Surf City USA® Must-Dos for 2026

Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA®, is a destination where surf culture, outdoor adventure, and laid-back luxury collide. Just a short hop from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County airports, it is blessed with 10 miles of wide sandy beaches, an endless Pacific horizon, and a vibrant community rooted in surf history. From legendary waves and sunset bonfires to wildlife encounters and poolside cabanas, Huntington Beach captures the spirit of Southern California in every moment.

Here’s a round-up of experiences not to be missed in Surf City USA®:

At the heart of Surf City USA® stands Huntington Beach Pier, the longest on the West Coast at 1,850 feet. Fishing, dining, and sweeping views set the tone for the city’s iconic lifestyle. Just steps away, Huntington City Beach offers classic California energy, while Bolsa Chica State Beach glows at night with the warmth of hundreds of bonfires. Dog lovers head to Huntington Dog Beach to watch pups splash in the surf, while Sunset Beach adds charm and local character. For those inspired to try surfing themselves, certified instructors and surf schools are ready to take beginners from their first paddle to their first wave. Yoga on the Beach Huntington Beach hosts daily donation-based classes at Tower 14 on City Beach. Led by qualified teachers, the sessions are open to all levels, offering a welcoming space to practice yoga by the ocean.

Nature is never far from the action. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, California’s largest coastal saltwater marsh, spans 1,300 acres and is the best place to spot more than 300 migratory bird species. Out on the water, Huntington Harbour offers calm, scenic waters ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with rentals, gear, and guided tours run by Everyday California—including those led by SUP world record-holder Tom Jones—giving visitors a laid-back way to explore its canals, maritime history, and luxury waterfront views.

Huntington Beach is a hub of culture and sport. Skateboarding thrives at the world-famous Vans Skatepark and during the annual Vans U.S. Open of Surfing. The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, with nearly 400 horses, offers lessons and guided rides across grassy trails near the ocean. For a taste of heritage, the International Surfing Museum showcases treasures such as Duke Kahanamoku’s surfboard, while the Newland House Museum, built in 1898, provides a glimpse of pioneer life.

After a day of adventure, the pace slows to shopping, dining, and indulgence. Downtown and Pacific City buzz with boutiques, vintage finds, and ocean-view restaurants. Oceanfront resorts invite guests to unwind with poolside cabanas, sunset cocktails, and family-friendly pools. Huntington Beach offers a vibrant dining scene brimming with local and coastal California flavors. From farm-to-table fare and fresh seafood to juicy burgers, irresistible tacos, creative cocktails, and inventive chef-driven dishes, Surf City USA® serves up a culinary experience as dynamic as its coastal vibe.

Visit Huntington Beach is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, California, also known famously as Surf City USA®. Located along Pacific Coast Highway with convenient access from three airports (LAX, Long Beach and Orange County), Huntington Beach boasts 16 km of wide-open beaches, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and a laid-back welcoming community known for its vibrant surfing history and culture, making it the ultimate Southern California destination for travelers from around the world.