Renato Sanchez Lozada - Unsplash
Visiting Huntington Beach - Surf Forecast, Where To Stay, Eat & Best Bets
Huntington Beach, California, often referred to as Surf City USA, has a rich history deeply intertwined with surfing culture. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice enthusiast, Huntington Beach offers a vibrant surfing scene with something to suit every preference and skill level.
History
Huntington Beach has been a pivotal location in the evolution of surfing culture, boasting a legacy that dates back to the early 20th century.
Known as the “HB” of surfing, Huntington Beach’s consistent waves earned it the nickname “Surf City USA”, and it hasn’t changed since. For over a century, Huntington Beach has been a go-to spot for SoCal surfers. Huntington Beach is where the action is. Or at least where the waves are. The waves are Huntington Beach’s heartbeat. Wetsuit-wearing thrill-seekers bob on the surface of the ocean, ready to ride the tide, ride the breakers, and ride the waves.
George Freeth was the first person to surf in Huntington Beach in 1907. Freeth was a Hawaiian waterman, and surfing pioneer. In 1925, surfing legend Duke Kahanamaoku arrived in California from Hawaii. The arrival of the legend of surfing on the beaches of Southern California brought in new visitors, and it also brought with them the need for surf equipment that was easy to find. In 1953, the city's first surf shop opened, Gordie's Surf Boards. Six years later, Huntington Beach hosted the first U.S. Surfing Championships. The city gained its reputation as Surf City USA largely due to its hosting of the prestigious U.S. Open of Surfing, which attracts top surfers and enthusiasts from around the world annually.
The Huntington Beach International Surf Museum showcases the city’s surfing history, featuring surfboards, surf memorabilia, and surf-related artifacts that tell the story of the sport’s growth.
Iconic Ruby's restaurant on the pier Jeremy Bishop - Unsplash
Surf Spots
Huntington Pier (South)
The legendary south break at Huntington Beach Pier was the site of the original OP Pro contest and is now the site of the U.S. Open of Surfing, a WSL qualifier that brings in over half a million surfers each year when it's on. The mythic status ensures it has a consistent crowd, so you never have to worry about being alone. In the winter, the south side works better because the NW swell drags under the pier's wooden pilings to collect and shape. Then, the waves sort of lick around the pier and form the sandbanks to form a slabby wave that has a rippable, open face that holds well and is consistent. Thanks to a phenomenon called the pier bowl, a collection of sandbanks that form at jetties that offer consistent waves that angle nicely in a semicircular motion toward the beach.
During the summer months, Huntington Pier’s south side is often closed to surfing (the lifeguards put up a flag banning surfers from the area), so the crowds head north to the more dependable north side of the pier. The south side of the pier is known as the “sandlot” for surfers. The wave is usually a high-performance playground, and there are a ton of short boards out there. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and be prepared to paddle all day long to keep your spot – the currents will take you all over the beach like crazy!
Huntington Pier (North)
The pier bowl sandbanks shape the pier into a rounded peak that falls to either the left or right. The right side tends to mellow out as you get closer to the timber pilings. It's always crowded, but it's usually fun. The north side is pretty much the same wave as the south. The only difference is that it tends to favor summer SW swells, and it's also a much shorter wave. It also tends to hollow out much more quickly than the south, which is why it's often the choice for short boarders who are more interested in a quick meet-and-greet in the green room rather than pounding turn after turn. On bigger winter days, though, gutsy riders can glide right through.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
With its soft sand bottom, gentle surf, and year-round mild water temperatures, Bolsa Chica is the perfect beach for beginners.
Bolsa Chica is one of the few beaches that does not have a black ball, which is a yellow flag that has a black circle around it. The black ball is a sign from the lifeguards that no surfing is allowed on the beach due to the high number of tourists visiting the beach. Even though the beach has no black ball, it is a lifeguard beach and lifeguards patrol the beach all year round. Lifeguard towers are staffed approximately from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. With no black ball at the beach, surfing is mandatory all day long.
The inside of the beach is closer to shore where the surf has already begun to break. This area is mainly whitewashed, which are waves that have already broken and washed out, making them easier to get into. Whitewash waves are best for beginners, and the outside waves break slowly here, so beginner surfers can also enjoy them. This is different from the beaches south of the beach, like the Huntington Beach cliffs, or Newport Beach, where the waves break more quickly. Wipeout: When you fall off your board, as a beginner, it’s inevitable. With a sandy bottom, the ground is softer, so there’s less chance of injury, and it’s safer for people of all ages and skill levels to learn to surf.
Huntington Beach Cliffs
The Huntington Beach Cliffs are a soft, slow-rolling wave most year-round. On the smaller days, you can longboard, but the wave gets fast enough for short boarding on a low tide, especially when there’s a swell combo in the winter. NW swells change the texture of the wave from soft to holding some size, and heavy. When the waves are good and when they aren’t, the cliffs get a good crowd. Most locals surf it every day, and there are plenty of newbie surfers trying out. The wave can be localized a few times a year, but for the most part, you’ll be able to find a spot to surf in between others. The walk down to Huntington Beach Cliffs is more challenging than other south or north surf spots due to the rocky cliff that forms the base of the cliffs. Dogs can be found playing on the beach right on the cliffs. Parking can be very crowded on summer days.
HB Pier has a wave most days of the year - troy williams
Huntington Beach Surf Report
Full 10-Day Forecasts For Huntington Beach and the West Coast HERE
Surf seasons
Huntington Beach enjoys a relatively mild climate, making it a year-round surfing destination. The prime surf season typically aligns with the fall and winter months when larger swells generated by Pacific storms roll in. However, spring and summer can also offer excellent surfing conditions, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers.
1. Swell: Huntington Beach experiences a variety of swells throughout the year. Southern hemisphere swells are prevalent during the summer months, while northwest swells dominate during the winter.
2. Wind: Offshore winds, commonly referred to as "Santa Anas," are favorable for creating clean waves, especially in the mornings.
3. Time of Year: Fall and winter generally offer the most consistent surf conditions, with larger South swells, the occasional early season NW swell and fewer crowds.
4. Summertime gets super crowded, but the people watching is top-notch.
Zhuoqian Yang - Unsplash
Best Bets
Early mornings and weekdays are great times to avoid the crowds and ride the best waves. Keep an eye on surf news and forecasts to get the most out of the best conditions.
Places to stay
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort-4.5* reviews on trip advisor
500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Upon going into the hotel, you are greeted with an incredible atmosphere, delicious scent, and all-around good vibes. The amenities are unmatched, and you rarely want to hang out in your hotel at a beachside destination, but Kimpton is a good hang. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed. This place is across the street from the Huntington Beach pier. The beaches here are patrolled and pristine. The hotel has bikes and surfboards to use. There is a beautiful lounge on the main floor and great airy seating areas.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa -4.5* reviews on trip advisor
21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5300
It's a huge, beautiful property with multiple pools and hot tubs. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. It’s an amazing resort with all of the amenities and amazing service, great dining options, and easily walkable to Huntington Beach's main street and sights.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel-4.5* reviews on trip advisor
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5307
It is exquisitely beautiful and impeccably clean, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Beautiful hotel with, an excellent location next to the beach, fun bars, and great restaurants. Once you step foot into this hotel, you know it’s going to be a wonderful stay.
Places to eat
Sandys Beach Shack-#4 of 331 Restaurants in Huntington Beach
315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5161
This restaurant is right on the beach! They are dog-friendly and even have a special pup menu! Delicious food, excellent service, and beautiful views! Right there amongst the noise, the sand, and the ocean breeze you experience summertime fun, food & spirit.
Cucina Alessa-#6 of 331 Restaurants in Huntington Beach
520 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5134
Love this cozy and classy place on Main Street a few blocks up from the pier, directly across from the library. The menu rivals any Italian eatery within 100 miles and the service is terrific. This restaurant knows what the people want. Great food, great atmosphere, and amazing service! Can’t fault it. Wonderful Italian dinner out together! Incredible service and attention and fresh, kitchen-made food that will leave you satisfied!
Sancho's Tacos-#2 of 42 Quick Bites in Huntington Beach
602 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5081
The food here is really good and well-priced. The tacos, nachos, & burritos are all made with fresh ingredients. There is a small, uniquely decorated seating area to the left as you enter the building along with outside dining. Make sure to look around as the artwork is stunning. If you are in the mood for fresh and tasty tacos stop by Sancho's Tacos in Huntington Beach.
Discover the essence of Surf City USA with our guide to Huntington Beach! Dive into the rich surfing history, uncover the best surf spots, and learn when and where to catch the perfect wave. From ideal conditions to top places to stay and eat, embark on an unforgettable surfing adventure in this iconic coastal paradise.
