and surfers are regarded as celebrities in the city. People in Huntington Beach are laid-back and friendly, and the city has a relaxed and casual vibe. Cultural events and festivals happen throughout the year, including the annual Surf City USA Marathon, U.S. Open of Surfing, and Pacific Airshow.

Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach

The ideal time to visit Huntington Beach is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, if you are looking for a summer vacation, June to August are the most popular months to visit, with the warmest weather and plenty of outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huntington Beach

Below are some important Do’s and Don’ts you should know before visiting Huntington Beach:

Do:

  • Respect the beach and the ocean and follow the safety rules and regulations.
  • Explore Huntington Beach’s surf culture and try surfing lessons or rent a surfboard.
  • Take a sunset gondola ride for a romantic evening with your loved one.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach - Keep Huntington Beach clean and beautiful.
  • Bring alcohol on the beach - Drinking alcohol is not allowed on the beach.
  • Leave your belongings unattended - Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is generally a safe place to visit, but like any other tourist destination, it is important to keep your belongings safe and be aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure to follow safety rules when engaging in ocean activities such as swimming and surfing.

Health in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has several medical facilities and hospitals to cater to your medical needs. It is important to check with your healthcare provider before your trip and obtain appropriate vaccinations if necessary.

Getting to Huntington Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Huntington Beach can be easily accessed via various modes of transportation. Below are some options for getting to Huntington Beach:

Airports Near Huntington Beach

  • John Wayne Airport - Located about 10 miles from the city center, John Wayne Airport is the closest airport to Huntington Beach.
  • Los Angeles International Airport - The busiest airport in the region, Los Angeles International Airport is about 35 miles from Huntington Beach.

Bus Stations Near Huntington Beach

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - Greyhound Bus Lines has a station in Santa Ana, located about 10 miles from Huntington Beach.

Other Options

  • Driving - If you are traveling from nearby cities, driving is a popular option. The city is accessible via major highways such as the I-5 and the 405 freeway.
  • Ride Sharing - Uber and Lyft are available in Huntington Beach and a convenient option for getting around the area.

How to Get Around in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a walkable city, but there are also several options for getting around:

  • Bike Rentals - Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.
  • Ride Sharing - Uber and Lyft are available in Huntington Beach and a convenient option for getting around the area.
  • Public Transportation - The city offers public transportation options such as buses and shuttles for getting around the city.

Where to Go Next from Huntington Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Huntington Beach serves as an excellent hub for exploring nearby attractions and cities. Some of the popular places to visit near Huntington Beach are:

  • Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure - Located in Anaheim, about 10 miles from Huntington Beach.
  • Knott’s Berry Farm - A popular theme park located in Buena Park, about 12 miles from Huntington Beach.
  • Newport Beach - A neighboring city known for its upscale dining and shopping options, as well as scenic harbor tours.

Conclusion

Huntington Beach is an excellent vacation destination offering a range of attractions and activities that cater to all types of travelers. With its laid-back vibe and vibrant culture, Huntington Beach will leave an impression on you that you will remember for years to come.