Celebrate California Surfing Day in Surf City USA®

Surfing isn’t just something visitors can do in Surf City USA®, it is deep-rooted into the laid-back, luxury vibe of this breathtaking coastal city. Surfing was declared the official state sport of California in 2018 and 20th September named California Surfing Day. Visitors can celebrate California Surfing Day (Saturday, 20th September 2025) in Huntington Beach and enjoy Surf City USA®’s world-famous surf culture throughout September, joining thousands of local surfers as they honour the city’s unique surfing history, culture and the future, looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in neighbouring Los Angeles.

Huntington Beach's consistent waves and wide-open beaches make it the ideal location to host the US Open of Surfing, the world’s largest surf competition which the city has hosted since 1959. The annual event attracts the top athletes from around the globe and the competition will take place 26th July to 3rd August 2025.

Huntington Beach holds a sense of responsibility to bring the joys of the sport of surfing to the rest of the world. Numerous surf schools offer private and group lessons—all equipment included—for novice surfers at three of Huntington Beach's five beaches. There are various certified surfing instruction programs available through one of these knowledgeable instructors.

Open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the International Surfing Museum immerses visitors in surfing history and the Surf City USA®culture. It is dedicated to preserving the past, participating in the present, and influencing the future of all aspects of surfing culture worldwide. The museum houses some of surfing history's most significant artifacts such as Duke Kahanamoku's surfboard and the Guinness World Record-breaking World's Largest Surfboard. Managed by World Champion surfer Peter ‘PT’ Townend, visitors may also have the opportunity to speak to the legend in person.

On a stretch of sidewalk located next to Jack's Surfboards, Huntington Beach pays tribute to the immortals of surfing. An induction committee made up of approximately 80 international surf industry notables submit their choices for each of six categories: Surf Culture, Local Hero, Surf Pioneer, Surf Champion, Woman of the Year and Honor Roll. The Surfing Walk of Fame induction ceremony is held on 31st July in conjunction with the US Open of Surfing competition.

The Surfers' Hall of Fame is located on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street in front of and inside Huntington Surf & Sport. The handprints and footprints of those who have greatly impacted surfing culture are watched over by a statue of the great Duke Kahanamoku at this famous Huntington Beach location. Surf dog Sugar, five-time Surf City Dog champion, was inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame last winter.

Huntington Beach's iconic surf shops are sprinkled throughout Surf City USA®’s walkable downtown, some with roots dating all the way back to the 1950's. The Times Square of Surfing, the intersection of Huntington Beach's Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, features an array of unique shops catering to various tastes. Dive into the surf culture with iconic surf shops, such as Jacks Surfboards, offering trendy beachwear and equipment, and See Sea, the waterproof jewellery specialists. Unearth hidden treasures in charming shops, offering beach-themed trinkets and souvenirs. Don't miss the diverse variety of restaurants in Huntington Beach, providing a unique blend of culinary delights and artisanal finds. There’s coastal cuisine in abundance at establishments such as Jolie & the Belle, an American cookery which boasts spectacular rooftop views. 

Every Tuesday night Downtown Huntington Beach holds the community street fair and farmers market. The first three blocks of Main Street are closed to traffic and transform into bustling lanes filled with local artisans, fresh California produce, live music, kids' games, and more. Local shops and eateries open their doors extra wide for the community on this night, offering sidewalk sales and exclusive deals. Locals bike and walk here every week to buy groceries and hang out.

For further information on Visit Huntington Beach, visit www.surfcityusa.com.