Huntington Beach attractions and activities photos shown above represent a small sampling of the  hundreds of fun things to do all year long in a sun-kissed city next to the Pacific Ocean.  The sun shines often and the day temperatures seldom drop below 60 degrees, making the beach haven perfect for outdoor sports, beach sunbathing, surfing, swimming and all the activities people do on a daily basis such as shop at stores and eat food at restaurants.

The beauty of the Pacific climate it that it affords dining outdoors. In Huntington Beach, California, an incorporated city of 200,000 residents, there are over 100 outdoor (al fresco) style restaurant options.

For activities and attractions, you can watch birds, enjoy around 70 parks, go to theaters, concerts, plays, skate, bike, play volleyball and so much more.

Huntington Beach is one of approximately nine or ten beach cities in Orange County California and as such, features many ocean-oriented special events such as surf contests, marathons and even a beach paintball competition. Summer concerts and a huge 4th of July Parade are not to be missed, in addition to something called Duck-a-thon.

If you're looking for a laid back beach vibe and outdoor activities and attractions, then Huntington Beach is ideally geared toward your interests.

Huntington Beach Activities and Attractions

Year Round Activities
26  things to do -Offering a synopsis of activities for the family and adults, you find there's a lot going on any day of the year in Huntington Beach, California.
Art & Sculptures - The art and sculptures are mostly beach-themed in nature, though an errant abstract piece or two slipped through over 30 years ago. The vision now is tunneled into selling a theme. The artwork is fun, and makes for some great photo ops.
Bingo  - Bingo anyone? This legal form of gambling at schools and nonprofit halls allows visitors and locals to buy some cards and win money. Even though the events are held on school property, we believe there are some age restrictions. The good news is that the money funds projects for the public and private schools, and for nonprofit groups.
Beaches - Beaches are there for public use, do have curfews from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunbathing, kites, surfing, bikes, jogging, swimming, fishing and other activities are possible 365 days a year as nature permits.
Beach Firerings - Free to the public, you have to bring our own wood.  They're available first come, first serve, and are located on public beaches.
Beach paths - Bikes, jogging, roller blading and surreys (for rent) are some things to do on the beach paths.
Bike paths - Same as beach paths...same paved roads.
Birding - Two locations offer optimal viewing. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Huntington Central Park are known for birding. Sometimes you can even observe baby owls from the Children's wing of Central Library.
Bird murals - Saved from destruction, these Beale Studios glazed tiles that once graced a fabulous mall (now torn down) at Seacliff Shopping Center have been restored and sport the exterior walls of Huntington Beach Civic Center (City Hall)  and Police Department buildings.
Bolsa Chica SB - Bolsa Chica State Beach is operated by the California State Parks system, and includes RV camping (no tents).
Central Park - Over 350 acres of urban forests, lakes, two restaurants, a library, Disc Golf, Equestrian Center, Dog Park, walking trails, amphitheater, picnic tables and sports center are some of the attractions in the city-operated venue.
Dog beach  California Dog Beaches - Dog Beach operates on Huntington City Beach in the area once known as the Cliffs to surfers. Surfers and kayakers still like the waves here, and they share the water with dogs, hundreds of them. Visitors can unleash their pets, but must maintain control of them.
Farmer's Market   California Farmers Markets - Weekly event at Pier Plaza sells California Certified farm produce and crafts.
Golden West College - Tracks for running, one of the older swap meets in Southern California held weekends, plays, art, music and more unveils itself to the community at large.  Students can earn credits toward two-year degrees, and apply credits to California State universities.
Golf Courses - One public course, Meadowlark which is operated by American Golf Corp., and the private Seacliff Country Club with tennis courts and private lessons, serve the community with meeting and events space.
Gondola Ride - New to the area, the Gondola Rides are really nice for family fun or romance.
Fishing - Free from the Huntington Beach Pier or requiring a fishing license elsewhere.
Frisbee Golf - 18 hole course play on hilly terrain. Costs a few bucks. One of the oldest courses in Southern California.
Huntington Beach Art Center - Formed approx. a decade ago, this venue is a community center with classes, rotating exhibits and fundraising concerts and activities.
HB  City Beach  - Beaches, bonfires, events, sunbathing, surfing and sand are all in one place at Huntington Beach City Beach.
HB Pier - One of the longest piers in California has been rebuilt many times and now stands as a testament to what several million dollars can buy.  Has shopping, fishing, one restaurant, benches and view scopes. Also home to the towering Tower 0 lifeguard lookout.
HB State Beach - Stretching from City Beach to the River Jetty, Huntington Beach State Beach is operated by California State Parks.
Horseback riding Trail - Must contact in advance to take a ride. Stables are rented and small trails available, plus arenas for horse competitions.
Kayaking  Kayaking,boats - Kayak rentals and several launch points from public parks make kayaking a healthy way to see Huntington Beach's castles, estates and waterfront homes.
Kids -Activities - From 70 some parks to Chuck E. Cheese, kids can play, attend story times, puppet shows and have fun.
Nature center - Shipley Nature Center has been renovation and is ideal for interpretive learning.
Sunset Gondola Ride - New to the area, the Gondola Rides are really nice for family fun or romance.
Surfer Statue - Created by a famous sculptor, this icon of Huntington Beach captures the essence of a surfer riding a wave. It is on Pacific Coast Highway at Huntington Street.
Surf Museum Exhibit - Billed as the International Museum, it offers exhibits, a gift store with CDs, T-shirts and a summer surf genre outdoor concert series.
Volleyball - Huntington Beach volleyball nets are clustered around the pier and number approx. 20.

Special Events
4th of July Parade   Boys & Girls Club
Adventure Playground
Aerial photo Huntington Beach  
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball  
Bike,surf rentals  
Car Cruisers Show 
Concerts  
Cruise of Lights  
Duck-a-thon Fundraising Event - California Duck Events    
Giant Surfboard
Harbors & marinas    
Grunion Run  
Halloween on Main  
HB Concours d'Elegance
Huck Finn Derby 
Huntington Beach High School architecture
Interfaith Day @ Beach
Jan & Dean Band    
Monster Surfboard Record 
Running is for the Birds  
Skateboard Dog  
Surf Theatre
US Open of Surfing   Population - top 25