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Huntington Beach: Eight Miles of Beach, Surfing, and a Favorite Destination for Families with Teens
But for millions of fans dreaming of a perfect California beach vacation: surfers, sand and sunsets, the association stuck. And for good reason. It has the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on the West Coast, arguably perfect surfing waves, a long pier for fishing and strolling right in the center of its central beach. It also offers
accomodations
in every price range and an
eclectic restaurant scene
all within walking distance of its beaches. No wonder Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean, helps promote the city. Families love its beautiful
swimming beaches,
more than 600 concrete bonfire rings, the
Dog Beach
and a funky downtown that's a surprise in the midst of Orange County's suburban sprawl. GOT TEENS? 11 million visitors a year must be on to something, especially families with teens, who not only love the beach but also the Surfing Hall of Fame, the Surfing Walk of Fame downtown and the area's association with popular teen television shows. In fact, The New York Post voted it "One of the Top Five Destinations for Teenagers and Their Parents" for 2004. BEACHES, HARBOUR, NATURE RESERVE The city's
three beaches
stretch eight and a half miles, with Huntington City Beach in the center, Huntington State Beach to the south and Bolsa Chica State Beach to the north, all with
easy parking access.
Bolsa Chica is also known for its
grunion runs.
The city's 350-plus acre Huntington Central Park, inland from the beach, is one of the largest greenbelt city parks in the region. Enjoy a theater, fountains and equestrian center. If Frisbee golf is your thing, Huntington Central Park is home to the world's second oldest course. For
Huntington Beach dining,
visit Duke's Huntington Beach (named for the Hawaiian surfing pioneer who brought surfing to So Cal) or at the very end of Huntington Pier, Ruby's Surf City Diner. WAVES Why do surfers consider the waves here special? Beaches here face southwest. The curve of the coastline here combined with the beach's juxtaposition to
Catalina Island
about 14 miles away, creates larger waves than on neighboring beaches. Surfers say the waves here also crest perfectly. GETTING TO HUNTINGTON BEACH The city is in Orange County, about 40 miles from Los Angeles and just north of John Wayne International Airport on the 405 freeway. U.S. Highway 1 runs along the beach through the city. HUNTINGTON HARBOUR Enjoy kayaking or even a gondola ride in Huntington Harbour with its calm waters, abundant wildlife and multi-million-dollar homes.
Peter's Landing Marina
at the harbour entrance, is also the closest landing to Catalina Island and offers sport fishing and two-hour guest boat rentals on a first-come, first served basis for visiting diners and shoppers. Photo Opportunity: During the Holidays, be sure to catch the harbour's evening Cruise of Lights, to enjoy lighted holiday decorations on waterfront homes. CAMPING IN HUNTINGTON BEACH Camping and RV parking is available at
Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Come back soon to our Huntington Beach page We’ll be adding more dining, activities and accommodation news. Don't miss these related pages... Photos courtesy of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau.
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The city also hosts annual the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and the Surf City USA Marathon.
