Best Things to Do in Huntington Beach, Calif.

The Huntington Beach Pier was first built out of wood in 1902 before the town was even incorporated as a city. Though it has been wrecked and rebuilt several times, today the concrete structure stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The southside of the pier is a popular surf spot, frequented by pros and locals. Feel free to watch them as you stroll down the pier, and if you make it to the very end, stop for a bite to eat at the new Pacific Hideaway (RIP Ruby’s).

Located farther up Pacific Coast Highway, Bolsa Chica State Beach is a sweet escape from the busy crowds at the pier. Besides being a great beginner surf spot, the beach is conveniently located next to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, where you can observe wildlife such as rattlesnakes and endangered Ridgway’s rails. At night, Bolsa Chica State Beach transforms into a busy bonfire spot, where you can enjoy s’mores, hot dogs and good company on the sand and under the stars.

Every day, yoga lovers gather next to Tower 14 at Huntington City Beach to flow next to the ocean waves. Yoga on the Beach, offered on a donation basis, welcomes newcomers and experienced followers with vinyasa flows, deep stretch sessions, yogalates and Qi Gong.

Dogs of every size and breed rule the waves at Huntington Dog Beach. Unleashed, these four-legged friends roll in the sand, splash in the water and even make a few new friends. This isn’t a great place for surfing or swimming, but it’s a worthwhile spot to visit whether or not you actually own a dog. Dog Beach is also the location for the biannual Corgi Beach Day — open to actual corgis and “honorary” corgis alike. 

If you’re going to the beach, you’re going to need the right gear. Surfboards, wetsuits and more can be found at Huntington Surf & Sport on the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. The statue of Duke Kahanamoku out front is a counterpart to the one in Waikiki, Hawaii.

Local surf history is on display at the International Surfing Museum, located just off of Main Street. On the outside, it hosts the world’s largest surfboard, which broke two world records in 2015 when it was ridden by 66 people for 12 seconds.

Locals don’t just go to Sushi on Fire for the sushi — they go for the owner. Widely known as “Mama,” Michelle Pana runs a tight ship, and the service is remarkable. Some menu highlights include the lemon- and cilantro-infused Refreshing Roll and nacho-style Jacob’s Special, consisting of crispy wonton chips topped with spicy tuna. 

Opened in 1965 by surfer Jack Haley, Captain Jack’s remains a fixture in Sunset Beach, a cozy beachside community off the north edge of Huntington Beach. The waterfront location, nautical decor and famous crab legs create an intimate environment as you overstuff on fresh seafood.

Get a taste of Hawaii with a hearty meal at North Shore Poke. The family-run business is known for its quick and delicious food options, good to eat in the casual dining environment or down on the sand. Though North Shore has an excellent selection of raw fish, the tomato-based Ahimi is a great option for vegans and vegetarians. Select sauces can also be made gluten free upon request. 

Located just across from the water on Pacific Coast Highway, Sancho’s Tacos is a popular post-surf food joint. Mexican staples can be decked out with its specialty Chubbie Sauce, and the artichoke-filled Flaco Tacos are a favorite of vegans and carnivores alike. 

Jan’s Health Bar has been a go-to for health nuts and avocado lovers since 1972. The decor is a wellness-evoking green, and the walls display vintage photos of Huntington Beach history. Refreshing acai bowls and post-workout smoothies are perfect for cooling down on a hot day, and the thick broccoli cheddar soup pairs perfectly with Have’a Corn Chips. Jan’s is also dietary restriction friendly, with surprisingly normal-sized gluten-free bread and too-good-to-be-vegan bacon bits. 

Sugar Shack Cafe has been at the same location in downtown Huntington Beach since 1967, and it remains a breakfast favorite to this day. The homey indoor seating feels like eating in a family kitchen, and the outdoor patio occupies a prime spot on Main Street. Whether you order the savory hash browns, fluffy pancakes or a cheesy omelet, you’re sure to leave Sugar Shack satisfied and stuffed. 

If the response to Tito Ortiz’s criticism of TK Burger proves one thing, it’s that this Orange County burger joint is beloved. Beachgoers frequent this unassuming blue shack next to Pacific City for salty servings of fries, satisfying charbroiled burgers and the signature secret sauce. While the walls and ceiling of the diner-inspired interior are covered in images of the beach, the real thing can be seen from the outdoor patio. 

Tucked among the residential streets, Fiesta Grill is a hot spot for hungry high school students, eager beachgoers and families looking for a casual bite to eat. The food is greasy and fast, but that’s part of the appeal. While filling burritos and oozing quesadillas are a must-have, the vegetarian potato tacos are the real hidden gem on the menu. 

SeaLegs cozies right up next to the sand in Bolsa Chica with an open-air setup and appetizing menu of American eats. While this seaside setting hosts musical acts throughout the week, Reggae Sundays are a crowd favorite way to end the weekend. Beach parking is accessible for a fee, but to get the full SeaLegs experience, it’s best to ride a bike. 

Old Crow Smokehouse is here to remind you that California is, in fact, part of the Wild West. This popular spot for cowboy boot-clad country music enthusiasts charms with Southern barbeque, communal tables, rising musical acts and an enviable view of the Pacific Ocean. 

Each Tuesday night, Main Street transforms into Surf City Nights: a farmers market and community street fair. Besides the fresh produce, greasy street food and artisanal products, the weekly event highlights various street performers of all ages and styles, from young girls singing Adele to indie bands covering Sublime.

What would a high school house party look like if it were populated entirely by adults? The answer to this question can be found at The Bungalow: a 21-and-up nightclub in a faux beach house. Complete with an ocean-facing backyard and couches for making out, The Bungalow is sure to deliver a fun if not slightly disorienting night out. 

Graceland Speakeasy is one of Huntington Beach’s best kept secrets, subtly tucked inside HQ Gastropub. Feel like a VIP as you lounge among the modern decor, taste the well-crafted cocktails and enjoy music from the 1970s. Though Graceland offers pricey memberships, walk-ins are also welcome (but expect a wait).

Attached to the boutiquey Pasea Hotel, Tanner’s chic rooftop bar is popular among twentysomething residents and hotel guests. The open-air setup and unobstructed view of the ocean make the Treehouse a great place to grab a post-dinner cocktail and mingle throughout the night.

This prime location on Main Street used to be home to Tuna Town: a rock ‘n’ roll sushi restaurant owned by the drummer of Korn. Today, it is the trendy Sandbar Cocina y Tequila. A Mexican restaurant by day, it transforms into a vibrant dance spot by night, complete with an extensive margarita list and impressive vegan menu. 

Nestled inside Huntington Surf & Sport, Java Point is easy to miss but definitely worth a visit. After you grab a cup of coffee and a bagel, sit out at the tables along Main Street and people-watch. Or, if you want a more private experience, head upstairs and eat between the aisles of surfboards and wetsuits. Nothing says “Good morning, Huntington Beach” quite like the smell of rubber and espresso.

Located on Pacific Coast Highway, 602 Coffee is a local favorite. Come for a simple coffee, or get creative with a bananas Foster cold brew and lavender latte. If you’re hungry, be sure to try the delectable avocado toast or a sweet acai bowl. One of the best parts about 602 is that it shares an outdoor seating area with Sancho’s Tacos, so you can get the best of both worlds. 

Milk & Honey brings the boho spirit with cozy seating and floral decor. Beyond the year-round menu, chalkboards throughout the cafe highlight the baristas’ favorite creations and limited-edition seasonal drinks, such as the “Lavender Rain” chai latte. For the vegan and gluten-free crowd, Milk & Honey also has a delicious selection of restriction-friendly pastries. 

Philz Coffee may have its origins in NorCal, but few spots rival the one at Pacific City. Conveniently located in the beachfront mall, it serves a great pour-over coffee and an even better ocean view. 

If you’re traveling with the family, there’s no better place to stay than the Hyatt. A large water slide setup appeals to the kids, while the more private jacuzzi grotto creates a peaceful getaway. Getting to and from the ocean is a breeze, as the Hyatt bridge extends directly from a miniature restaurant village onto the beach.

This intimate Sunset Beach motel is snuggled right next to the sand. It may not be the most central spot, but its seaside location in Sunset Beach allows you to escape the crowds of downtown Huntington. Between the 30 rooms and accommodating staff, Ocean Surf Inn & Suites makes for a more homey stay than you’ll get with the resort experience.