The Top 10 Things to Do in Huntington Beach, CA

At 1,856 feet, the Huntington Beach Pier is the longest recreational pier on the West Coast. The structure rises 30 feet above sea level, offering sublime views in both directions. For international visitors, a sunset walk is the most photographed experience in the city – and it costs nothing.

Time needed: 30–60 minutes.

Tip: The pier is open from 5am to midnight and free to access. To avoid large crowds, visit on a weekday outside the busy summer season.

Few cities in the world can claim waves as consistent as Huntington Beach. For first-time surfers, many surf schools operate directly on the beach. Corky Carroll’s Surf School – the original surf school in Huntington Beach – offers private and group lessons on the beach at Bolsa Chica State.

Time needed: 2–3 hours for a surf lesson.

Tip: Lessons include surfboard and wetsuit rental, so you don’t need to bring any equipment. Beginners should book in advance during peak summer months.

The Surfing Walk of Fame was founded in 1994 by Mike Abdelmuti, owner of Jack’s Surfboards – the OG surf shop that has anchored the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street since 1957. This stretch of engraved granite sidewalk pays permanent tribute to the sport’s defining figures. The annual induction ceremony takes place in conjunction with the US Open of Surfing each August – a free public event held directly in front of Jack’s Surfboards.

Time needed: 20–30 minutes estimated for a self-guided stroll.

Tip: The Surfing Walk of Fame is always open and free.

This non-profit is dedicated to preserving surfing culture. Founded in 1987, the museum houses Duke Kahanamoku’s personal surfboard – the person who popularised the modern sport of surfing – as well as a collection of vintage boards and iconic memorabilia.

Time needed: 45–75 minutes.

Tip: The International Surfing Museum has a new home in Downtown Huntington Beach as of July 2026. Now at 525 Main Street, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5pm, and is closed Mondays – though hours are seasonal, so checking is advised before travel. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

The Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail runs 8.4 miles along the Pacific Ocean waterfront, wide enough for families, skaters, joggers and cyclists of every ability. It’s the most adrenaline-fueled way to scope out the coastline. The trail connects at its southern end to the Santa Ana River Trail, which extends for about 30 uninterrupted miles inland for riders who want to push further.

Time needed: 1–3 hours depending on pace and distance.

Tip: There are plenty of places to rent bikes in Downtown HB – cruise in, grab a bike and the full coastal trail is immediately accessible.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest saltwater marsh along the California coast – a 1,300-acre wetland with five miles of trails showcasing nearly 200 resident and transient bird species that use the wetlands as a stopover along the Pacific Flyway. It’s a can’t-miss for birders and wildlife photographers, and one of the few places along the Southern California coast where the landscape still looks essentially pre-human.

Time needed: 1–2 hours.

Tip: Trails are open from sunrise to sunset every day. The best times for wildlife viewing are morning and early evening. Bring sun protection – there’s no shade on the main trail.

At more than 350 acres, Huntington Central Park is the largest city-owned park in Orange County. Far from a simple green space, the park features two lakes, a Shipley Nature Centre with 18 acres of native habitat, an equestrian centre, disc golf, four playgrounds, a dog park and miles of walking and cycling paths. The park also houses the Central Library – a destination in its own right.

Time needed: 1–2 hours.

Tip: Entry to the park is free. The park is roughly 2 miles inland from the pier – easily reached by bike via Downtown or by car. Dogs are welcome on leads in designated areas.

Every Tuesday evening, the first three blocks of Main Street close to traffic to become a lively street fair and certified farmers’ market, running 4:30pm–8:30pm. Over 90 vendor booths line the street with locally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, handcrafted goods, ceramics and clothing. Live music, children’s activities and Downtown restaurants make it the social anchor of the week for residents.

Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hours.

Tip: Main Street closes to traffic beginning around 2pm each Tuesday – if arriving by car, note that parked vehicles left after closure will be towed. Free 90-minute parking is available at the Main Promenade Parking Structure at 200 Main Street.

Pacific City opened in 2015 as a 31-acre oceanfront retail and dining precinct with more than 60 retailers. The precinct operates across three levels, with the upper deck offering some of the most panoramic Pacific views available without getting on the water. Many hotels are just steps from the sand and within walking distance of Downtown Huntington Beach.

Time needed: 1.5–3 hours.

Tip: Pacific City is open Monday–Friday 11am–7pm and Sunday 11am–6pm. Parking validation is available with qualifying purchases.

Huntington Beach has one of the most compelling annual events calendars of any beach city in the world. The US Open of Surfing – the world’s largest surf competition – features both the WSL Challenger Series and the WSL Longboard World Tour and is free and open to the public. In early October, the Pacific Airshow takes over Huntington City Beach for three days of aerobatic performances. In February, the Surf City Marathon brings thousands of runners to the coast for a race along the Pacific.

Time needed: Full day per event.

Tip: The 2026 Pacific Airshow takes place October 2–4, 2026 with free viewing areas available along the public beach.