Best Beaches In Huntington Beach

With 10 miles of pristine shoreline and a world-famous surfing culture, there’s no question why Huntington Beach earned the nickname of “Surf City USA.” This vibrant Orange County city boasts some of California’s top beaches for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, bonfires, and simply soaking up the classic SoCal vibe.

From the vibrant Huntington Pier stretching into the sea to the peaceful wetlands surrounding Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach beaches have something for everyone. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best stretches of Surf City’s sun-kissed shores.

Huntington City Beach

The hub of beach activity centers around the Huntington Pier at Huntington City Beach. Expect surf music pumping from beach bars, volleyball matches blazing, surfers zigzagging to catch waves, and the salty smell of snacks wafting from snack shacks.

The wide sandy beach fires up on summer weekends with beach umbrellas shading families and groups of friends beneath. Play beach games like spikeball and cornhole on the sand, go for a surfing lesson, or relax on the beach and watch world-class surfers like Kanoa Igarashi carving waves.

Finish off your day watching the golden sunset over the Pacific as you stroll down the century-old Huntington Pier. Lined with restaurants and shops, you may even glimpse sea lions lounging on the pylons below!

Bolsa Chica State Beach
Huntington’s 3-mile Bolsa Chica State Beach offers both surf-friendly waves ideal for beginners and tranquil tidal pools teeming with small sea creatures at low tide. Connected to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve wetlands, this beach has a peaceful, secluded vibe despite sitting in the middle of Huntington.

Go tidepooling to spy tiny crabs, anemones and other marine life stuck in rocky pools when the tide goes out. Search for rare birds in the marshlands and enjoy a picnic in the sand. Early mornings and sunsets see serious surfers wading out for clean right and left breaks, especially by the Brightwater development.

With picnic tables, volleyball courts, lifeguard stations and parking lots dotting Bolsa Chica State Beach, it provides the full beach experience just minutes from downtown Huntington yet retains its local and natural allure.
Bolsa Chica Dog Beach
For four-legged friends, the south stretch of Bolsa Chica known as Bolsa Chica Dog Beach welcomes leash-free dogs to roam, play fetch, and splash through the surf. One of the few off-leash dog beaches in Orange County, the sand and water stays packed with frolicking Labradors, zooming Greyhounds, wet and sandy Goldendoodles and more!

While dogs take center stage, their owners can sunbathe on the sand or toss tennis balls into the waves for endless entertainment. Arrive early on weekends for lighter crowds, and bring plenty of towels and fresh water for muddy pups. Bolsa Chica Dog Beach provides the ideal spot for dogs to make new furry friends and exhaust themselves in the sea and sand.

Huntington State Beach

Want to ditch the surfboard and volleyball crowds? Find serenity at the 2-mile long stretch of Huntington State Beach extending from Beach Blvd/Pacific Coast Highway down to the Santa Ana River jetties where the river meets the ocean.

Large beach houses front the wide sandy beach, which stays relatively peaceful and empty year-round. Picnic areas welcome you to enjoy lunch in the shade. Jog down the compacted sand parallel to the surf, fly kites in the sea breeze or hunt for shells and smoothed glass tossed ashore by the tides.

Thanks to the Santa Ana River jetties buffering big waves, surfing and boogieboarding rarely occurs at this end of Huntington State Beach, making it family-friendly for sand castles and beach play. Appreciate gorgeous sunrises and sunsets any time of year without the Huntington Pier crowds!

Sunset Beach

Keep cruising down Pacific Coast Highway to sleepy Sunset Beach with its beige sands, beach cottages and mellow surf community roots. The 1.5-mile-long Sunset Beach stretches from Anderson St. to Warner Ave. where a small guarded swimming area lets visitors enjoy calm waves lapping the shoreline.

Around the Sunset Beach neighborhood, you’ll find longtime residents and surfers who cherish this tight-knit surf enclave. Stroll down the beach to grab fish tacos at Captain Jack’s or stop for poke bowls and acai bowls at Sugar Shack.

Then spread a blanket out on Sunset’s peaceful beach to soak up the balmy air and salty breeze, knowing you’ve discovered one of Huntington’s best hideaway beaches far from the elementry crowds. Time a visit for radiant pink and tangerine sunsets over the gently rolling waves for guaranteed magic.

No matter which stretch of Surf City sand you take to, the beaches of Huntington Beach promise laidback California sunshine, surf culture and seaside beauty at its finest. Grab your sunnies, wax down your surfboard or beach cruiser, and discover why Huntington remains a premier beach destination that keeps visitors returning year after year.