Luxury HB Home
Huntington Beach isn't called “Surf City USA” for nothing, but there's much more here than waves. Here are our favorite ways to spend a few days in HB, from a host who lives here.
On the beach
- Walk the Huntington Beach Pier. At 1,850 feet, it's one of the longest on the West Coast. Go at sunset and watch the surfers below.
- Take a surf lesson. Beginner-friendly schools operate on both sides of the Pier year-round.
- Book a beach bonfire. Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach have first-come fire rings. Arrive early on weekends. See the Huntington Beach bonfire and fire pit guide for City Beach rings, reservations and the rules.
- Rent bikes on the beach path. The paved trail runs about 8.5 miles along the coast.
- Let the dog run at Dog Beach. North of Goldenwest Street.
- Watch a pro contest. The US Open of Surfing comes each summer.
Downtown & Main Street
- Surf City Nights. A Tuesday street fair with a farmers market, food and live music.
- International Surfing Museum. Small but fun.
- Surfers' Hall of Fame. Handprints in cement at Main & PCH.
- Pacific City. An oceanfront shopping center with a food hall and rooftop views.
Nature & outdoors
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. A 1.5-mile flat loop with herons, egrets and pelicans.
- Huntington Central Park. Over 350 acres of trails, lakes, disc golf and an equestrian center.
- Shipley Nature Center. A quiet native-plant preserve inside Central Park.
- Paddle Huntington Harbour. Rent a SUP or kayak and cruise past waterfront homes.
- The Cruise of Lights. A December boat tour of the harbour's holiday displays.
Eat & drink
- Breakfast burritos before a surf session.
- Fish tacos near the Pier.
- Sunset drinks at an oceanview rooftop.
- Local craft breweries around Gothard Street.
- Weekend brunch in Huntington Harbour.
Easy day trips
- Disneyland Resort, about 25 minutes. See our Disneyland day-trip guide.
- Knott's Berry Farm, about 20–25 minutes.
- Laguna Beach coves and galleries, about 35 minutes.
- Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, about 25 minutes.
- Balboa Island & the Newport Fun Zone. Try a Balboa Bar.
Where to stay
For groups and families, a whole home beats two hotel rooms. Our 4-bedroom Huntington Beach home sleeps 7 and is 8 minutes from the sand. It has a pool table, a BBQ island under a pergola and a big yard to come back to.