Huntington Beach, Calif., aka Surf City, is best known for its surf-friendly waves and 10 miles of broad sand beaches. The SoCal city welcomes more than 16 million beach visitors a year and offers them plenty to do during their stay. If you happen to find yourself in or around the city, make sure to try one of these five beach activities before dining in one of the metropolis’s award-winning restaurants.
Walk the pier
The world famous Huntington Beach Pier is a tourist favorite. One of the West Coast’s longest piers, it stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean and offers a close-up view of nearby surfers. You can also rent a pole and go fishing (no license necessary!), shop for souvenirs or dine with an ocean view at Ruby’s Surf City Diner.
Fly kites
This is a simple yet fun beach activity. Buy an acrobatic kite (starting at $20) available for purchase on the pier and join the handful of others taking advantage of windy weather.
Learn how to surf
Huntington Beach provides the perfect waves for surfing and for that reason the water is always teeming with grateful surfing professionals and novices. Get in on the fun by taking a lesson provided by one of several nearby surf schools and see what it’s like to surf the waters used to host the biggest surf competitions in the world.
Visit the dog beach
Whether you brought your pooch along and want him to be part of the fun or you just want to witness some playing and frolicking while getting a better view of the more experienced surfers (the dog beach has better waves), this is the place for you. Close-by restaurants welcome your furry friend and if you’re visiting in September, you might get a view of some canine surfing.
Yoga on the beach
Huntington Beach is a laid-back city so it’s no surprise a favorite pastime of the locals is enjoying yoga on the beach. If you’re an old pro then you’ll have no trouble finding a private spot on the 10-mile long beach, but there are plenty of classes (some of them free!) for beginners and experts to enjoy.
Read This Next
He’enalu: The Ancient Art of Surfing
Adventure
Oct 27, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 8, 2026Visit Ontario’s First B Corp Certified Winery
If you’re a fan of both wineries and sustainability, you’re likely keeping an eye on how your favorite vineyards put eco-friendly measures at the forefront of their operations — and now, if you live in the general vicinity of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, (or are planning a nearby trip soon) you’ll have an excellent excuse to visit Stratus Vineyards.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Slideshow
Sep 8, 20268 Must-Visit Libraries Around the World
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are eight must-visit libraries around the world.
North America
Sep 8, 2026New Upscale Italian Restaurant and Bar Opens in NYC’s West Village
Last month, New York City’s West Village welcomed a new restaurant and bar with some seriously promising dishes and drinks. Floradora is the newest concept from Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen, the team also behind Libertine, Chateau Royale and Capitaine.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Destinations / North America
Sep 7, 20265 Unique Glamping Getaways to Take Across the South This Autumn
Did you know glamping accounted for 29 percent of all camping experiences in 2025? The elevated camping experience lets you both enjoy the great outdoors with some comforts you don’t get from just sleeping in a tent.
ShareThis