Like all of California and especially the more populated regions, Huntington Beach is all about events, be it a volleyball tournament, marathon, concert at the beach or in the park and a classic car show. Shown above is a Paintball tournament on the beach.

So when's the best time to visit Huntington Beach to partake in events? Anytime is a good time to visit. There are events through the year in Huntington Beach. But there are special, repeating events annually that may appeal to your specific interests. Several of the top events each year include the 4th of July Parade and fireworks show at the beach, and the US Open of Surfing. A sand volleyball beach tournament, a Taste of Huntington Beach dining and food sampling event, the giant Duck-a-thon at the beach, pier swims, Huck Finn fishing derby, Concours d'Elegance, Easter egg hunt, Halloween on Main Street, and many seasonal fun events offer a year-round schedule of fun things to do. Most are kid-friendly, too!

Naturally the period of July and August are the hottest, event wise. Weekly summer concerts that are free are often booked simultaneously or back-to-back on the same during a July weekend.  With four free concert venues (Pier Plaza, Surfing Museum, Central Park and Bella Terra), you'll never get tired of great music and world class musicians, most who are professionals with record deals or years of studio work behind them. Up and coming bands often come out of this environment, too. When surrounded by great beaches and great musical talent, you can't help but shine.  There's music most the time in HB.

Winters and the month of December keep local residents occupied with many fundraising dinners.  The public is usually invited to these events that bring the community together.

Daily events in Huntington Beach include activities, sports, plays, skateboarding, jogging, bicycling, etc. The weekly fun roll at the beach invites the public on Saturday mornings to skate with a group.  If you're from out of town, you just rent a pair of roller blades from Zack's Beach Concessions at get scooting with the crowd.

A weekly event that's a crowd pleaser and ranked as the most scenic outdoor market on the California Coast is held every Friday at Huntington Beach's Pier Plaza overlooking the ocean.  This California certified farmer's market and crafts fair sells farm fresh produce, processed gourmet foods and jewelry, home decor, clothes and more.

Where to stay on a Huntington Beach Event vacation: When visiting and participating in Huntington Beach's events, there are a variety of hotels that host special events, and weekends that reach capacity on hotel rooms because of special events the have filled the inventory. Our top choice if you can spend the money, is Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. It has great rooms, many with ocean views, a Starbucks coffee bar on site, restaurants, live musical entertainment some nights in Pete's Sunset Grille, a beautiful HB Gallery and a bridge that crosses over Pacific Coast Highway to Huntington City Beach.

Second runner-up choice for hotels is the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. One thing that's preferable at the Hilton is self-parking option. Hyatt is a forced valet, which means you have to wait and that's a bummer when you're in and out all day with a car. The Hilton offers the best views on for a few miles, till you get to Newport's Marriott Hotel and its beach properties on the peninsula.

Third choice is a tough call. Most popular and nearly a tie are the Best Westerns (one at the beach), and one on Beach (Blvd.) For budget, the most positive comments we've consistently heard come from Howard Johnson on Beach Blvd. (it's a price points issue).

Food: Now that you've gotten the bed squared away, you may need some delicious food at Luggatti's, and Italian restaurant located in the quaint downtown Main Street area. Casual, comfortable sports bar entertainment and grub are served cold or hot at Longboard Pub.

Gotta shop? Downtown HB, Bella Terra Mall or 5 Points Plaza are a few options. We've scoured the coast and find the older crowd likes shopping in Seal Beach (free parking), or down the street for cool, classy threads on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore.