Planning the Perfect Day Trip to Huntington Beach

To make the most of the sunshine, plan to arrive before noon. Parking is widely available, from beachfront spaces to enclosed garages. Our favorite spots are near Downtown and the HB Pier, ensuring you don't have to walk far to start your adventure.

Huntington Beach is renowned for its consistent waves and vibrant surf culture. Spend your morning laying on the sand, learning to surf the waves (check out our surf lessons page for more info), or cruising down the 10-mile paved coastal bike path with your own bike or a rented one. Kids will love our free scavenger hunt, available at our visitor kiosk on the HB Pier or our Visitor’s Center on 5th Street. As the evening approaches, make sure to secure one of our 500 bonfire pits to enjoy a classic beach bonfire. You’ll need to plan on arriving to the beach early to find and reserve a bonfire pit.

For lunch, you have plenty of options in Downtown, Pacific City, at the end of the HB Pier, or anywhere inland! If you want to stay on the sand, there are also a few beachfront spots like SHOR, Cabo Wabo Sand Bar, The Huntington Beach House, Dwight's, or Zack's. All options offer food and drinks without leaving the sand! 

We recommend exploring Downtown HB, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting the International Surfing Museum (it’s free), shopping locally, and stopping by our Visitor’s Center to discover even more things to see and do.

After lunch, head over to Pacific City for some shopping and strolling. Take our self-guided walking tour to learn more about the area, or check out the Bolsa Chica Wetlands for a peaceful escape to nature. 

Sunsets in HB are truly magical. For the best views, visit the Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, walk the pier, sit on the sand or in Pier Plaza, or enjoy the views from a warm bonfire pit while indulging in delicious s’mores.

Before heading home, consider dining at one of HB's top restaurants. Take your pick from our selection of beachfront resorts, fine dining options in Pacific City or Downtown HB, or anything in between! 

Options inside The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel include Henry's Coastal Cuisine and Cabo Wabo Beach Club, while the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa offers Watertable and Pete's Sunset Grille. Paséa Hotel & Spa welcomes guests to dine at Lōrea and their rooftop Treehouse on PCH, and the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort features Pacific Hideaway with unobstructed views of the Pier. 

This is your sign to take a day trip to Surf City USA. Need we say more? We can’t wait to sea you!