What’s New in Surf City USA this Summer

This summer, there is even more reason to visit Huntington Beach, California. From the return of the world-famous US Open of Surfing and new beachfront dining destinations to live music, day parties and exciting entertainment concepts, Surf City USA® is buzzing with fresh experiences for visitors. Just a short hop from Los Angeles, Huntington Beach combines ten miles of iconic coastline with a vibrant calendar of events, making it the perfect destination for beach lovers, foodies, music fans and surfers alike. Whether catching world-class waves, discovering a new oceanfront restaurant, dancing to live music by the beach or simply soaking up the California sunshine, visitors will find plenty of reasons to experience Huntington Beach this summer.

The world's largest surf competition returns to Huntington Beach from 25 July to 2 August 2026 as the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico takes over the shores south of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. Free to attend, the event combines elite competition with a festival atmosphere, featuring the world's top surfers competing in both the World Surf League Longboard Tour and Challenger Series. Visitors can also enjoy live music, beachside food and drink, athlete signings, movie screenings, iHeart DJs, interactive brand experiences and family-friendly activities. Hosted in Surf City USA® since 1959, the US Open of Surfing remains one of California's most iconic sporting events, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world.

Independence Day in Huntington Beach is stacked with events and entertainment. On July 4, the daybegins with the Surf City 5k before the annual 122nd 4th of July parade moves through the streets ofdowntown. The day ends with a spectacular firework show over the ocean. The iconic Huntington BeachPier area will transform into a playground of fun, featuring a Ferris wheel and carnival games, returningafter years of absence.

This free event provides surf therapy for individuals with special needs. Harnessing the community’s passionate volunteers and watermen, A Walk on Water showcases the best of surf culture where athletes with disabilities can feel the thrill of being in the water while their families are fully supported and cared for.

Life Rolls On is an adaptive surfing event that empowers individuals with mobility challenges to ride thewaves with the help of volunteers and surf coaches. Created by Jesse Billauer, a former professional surfer and spinal cord injury survivor, the event is a moving tribute to resilience, inclusion, and community support.

 The World’s Only Honky Tonk on the Beach reopened in May with a new saloon bar area, a weekend Boot Scootin’ Brunch with line dancing and mimosas, live music every Saturday, and country cover band Redneck Rodeo every Sunday.

Celebrating its 10 years of music, memories and culture, Sea Legs on the Beach is going all out all season with an updated look in honour of America’s 250-year anniversary. Saturday’s start with a vibrant 80’sBeach Brunch and ends with live music. Sunday mornings are for Brunch with the Beatles, which eventually turns into Reggae Sundays with bands from the Cali Roots reggae scene.

Get Your Fizz Fix at The Kickstand Soda Shop

Coming to Downtown Huntington Beach is The Kickstand Soda Shop, a trendy take on the soda-fountain classic with a modern twist. Dirty sodas—sodas spiked with cream, flavoured syrups and citrus or fruit add-ins—have grown from regional novelty to nationwide buzz.

Brooklyn Beats Meet Surf City Sundays (every Sunday)

The Bungalow Huntington Beach, an Orange County social anchor, has begun a weekly daytime residency with Azure Day Party, the globally recognized rooftop house music series born in Brooklyn. Every Sunday, The Bungalow will bring Azure’s signature blend of house music, elevated hospitality and high- energy daylife culture to the Southern California coast.

Located in Pacific City, Little Sister blends bold Vietnamese and Southeast Asian street food influences with refined European touches, offering a vibrant menu designed for family-style sharing. Once tucked away as a speakeasy extension of the owner’s flagship concept, the restaurant has evolved into a standalone dining destination where guests can enjoy inventive new menu offerings, curated cocktails, wine selections and sweeping coastal views.

Now open on Pacific City’s upper-level deck with outdoor seating, sweeping ocean views, and a laid-back, yet energetic beachside atmosphere, The Lighthouse brings together legendary jazz, live music, nightlife, and coastal dining. The location will offer elevated coastal comfort food paired with a full bar program and happy hour. Originally founded in Hermosa Beach, California in 1949, The Lighthouse has hosted generations of legendary musicians like Miles Davis, Chet Baker and many more while gaining international recognition as a filming location for “La La Land.” The new Pacific City location will carry ona musical tradition with a regular lineup of live performances, including reggae, rock and cover bands aswell as its signature Sunday Jazz Brunch.