This vibrant Southern California city is home to some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the state. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Huntington Beach! Happy reading!
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to visit, look no further than Huntington Beach! Here are things to do in Huntington Beach, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an action-packed night on the town.
Hit the Beaches
One of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is to spend a day at the beach. The city’s namesake beach is a great place to relax, swim, and sunbathe. If you’re looking for something more active, there’s also plenty of opportunity for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water sports.
The Bolsa Chica State Beach is a great place to spend a day in Huntington Beach. This public beach is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to relax, swim, and sunbathe. If you’re looking for something more active, there’s also plenty of opportunity for surfing (mostly for beginners), stand-up paddleboarding, and other water sports. Surfing is recommended at Southside or Goldenwest. You will find plenty of surfboard rentals and many surfer friends too!
Stunning Views from the Pier
The Huntington Beach Pier is another must-visit destination in the city. This iconic pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean, and offers amazing views of the coast and the surrounding area. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening.
More Activities for Surfers
The International Surfing Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Huntington Beach. This museum celebrates the history and culture of surfing, and features a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the sport. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, making it the perfect spot for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Shopping Hot Spots
If you love shopping, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Huntington Beach. The Main Street area is home to dozens of boutique shops and art galleries, while the Bella Terra outdoor mall offers high-end retail options. There are also plenty of places to find souvenirs and beach gear. No visit to Huntington Beach would be complete without spending some time shopping. Check out Pacific City, Fashion Island, as well as Toes on the Nose Surf Shop and Luna Boutique. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafés along Main Street, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day of shopping.
Fun Times, Events, and Music
One of the best things about Huntington Beach is that there’s always something going on. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy live music, check out the Huntington Beach Concerts Band Summer Series or Biergarten’s Live Music Series. Then, if you are into arts, you have the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. These are just some example of the many events that take place in Huntington Beach each year. Other popular events include the U.S. Open of Surfing, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament, and the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. No matter when you visit, there’s sure to be something going on in Huntington Beach!
Dining in Huntington Beach
Looking for foodie things to do in Huntington Beach? Well, when it comes to dining, Surf City has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual beachfront burger or a fine dining experience, you’ll find it here. There are also many great bars and clubs for nightlife, including some best live music venues in Orange County. Our foodie picks are as follows: Basilico’s Pasta e Vino when hungry for some Italian cuisine, Blue Gold for an open fire grill, Sandy’s Beach Shack for some juicy shrimps and Sugar Shack Cafe for an energizing coffee with dessert.
Attractions for Nature Lovers
For those who love nature, Huntington Beach is home to several great hiking and biking trails. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a great place to see native wildlife and plants, while the Talbert Regional Park offers more than five miles of hiking trails.
For a truly unique experience, check out the Shipley Nature Center. This nature center is located in the middle of Huntington Beach and is home to a variety of animals, plants, and birds. The nature center also offers a variety of programs and activities for visitors, making it a great place to learn about the local ecosystem.
Things to Do in Huntington Beach with your Dog
If you’re a dog lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Dog Beach in Huntington Beach. This beach is dedicated to dogs and their owners, and offers a variety of activities and amenities for both humans and canines. There’s a large designated area for dogs to play and run, as well as plenty of benches and shade trees for their owners to relax. Admission fee is $2 an hour. The beach also has a number of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect spot to spend a day with your furry friend.
Central Park
If you want to get away from the busy beach scene, head over to Central Park. This scenic spot is perfect for picnics, walks, and relaxation. You can also rent bikes and explore the park’s many trails. And the most important part is that it has a dog park too! Water stations, dog balls and toys included! So now you can sit back on a bench in the park and relax with your book from the Huntington Central Library. What a plan!
Final Thoughts on What You Should Take
Packing for a beach vacation can be tough! You want to bring everything you need without overpacking and lugging around a heavy suitcase. First, you will need a big, sturdy beach bag for carrying all your items to the beach. Tick off the items below!
List of Beach Accessories
Don’t forget to pack a towel! A quick-dry towel is ideal for beach days. SPF 50+ is recommended for days spent in the sun. Protect your face from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, but they also help you spot potential dangers in the water. Stay hydrated in the sun with a reusable water bottle. Pack some snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Granola bars, fruit, and nuts are all great options. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to pack some beach toys! Buckets, shovels, and balls are a must! A small first-aid kit is always a good idea when traveling. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Recap
Now that you know what to pack, start planning your trip to Huntington Beach! And don’t forget to book your hotel early, as the best hotels fill up fast during peak season! Happy travels! We hope this guide helped you to prep the perfect itinerary with all the great things to do in Huntington Beach. When you get back, drop us a line how you liked the beach boulevard and whether you set a beach bonfire!
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