With ten miles of uninterrupted coastline, thrilling attractions, and some of the best surfing on the West Coast, Huntington Beach perfectly captures the essence of Southern California beach life. Known for its remarkably consistent waves, it proudly wears the title Surf City USA. This is a place where laid-back coastal living isn’t just a vibe — it’s a way of life. Even with its popularity as Orange County’s largest beach city, you’ll still find local charm woven into the surf culture, with hometown stories and familiar faces adding warmth to every sun-soaked day.
Huntington Beach draws over 8 million visitors each year, earning its reputation as the West Coast’s ultimate surf destination. As the largest beach city in Orange County, it’s home to nearly 200,000 residents and remains one of California’s most visited — and most vibrant — coastal spots. With its iconic waves and lively atmosphere, it’s no surprise the beach is often bustling with both tourists and locals alike.
This title isn’t just for show. Huntington Beach has long vied with historic Santa Cruz over the “Surf City” name. But with its massive swells, a Surfing Walk of Fame reminiscent of Hollywood, and its very own International Surfing Museum, the city has plenty of surf culture credentials to back up the claim.
In 1901, the West Coast Land & Water Company set out to develop a seaside community on the Northam Ranch. To christen the new town, they held a naming contest. The winning entry came from Los Angeles cattleman Walter L. Vail, who submitted “Bolsa Beach.” The runner-up? “Superior Beach.”
However, just weeks later, the company’s board of directors scrapped the name “Bolsa Beach.” The decision may have been made to avoid confusion with other nearby places also bearing the name “Bolsa.” Instead, they chose “Pacific City,” a nod to the popular East Coast resort town, Atlantic City. Developer Philip Stanton dreamed of creating a West Coast counterpart that would one day rival its eastern namesake as a premier resort and tourist destination.
Huntington Beach was a quiet coastal town until the oil boom of the 1920s transformed it overnight. In 1920, the discovery of what was then the largest known oil deposit in California sparked explosive growth. Oil wells popped up almost instantly, and the town’s population jumped from 1,500 to 5,000 in just a few weeks. Before this rapid expansion, the area was primarily agricultural, known for crops like celery and sugar beets. The Holly Sugar plant, once a major local employer, eventually shifted from processing crops to refining oil, reflecting the city’s changing identity.
Beach Boulevard, now the main artery of Huntington Beach, began as a simple cattle route during the Rancho era, when the area was part of a vast Spanish land grant. Over the years, Huntington Beach has transformed dramatically, undergoing multiple name changes that reflect its evolving identity. It was once called Smeltzer, and later Gospel Swamp, a nod to the lively revival meetings held in the wetlands—where Golden West College now stands. As the area grew and shifted toward tourism, it was renamed Fairview, and eventually Pacific City, marking its ambitions as a coastal getaway.
In 1925, legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport of surfing to Huntington Beach and the Southern California coastline. By 1953, the city saw the opening of its first surf shop, Gordie’s Surf Boards. Just six years later, Huntington Beach hosted the inaugural U.S. Surfing Championships. The following year, the event was broadcast on television, launching Huntington Beach into global recognition as a premier surf destination and solidifying its identity as “Surf City USA.”
Huntington Beach is home to its iconic municipal pier, a world-famous landmark that rises 100 feet above sea level. Listed on the California Register of Historical Resources, the pier stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific, making it one of the longest public piers on the West Coast and a defining feature of the city’s coastline.
Huntington Beach also hosts a wide array of events and competitions, including the US Open of Surfing, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball, PSA, NSSA, CSA surfing contests, and the 4th of July beach fireworks and parade. Other popular events include the Duck-A-Thon, Surf City Splash Pacific Shoreline Marathon, Surf City 10, as well as Paintball, BMX, fishing, sand soccer, and kite championships. The city also offers Surfin’ Sundays concerts, Pier Plaza gatherings, a farmer’s market, the annual Pier Swim, and numerous car shows throughout the year.
When the water’s too chilly for a swim, strolling around is still a great way to enjoy Huntington Beach. The Downtown District along old Main Street is packed with shops and restaurants. The best day to visit is Tuesday — not only are fish tacos and other tasty dishes on special, but the community-driven event Surf City Nights takes place in the first three blocks off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
A festive carnival vibe fills the air, with a range of performers delivering hours of lively entertainment. Kids dance in the streets, bounce in inflatable houses, or take pony rides. Couples stroll hand in hand, friends catch up, and families gather together. Every restaurant tempts you with signature dishes, refreshing drinks, and special Surf City Night offers. With over 90 vendor booths, it’s the perfect spot to discover that unique treasure.
Overall, Huntington Beach is an amazing place to explore. If you’re thinking about staying long-term or making HB your home, be ready for high rental prices. And if you have a dog, do your homework first—while there’s a Dog Beach along the PCH where pups can play, it’s important to check which breeds are allowed when renting property.
Also, if you’re planning to bar hop on Main Street, make sure to bring a good budget—drinks at most spots can be pretty pricey. My favorite downtown bar, the 2nd Floor, stands out with its incredible artwork, but a bottle of beer runs about $13, and a double shot of Jack Daniel’s will set you back at least $16. If you’re looking for something more affordable and laid-back, Perqs—just diagonally across from the 2nd Floor—is your best bet.
As you explore, you’ll notice that locals often stick close to their tight-knit family groups. Huntington Beach has a very social vibe, so if you’re an introvert like me, get ready to hear plenty of, “Why are you so quiet?”
Wander Woman 