Known as “Surf City USA”, Huntington Beach is arguably the epicenter of surf culture in California. With 10 miles of stunning beaches and perfectly peeling waves, it’s a top destination for surfers of all levels. From beginners learning to pop up on their boards to seasoned veterans ripping some of the best waves in Southern California, Huntington Beach has something for everyone. In this article we talk about Top Surf Spots in Huntington Beach You Must Visit In 2024.

In this blog post I’ll highlight some of the top surf spots and breaks in Huntington Beach that you absolutely must visit on your next surf trip. Whether you’re local to Orange County or coming in from out of town, this guide will help you find the wave that suits your ability so you can have an epic session. Let’s dive in!

The Pier

No list of the best Huntington Beach surf spots is complete without “The Pier”. This spot takes its name from the Huntington Beach Pier which sticks out into the ocean near the center of Huntington’s coastline. The pier creates sandbars and wave breaks on both the north and south side, meaning there are two distinct surf spots literally right under it.

The north side of the pier is generally better for longboarders and beginner surfers as it tends to have a bit more swell and gentler waves. Meanwhile the south side caters to shortboarders with faster, steeper waves that break both left and right in peaky A-frames. When a big swell rolls in, the south side can churn out thrilling hollow barrels for the advanced wave riders.

Regardless of which side you choose, surfing under the iconic pier with beachgoers watching from above is a quintessential SoCal surf experience. It can get a bit crowded at times, but the convenience and fun atmosphere is hard to beat.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Just about 3 miles south of the Huntington Beach Pier you’ll find Bolsa Chica State Beach. “Bolsa” as the locals call it is a popular surf spot thanks to its consistency and beginner friendly waves. With over 3 miles of beach break, there are plenty of peaks to choose from allowing surfers to spread out and avoid the crowds.

The best part about Bolsa Chica is that it picks up more swell than other HB spots, so while the rest of town might be flat you can almost always find something rideable here. That makes it one of the most popular dawn patrol spots for surfers trying to get their early morning shred fix. With predominantly right point break peaks, it’s great for dialing in your backside surfing technique.

Bolsa Chica is also one of the safer spots in Huntington Beach with far less mid-week aggression in the water compared to spots like the HB Pier. The ample parking and amenities like showers and restrooms add to the appeal. Whether you’re a longboarder or shortboarder, beginner or veteran, make sure to check out Bolsa Chica on your next Huntington Beach surfari.

17th Street

On the northern side of Huntington Beach all the way at the end of 17th street lies an excellent beach break known simply as 17th Street. While Bolsa Chica picks up more south swell, 17th Street grabs any north swell that pulses down the coast. That makes it a fun alternative when the rest of Huntington is a bit slow.

With multiple scattered peaks it rarely gets too crowded, although the ideal conditions during a north swell can attract a strong lineup including some of HB’s best shredders. The main peak is right next to the lifeguard tower while secondary peaks can shift down the beach in either direction.

The wave itself tends to be fast hollow lefts and rights with the chance of a barrel if you’re lucky. The takeoff zone is pretty heavy with closeouts on big days so it’s best left to intermediate and advanced surfers when it gets over head high. On smaller more playful days it can be a fun zone for gremmies and longboarders as well.

If you’re looking to escape the Huntington Beach crowds and have the ability to charge steep hollow waves, add 17th Street to your list. Just be ready to compete for waves with some of HB’s top talent shredding the peak.

Sunset Beach

Technically just across the border in Seal Beach, Sunset Beach is still considered part of the Huntington Beach surf zone. Situated between Bolsa Chica and the San Gabriel river jetties, Sunset Beach is a premier surf spot thanks to its world famous right point break.

When a big west swell aligns properly with the underwater topography, Sunset Beach absolutely goes off with long speedy right hand barrel sections. In ideal conditions with light offshores, it can dish out some of the longest most perfect barrels in all of California, earning its reputation as a top big wave spot.

Even on smaller days Sunset Beach churns out rippable rights and lefts that allow high performance carving under the picturesque backdrop of the multi-colored beach houses on the sand. It may be crowded, but the quality of waves make fighting for a piece of the peak well worth it. Just be ready to follow surf etiquette and take turns with the other lions waiting to pounce on the next set wave.

Sunset Beach has been the site of numerous professional surf contests over the years which is a testament to its world-class wave quality. Whether you surf it on a magazine cover-worthy day with epic barrels or a fun waist to head high session, Sunset Beach is a must on any Huntington Beach bucket list.

The Wedge

No article on the best surf spots in Huntington Beach would be complete without the infamous “Wedge”. Located at the end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, this mutant wave is created by swells bouncing off the rock and concrete jetties at the entrance of the harbor.

When the conditions align properly, this can amplify the swell into double overhead, even triple overhead mutant avalanches. Add some wind against the incoming swell and the wave jack rapidly, pitching into steep peaks that break in extremely shallow water right on shore.

Attempting to ride one of these liquid mountains is extremely dangerous, but also one of the biggest thrills in surfing. Make the drop on one of these beasts and you’ll be rocketing down the face at highway speeds. The consequences however can be dire if you don’t make it as jumping off a 3 story building onto sand has led to some gruesome injuries over the years.

Even on more mellow days the Wedge still offers uniquely exciting waves. With perfectly peeling barrels, ample aerial opportunities and tons of closeout carnage, it’s always an adrenaline filled spectacle. Just the crowds of spectators on the sand and pier watching in anticipation add to the atmosphere.

Is it technically in Newport Beach? Yes. But being right on the border of Huntington coupled with its legendary status as the premier bodyboarding and bodysurfing spot in California, it deserves a shoutout. Whether you watch in awe from the pier or charge into the fray, the Wedge is a must see attraction.

Secret Spot – “HC’s”

Ok this one may bend the rules a bit as true local surf spots must remain secret! However given HCs reputation it would be foolish not to mention it in this Huntington Beach surf guide. HC’s, which stands for “Holy C***”, is the big wave reef break located offshore near the AES powerplant. It was named such because of the reactions people have when witnessing it break in XXL swell.

The reef focuses any swell directly from the WNW into perfect right hand barrel sections that can get up to 4-5 times overhead on the biggest days. In fact HC’s is considered one of the biggest paddle-in big wave spots in the entire world when it turns on. Forget tow or jetski assist, the pros have to paddle this liquid beast using nothing but arm power.

Many iconic images and video footage have been captured over the years of pros like Kelly Slater, Bobby Martinez and Dane Reynolds getting shacked by this offshore monster. It takes a very specific direction and period of swell to light up, but when it does the madness out there is a sight to behold.

HC’s is not for the faint of heart and should only be attempted by expert big wave surfers. But even just watching from shore or nearby peaks, it’s a special experience. There’s a reason they call it “Holy C***!”

Get Out There & Find Your Wave!

As you can see Huntington Beach offers an incredibly diverse lineup of surf spots catering to all abilities. Whether you’re a wave storm riding newbie or seasoned barrel dodging veteran, there’s a fun break waiting for you somewhere in Surf City USA.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your stick of choice, slather on some sunscreen and paddle out at any of these amazing Huntington Beach surf spots on your next session. With friendly locals always happy to welcome visitors to their hometown surf, you’re sure to score some epic waves and maybe even some new friends. I sincerely hope you find this “Top Surf Spots in Huntington Beach You Must Visit In 2024” article helpful.