Huntington Beach

 

Best known as “Surf City USA,” the coastal city of Huntington Beach is a mere 35 miles south of the urban metropolis of Los Angeles, and the Santa Ana River marks its southern border. Huntington is a good mix of urban and beach lifestyles and is surrounded by the Bolsa Chica State Beach and the city of Costa Mesa.

 

Huntington Beach was incorporated in 1909 and remained a primarily agricultural location in its early days. Modern Huntington Beach is famous for its massive 9.5-mile stretch of wide-open beaches and the waves just off the shore that have become legendary for surfing. Its population of 200,000 makes Huntington Beach the most prominent beach town in Orange County, and the city maintains a laid-back motto of sun, surf, and shop. 

 

Most of the residential housing was built in the 1960s and 1970s, creating a large number of 
stylish bungalows and beach cottages that have been updated and refinished to suit more current styles. Though Huntington Beach has plenty of gated communities and multimillion-dollar estates, the area is also replete with more modest single-family townhomes, luxury condos, and apartments.

 

The ultimate surfer’s paradise, Huntington Beach embodies the easy-going attitude of Southern California’s relaxed surfing crowd. Days are spent worrying more about the waves than the hum-drum of life, and residents don’t have to lose out on the convenience of commercial areas or affordable housing to sustain their beachy vibes.

 

Huntington Beach is absolutely bursting with retail locations and shopping centers, many of which are mixed-use development housing movie theaters and plentiful fine dining establishments. At the heart of Huntington Beach, just steps away from the sand, Pacific City is an upscale beachfront mall that houses an astonishing directory of name-brand retailers, fine dining, and entertainment options. 

 

It’s easy to find restaurants to suit every craving in Huntington Beach, and the amazing culinary scene includes cuisine that ranges from California Coastal to internationally-inspired global fare. Diners come to Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge for the gorgeous panoramic views but stay for the gourmet shared-plates, craft cocktails, and highly desirable ambiance. For more involved sit-down meals and a full dinner menu only a few feet from the beach, residents can check out Watertable’s New American cuisine. Here, rustic, regional comfort foods are elevated, and the seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients provide the perfect base for dishes made with a high level of artistry. 

 

Find everything from sushi to savory burgers at HQ Gastropub, a restaurant true to its name that dishes out highly eclectic global fares. A classic staple of Huntington Beach, The Sugar Shack Cafe is a must-visit. The iconic cafe opened in 1967 and has been serving locals mouthwatering breakfasts and traditional American grub ever since.

 

Diverting entertainment isn’t hard to come by in Huntington Beach, particularly for those who love the outdoors, sports, and community events. The crown jewel of the city, Huntington State Beach’s 121 acres of resplendent golden sand and prime surfing waves draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every single year. The beach is also the host of the Vans US Open of Surfing, the week-long qualifying process for the World Surf League.

 

In addition to the US Open of Surfing, the beach acts as the backdrop and setting for The Great Pacific Air Show. The performance is the largest over-the-water airshow in the country and has dazzled spectators annually with unique and creative performances over the years. Huntington Beach also houses one of the longest piers on the west coast, the Huntington Beach Pier. An iconic location for photographers and anyone simply desiring to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean, the pier is a place of quiet reflection, people watching, and fishing.

 

Huntington Beach is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: