Location: Huntington Beach
Top Things to do in Huntington Beach
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Huntington Beach, California (CA)
Discover the best of Southern California culture. Offering the authentic surf lifestyle, coupled with 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline, Huntington Beach can truly be called Surf City USA. Warm weather and year-round sun offer the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as beach bonfires, volleyball by the Pier, biking along the Ocean Strand, stand-up paddle boarding in Huntington Harbour, hiking through the Bolsa Chica Wetlands or strolling down Main Street.
Restaurants in Huntington Beach
1. Four Sons Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Family owned and operated micro-brewery specializing in a wide variety of hand-crafted beers.
Reviewed By emilytO6138AN - Costa Mesa, United States
This is a great brewery in Huntington Beach - my friends and I all enjoyed beers and food from the food truck (and parking in the parking lot was super easy). It had an industrial feel and we had booked reservations for the distillery next door which I highly recommend for fun themes and great cocktails and atmosphere. The owner that we met is awesome and really seems passionate about drinks and people having a great time at the brewery and we will definitely be back!
2. Orange County Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By Smithysfishing - Buddina, Australia
Over our 2.5 week stay with friends in Huntington beach we did all the beaches from Long Beach to Laguna Beach and took the train from Santa Ana to Oceanside so we pretty much saw all the beaches down to San Diego. It was good to check out all the scenery in OC to compare to the old TV show. We found ourselves having a quick look on Youtube of old episodes and comparing. All nice wide beaches compared to Australian beaches. Lots of intrastructure with volleyball courts, etc, etc along the whole coast compared to home.
3. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By Pt123123 - Huntington Beach, United States
With the recent Pandemic of COVID-19, the world has become a scary place. You can escape by visiting the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve where you can hike, run, view the wildlife, and get your exercise in at the wetlands with the refreshing ocean breeze. Bolsa Chica State Beach is across Pacific Coast Highway, so the ocean view is a plus. The wildlife, migratory birds, and natural environment are refreshing along your peaceful 4 mile walk/run by the ocean. The hours are 6am to 8pm and it's free.
4. Huntington Dog Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
Reviewed By 2015stephaniemichele - Huntington Beach, United States
Huntington Dog Beach is a great place to bring your furry friends to run free and play with other dogs or in the sea! Should you have a new puppy I recommend coming midweek if you can when it is not as as busy and getting them socialized and ready for weekends and summertime at the HBDB. The beach ls very long, spacious and everyone seems to be very familiar with rules and dog beach etiquette, they also have extra dog bags should you run out or forget yours. There are public restrooms available and plenty of parking. There is a parking meter machine that takes cash or cards. One thing I really love is the stretch of HB dog beach that is blocked by a cliff....it is nice if you have a dog that loves to run because there is no street access so you can relax and let them play. They also have fresh water near the parking area at doggie level for them to drink! On the weekends they sometimes have special events such as dog surfing contest or particular breed meet ups, you can check out the website and Facebook page to see whats happening. I hope you and your furry friends have as much fun as we do!
5. Best Friend Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By JimH_Tarheel - Cedar City, United States
If you're vacationing with a dog and want to give your pooch beach access, come to this park. On a leash or off, dogs have free run of the beach. While in town, our group took our son's dog to the beach. The beach is open, flat and a great place to let your canine jump in the waves, chase a ball or frisbee or jump walk on the beach. While your dog is playing, bring some chairs or sand tools and have fun.
6. Shipley Nature Center
7. Huntington Central Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By PTCruiserHB
I will miss this place. Had the pleasure of living beside it for 36 years. Serene, quiet, safe and friendly. The nature center, senior center, library, equestrian center and oh, my, Kathy May's restaurant!
8. Huntington Beach Wetlands
9. J King Neptunes
10. Huntington Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,330 reviews
Huntington Beach Pier was first finished in 1904 but was damaged in storm and rebuilt in 1914 and in 1931 500 feet was added to the pier but it separated from the original pier in the earthquake of 1933. The pier was repaired but was damaged again by hurricane in 1938 but was repaired the following year. During WW1 the pier was taken over by the military and a submarine lookout and large machine gun was installed. After the war the pier was returned to the public and held up until the storms of 1983 & 1988 finally damaged pier to the point it needed to close. The current pier was finished July 18th, 1992 with a dedication with 500,000 people. The pier was built using much of the same 1914 design. Huntington Beach draws almost 4 million people annually who come for the surfing, volleyball, air show, food and even Segway Tours from Surf City Segway can be booked.
Reviewed By Hilberaldi
Discover the best of Southern California culture, the most authentic surfing lifestyle and 16 miles of coastline in Huntington Beach, a welcoming town. A worthwhile trip are the beaches located in this region (Southern California), especially Huntington Beach. After two full days at the Disneyland and California Adventure Park parks in Anaheim, we decided to have a free day at the beaches to rest a little from the hustle and bustle of the amusement parks. We left early and drove to Huntington Beach (38 km from Anaheim), one of the most beautiful beaches in California, named Surf City, where you can visit a super cool surf museum, the International Surfing Museum, the Pier which is very beautiful, you will also find hotels near the sea, shops and restaurants that are great for enjoying the best coastal weather in California. Several rock bands were born in Huntington Beach, such as The Offspring and Avenged Sevenfold. It has a beautiful mural made by artists and the Huntington Beach plaque carved in concrete. The Pier is simple but very cozy, we stop at a cafe to enjoy a delicious cupcake and a coffee drink, feeling the sea breeze on the face and the energy of this beautiful region of California. With fabulous options scattered all over Huntington Beach, the dining scene can only be described as eclectic, with never-changing little taquerias and cafes, as well as new restaurants that use fresh local ingredients in creative ways. There is certainly something to please even the most demanding palates. On the day we visited the site there was a peaceful protest of war veterans on the beach sand, there were people playing volleyball and many surfers enjoying that sunny morning. We walked around the city, very well organized, safe and clean. From here we head further south to Newport Beach.
