Explore Huntington Beach and Huntington Harbour: Surf City USA
Huntington Beach, proudly known as Surf City USA, is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California celebrated for its laid-back surf culture, 10 miles of pristine shoreline, and year-round temperate coastal climate. This iconic beach town offers endless opportunities for surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or just hanging out at the beach, making it a top destination for both visitors and locals.
One of the city’s most historic landmarks is the Huntington Beach Pier, stretching 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The nearby International Surfing Museum pays tribute to the area’s deep-rooted surfing history and the legends who shaped the sport.
Just north of downtown lies Sunset Beach, a quiet coastal neighborhood that blends small-town beach vibes with easy access to both the calm waters of Huntington Harbour, and Huntington Beach.
Huntington Harbour is a hidden gem made up of five man-made islands and scenic waterways. Ideal for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and waterfront dining, Huntington Harbour offers a more tranquil experience within the greater Huntington Beach area.
Whether you're here to ride the waves or explore the harbor, Sunset Beach provides a diverse and unforgettable coastal experience in the heart of Southern California.
Local Wildlife
While Huntington Beach itself is a popular destination for surfers, the surrounding waters and the nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve harbor a variety of marine mammals and other wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, and various whale species that are known to frequent the waters throughout times of the year.
Dolphins: Common and bottlenose dolphins are often spotted near Sunset Beach, especially in the early morning. They travel in pods and are known for their playful behavior and acrobatic leaps through the waves, sometimes following boats or surfing alongside humans.
Whales: Gray whales migrate along the coast during winter and spring months, while blue whales and humpbacks are occasionally seen in summer. Whale watching tours from nearby harbors provide a chance to observe these majestic animals during their migration seasons.
Sea Lions: California sea lions can often be seen sunning themselves on buoys or rocky outcroppings near the harbor. Recognizable by their barking calls and playful antics in the surf, they are social animals and commonly seen in groups.
Great Blue Herons: These large, stately birds frequent the wetlands of Bolsa Chica, standing still for long periods while hunting fish and amphibians. With their tall stature and slow, deliberate movements, they are a striking presence in the reserve.
Snowy Egrets: Smaller and more delicate than herons, snowy egrets are known for their bright white plumage and contrasting black legs with yellow feet. They can be seen darting through shallow waters, using their feet to stir up prey.
Red-winged Blackbirds: Common in the marshes surrounding the reserve, males are easily identified by their distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches. Their loud, musical calls are often heard echoing through the reeds during spring and summer.