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Huntington Beach, California – USA

Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City” a premier site of world class surfing and world famous since the 1960’s. Much of the surfing culture and trends started here and still evolve from here to this day. It has 8 ½ miles of pristine beaches and endless miles of jogging, biking, skating, and rollerblading trails although surfing is always the #1 recreation in this sunny mesa. Located in Orange County, Huntington Beach has some of the largest stretches of open sand beaches in all of California and is located at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway. Oceanfront front row seating at the boardwalk and Pier is abundant for the many concerts, events, craft fairs and cultural arts that are displayed so you can browse around all day in between surf sessions at the beach.

Visit the Pier

Huntington City Beach Pier has been a fixture for over 100 years since 1904. Open daily from 5:00 am to midnight it is the second most visited landmark in the community, the first being the beach itself.

Take a walk on the boardwalks and take in some shopping, maybe a restaurant or pub, stretch on the beach, or just take a stroll out onto the Pier. It is acclaimed to be one of the longest concrete piers in the world.

The Pier boasts a stretch of about 1854 feet into the Pacific Ocean and is complimented midway down the Pier with Tower Zero, a state of the art lifesaving center for professionals that captures a 360 degree view with round the clock powerful scope surveillance for Huntington Beach and the surrounding area beaches.

It is equipped daily with some of the most highly trained skilled lifeguards around that oversee the beach safety. Ranking with some of the top lifeguards in the nation on duty there, Tower Zero maintains a long and distinguished background history as a top premier rescue and resource center. At Tower Zero there is also useful information on wave conditions, water temps and more data available posted daily for their guests.

There is always a surf rental shop right at the boardwalk for your “let’s go, buy it when we get there” days and convenient for tourists as well.

Huntington Beach is a trendy spot that offers so many bars and restaurants on Main street that they are just too many to choose from, but we’ll start you off below with a few from our Insider Reports and guides…oh! a Starbucks too.

Peak season is from late May to early September with a short rainy season usually expected from January to March, interrupting the beautiful year round weather with temperatures averaging at about 67 degrees.

Get Home Safe

Crime in this large city is very low and violent crime is even more rare. What to fear here is the strict DUI enforcement and that the Huntington Beach police are known to hold a vigilant reputation with no tolerance for, so just call a friend or a cab to avoid the hassles and have a good time.

While you are there only a jump on a train will take you from Huntington Beach to downtown Los Angeles or San Diego. And if you are driving just go North on Beach Boulevard and then East on Katella Avenue and you’ll be in Disneyland!

Of course you can always access our Search by GPS maps right here at Surfspots-GPS and we’ll help you find it.

Only 125 miles or so from the Mexican Border, Southern California as you can now imagine has lots to see and do in all different directions.

Hazards and Health

There are not many dangers outside of the norm in Huntington Beach. This is a trendy laid back low crime area with an outdoor recreation plate that is full of sun filled days and warm breezy nights.

Although,if you do venture away into the deserts and mountains of Southern California, there are some things you should be aware of. Never leave any pets unattended outside after dark and keep all food securely wrapped.In the night is when the animals come out and are a threat, and most probably not a match for any domestic pet, or you for that matter either.

There are mountain lions and bears, rattlesnakes (and alot of their cousins), bobcats, even rare, ocassional sightings of a black panther have been spotted, (or a large house cat), deadly scorpions, road runners, fox, tarantula, coyotes, and many more poisonous insects and animals that are known to come looking for a quick meal.

No worry in trendy Huntington Beach.

Airports

Huntington Beach in Orange County is served by John Wayne Airport found in Santa Ana.

Long Beach Airport is also within close distance but has limited service from several carriers.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport in the area.

Stop By and See

International Surfing Museum

Surfing Hall of Fame

Bolsa Chica Wetlands is the largest unspoiled coastal wetlands in California where many migrating exotic birds stop in to nest.

*Note:
The information links we provide may change at any time. To be safe and stay current please confirm with any of the individual sources listed prior to enlisting any services.

If you find any informational updates and would like to let us know just drop us a line and Contact Us, we welcome all update notification to help keep us cutting edge current!

Know before you go and check out MD Travel Health for the latest complete travel health information, updated daily for physicians and travelers.

Good Eats, Restaurants & Pubs

⇔Insider Reports on Some Hot Spots…

Don’t worry about Surf City USA blowing your budget. The Main Street stroll offers plenty of cheap eats and a wide variety of simply affordable great food of every cuisine. The dining scene restaurant row has fast become a destination known as California’s Riviera. Huntington Beach is known for its casual surfer friendly policies at most of the local surf shops and restaurants and will accommodate for wet sandy feet and make room for surfboard parking.

Sugar Shack Café - Famous in Huntington Beach for great breakfasts & amazing super low prices, well known and a favorite with the locals ~ Located at 213 Main Street ~ 714-536-0355

Ruby’s Huntington Beach Pier – Ruby’s offers gorgeous views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean along with some great hamburgers and signature milkshakes. Stunning scenes of Catalina Island come free with your meal ~ Located at 1 Main Street (at the very end of the Huntington Beach Pier) ~ 714-969-Rubys

Longboard Restaurant & Pub – Delicious menu with appetizers that are hard to beat is the oldest remaining building in the city ~ Located at 217 Main Street ~ 714-960-1896

Fred’s Mexican Café – Great Mexican food and a great view, what could be better and another favorite with the locals ~ Located at 300 Pacific Coast Highway ~ 714-374-Taco

Duke’s Huntington Beach – Duke’s commands prime real estate views at the Pier with the fresh catch of the day, chicken, appetizers, cocktails and a tasty steak selection on a consistent basis ~ Located at 317 Pacific Coast Highway ~ 714-374-6446

Na Ka Oi Restaurant & Pub – Hawaiian food and very tasty when you want a special flair. Worth mentioning is that they also own a coffee plantation on the Hawaiian Islands importing in their own strong robust rich flavored coffee beans for the beverages they serve ~ Located at 215 Main Street ~ 714-960-8300

Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ – One of the best in the region, finger lickin’ chicken, ribs, bbq beef, and shredded pork sandwiches with warm sweet & tangy sauces to compliment all their dishes, combo plates with sides or just grab a sandwich ~ Located at 301 Main Street ~ 714- 374-3033

Surf Shops ~ so what’s nearby?

⇔Insider Reports with the Area Scoop…

Downtown Huntington Beach

Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway (714-969-3492) is the downtown shopping area hub that lies directly across from the Huntington Beach Pier. This is where it’s all happening with cutting edge surf culture trends beaming out from over 50 shops and boutiques with plenty of sidewalk cafés lining the streets. Parking is plentiful in Downtown Huntington Beach and conveniently they provide several inexpensive public parking garages and metered parking on the street at $1.50 an hour. A short walk to the boardwalk, beach or the Pier and you’re there.

It’s always easy there…pretty sweet.

Huntington Surf and Sport – Surf accessories and apparel ~ Located at 300 Pacific Coast Highway (Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street) ~ 714-841-4000

5th Street Surf Shop – Just one block off Main Street this surf shop has a wide variety of new or pre-owned surfboards and well known wetsuit brands for any budget, ask for Tom ~ Located at 217 5^th Street ~ 714-969-8930

5 Points Plaza – Located at 18593 Main Street (at Beach Boulevard) 5 Points Plaza is regularly chosen as the #1 most popular Huntington Beach shopping center featuring stores including Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Gap, Aerosoles, Nine west and many more. The Hashigo Sushi Bar has received rave reviews so grab a snack ~ 714-841-0036

Jack’s Surfboards – One of Orange County’s premier surf shops around since 1957, Jack is celebrating over 50 years of surfing.Located at 101 Main Street ~ Store hours are 8am to 10pm Monday through Sunday, Huntington Beach ~ 714-536-4516. More locations include Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and Irvine is coming soon…he’s got Cali covered.

Jack’s Girls – Right down the block at 111 Main Street ~ Store hours are 9am – 9pm Monday through Sunday. Full line of women’s beach styles, active wear & accessories ~ 714-536-2563

The Strand – Scheduled Opening 2008, new commercial project construction of about 100,000 square feet for retail, restaurants and office space. Located at 100 Block of 5^th Street ~ 323-860-4900

Bella Terra – Surf City Style and inspired by the Tuscan villages in Italy, designed with cobblestone walkways, stone seating and a multiplex theatre with the grand dramatic scales of an Italian village. Enjoy the dining, outdoor lounge areas, and over 70 stores for the ultimate in shopping. Store hours are 10am – 9pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 11am – 6pm. Located at 7777 Edinger Avenue (San Diego Freeway {405} at Beach Boulevard) ~ 714-897-2533

Old World Village – A charming and a unique shopping experience in this old world European setting is where German is the frequent lingo. Designed in authentic Bavarian style with red cobblestone walkways Old World Village has gorgeous buildings with murals that mirror regions of Europe that can make you feel like you are in another country. Homes are nestled above the bakeries, shops, and restaurants and they throw a yearly 6 week Oktoberfest event that promises to be the best ever this year with a live band from Germany to kick off the festival season. Great food and a lot of fun, stop down at 7561 Center Avenue ~ 714-895-8020 or 714-898-3033

Surf Schools

HB Wahine Surfing School - All girls surf school with experienced female surf instructors, lessons, camps and instruction ~ 714-969-9399

Corky Carroll’s Surf School – Learn to surf, Corky offers private or group lessons weekly. Located at 624 20^th Street, Huntington Beach & in Costa Rica ~ 714-969-3959

Huntington Beach Surfing Instruction – Official website for the City of Huntington Beach. Lifeguard-staffed offering all level of specialized training and rescue instruction. Call for more information.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Resorts

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
All amenities are available.
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
714-698-1234

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
All amenities are available. This is a 100% non-smoking hotel.
21100 Pacific Coast Highway
714-845-8000

 

Best Western Huntington Beach Inn
2 star convenience with great views…
With the beach right across the street, this is the closest hotel to Downtown Main Street and all the Huntington Beach Pier activities. Ocean view rooms & suites with an upper deck Jacuzzi.
800 Pacific Coast Highway
714-536-7500

Close to the Beach…

Clean, affordable and all just a few blocks within walking distance to the beach.

Comfort Suites
2 ½ star
16301 Beach Boulevard
714-841-1812

Howard Johnson Express Inn
2 star
17251 Beach Boulevard
714-375-0250

Oceanview Motel
2 star with partial ocean room views.
16196 Pacific Coast Highway
714-536-8962

*There are no Hostels listed in this area.

Nightlife after Dark

Sand, sun and surf dominate the days but the nights are just as hot with sizzling restaurants, live music, bar hopping, and a lot of social laid back wining and dining is happening in Downtown Main Street.

⇔ Insider’s Reporting from right out on the surf scene….

Duke’s Huntington Beach – Open day and night at the Pier with an out of this world menu set in Hawaiian ambiance. Relax with oceanfront views, exotic cocktails and try out the Duke’s Barefoot Bar but sandals are required ~ in the heart of the Main Street district.
317 Pacific Coast Highway
714-374-6446

Perqs Nightclub – Right across the street from the Huntington Beach Pier, is one of the oldest Rock & Blues buildings housed in Huntington Beach and features some of the hottest bands in Southern California.
Hours are Monday through Sunday 11am-2pm.
Thursdays: Open Jam Night starts 8pm
Friday & Saturday: Live Band starts at 9pm
117 Main Street
714-960-9996

Crabby’s Boathouse – Another local favorite, Crabby’s dishes out loads of mussels, oysters, clams, their own homemade clam chowder and of course lots of crab, or you can grab an occasional steak there too when you are in the mood…delicious menu.
Hours are 12noon-2pm every day.
200 Main Street
714-969-3772

Sharkeez Sports Grill –Indoor and outdoor patio seating overlooking Main Street. Almost any sport can be viewed that is being broadcast live on 20 high quality TV and plasma screens, with a sophisticated overhead LED lighting system consistently changing the ambiance and cool lighting effects of the bar, tasty menu.
211 Main Street
714-960-5282

Gallagher’s Pub & Grill – Irish pub sports bar with live music almost every night and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Firm up the dates and times online on their monthly entertainment calendar.
300 Pacific Coast Highway
714-536-2422

Aloha Grill - Hawaiian specialty sandwiches, fresh fish and tropical drinks make this hot spot a favorite for locals and visitors. Live Music: Hawaiian, Classic Rock and Reggae. (website experiencing difficulties yet worth a trip)
221 Main Street
714-374-4427

Hyatt Regency HB Resort & Spa – Winter Jazz Series, for reservations call first and ask for the “jazz rate”.
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
714-698-1234

Habana Cabana – A leader in Orange County serving top shelf Cuban dishes with a cuisine inspired from Spain.
18552 Beach Boulevard
714-968-1133

Baci Restaurant – Dining here is like eating in an Italian villa. A local’s favorite known for its superb authentic menu and an extensive wine list, worth a stop here to savoir a good meal. Baci means kiss in Italian!
18748 Beach Boulevard
714-965-1194

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