Also known as the ‘Surf Capital of the World’, Huntington Beach is popular for offering the best quality waves throughout the year. It is surrounded by Seal Beach from the northwest, Newport Beach from southeast, Pacific Ocean from southwest, Costa Mesa from the east, Fountain Valley from the northeast and Westminster from the north.
Located in the sunny Orange County, this beautiful beach side city has a lot to offer to its tourists. From gorgeous golden beaches, shopping malls, classy museums, thrilling water sports and wonderful art centers, Huntington City is a must-visit in California.
History of Huntington Beach
Originally inhabited by Tongva People, the area first received its group of Europeans, when a Spanish soldier – Manual Nieto, was awarded 300,000 acres of land in 1784 due to his military service. However, during the year 1790, his area was reduced due to a dispute but he still owned a majority of the portion.
Since then, Huntington Beach city has gone through many changes. It was once called the Shell Beach, Smeltzer Town and Gospel Swamp. Afterward, it came to be known as Fairview and then, as it slowly became a popular tourist spot, Pacific City. To ensure easy access to Red Car Lines that ran between Los Angeles and Long Beach, the city relinquished huge grants to a railroad tycoon called Henry E. Huntington. Hence, on 17th February 1909, Pacific City came to be known as Huntington Beach city.
The city’s original developer – Huntington Beach Company was owned by Henry Huntington and still owns majority of the land in the city. The company is now solely owned by Chevron Corporation.
Important Locations in Huntington Beach
Explore the beautiful sunny city of Orange County that defines the beach culture of Southern California. With several beautiful attractions including huge shopping districts, historic landmarks, verdant parks, golden beaches, Huntington Beach is also known for its excellent quality of waves throughout the year. Here are some popular places for tourists to explore in Huntington Beach:
International Surfing Museum
If you are a fan of surfing, then this museum is a must-visit for you. Opened in 1990, International Surfing Museum is home to a number of surfing relics including surfboards that once belongs to famed surfers, hall of fame and classic surf films. Moreover, the museum also hosts the popular Surfin' Sundays Summer Concert Series. Even if you are not into surfing, there are a number of activities for you to do over here. For more information,
click here.
Address: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Phone: 1 714 960 3483
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach Pier is one of the most popular and iconic tourist spots in the city. This is because the pier and the city came into existence together all the way back in the year 1904. Located just 100 feet above the sea, the Huntington Beach Pier is also one of the longest piers (public) on the West Coast. There are a number of activities one can do at the pier including fishing, flying kites, shopping and much more.
Address: Main St. and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
Also known as The Huntington, The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is a famous research and educational museum located just a few minutes drive from Huntington Beach city. Along with an extensive art collection, the building is also home to 120 acres of botanical gardens including Desert Garden, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. For more information on the timings of The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, please
click here.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, United States
Phone: 1 626 405 2100
Huntington State Beach
Huntington State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. The beach runs 2 miles from Newport Beach in Santa Ana River to Beach Boulevard. Huntington State Beach is known for its various outdoor recreational activities such as surfing, basketball, volleyball, bonfires, bird watching, swimming, fishing and much more. There is also a 120 acre verdant park, situated right next to the beach. It also has a nesting sanctuary for various endangered species. To know more about Huntington State Beach,
click here.
Phone: 1 (714) 536 1454
People and Culture of Huntington Beach
According to US Census 2010, Huntington Beach had a population of 189,992. This city is home to several racial compositions including White (76.7%), Hispanic (17.1%) African American (1.0%), Native American (0.5%), Non-Hispanic White (67.2%), Asians (11.1%), Pacific Islander (0.3%), Other Races (5.9%) and Two or more Races (4.5%).
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (UTC-8). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Pacific Daylight Time (UTC−7).
Standard time zone: UTC/PST - 8 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/PDT - 7 hour
Time zone abbreviation: PST and PDT
Phone Codes of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach Area Code: 562, 657/714
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach
The city of Huntington Beach experiences a semi arid or Mediterranean climate. Due to this days in the city are dry and sunny, however nights and evenings can be quite wet. Because of its location next to the ocean, there is a constant breeze throughout the year. The perfect months to visit Huntington Beach are between April and December. June, July and August are the hottest months while winters can be very pleasant as temperature hardly ever drops below 40 degree Fahrenheit.
Annual Festival and Events in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beachcruiser Meet (March)
Taste of Huntington Beach (April or May)
Annual Surfin' Sunday Concerts Rock HB (April to September)
Annual Duck-A-Thon (May)
HB Concours d' Elegance (May or June)
Huntington Beach Pier Swim (June)
Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade (July)
US Open of Surfing (July and August)
Surf City Garage Car Show (August)
Huck Finn Fishing Derby for Kids (Late August)
Civil War Reenactment (August and September)
BB Jazz Festival (September)
Oktoberfest (September and October)
Main Street Halloween Celebration (October)
Cruise of Lights (December)
Huntington Beach Map Guide
