Huntington Beach's Pier Plaza can sometimes appear as a huge, empty space of urban cement less noticeable than the Pacific Ocean that it overlooks. But on a busy day, it is the center of entertainment for concerts, sunny day sunning and just chillin' at the beach.

From the regular summer gatherings of drummers who get together for a tribal beat, plein air painters out to pain the town, dancers, hip-hoppers, kids rolling on the green, grass lawn, and those munching on a sandwich, Pier Plaza was created as a spot where you can do all these things without getting sand on your feet if you prefer not. 

Built circa 1998, the spot and surrounding environs had been targeted for something larger with commercial enterprises. But coastal regulations prohibited such obstruction of this city's asset, its open space. As the coastal population grows, more and more people are using Pier Plaza to sit and relax. And more functions are being held there on a regular basis.  A free summer concert series sponsored by the City of Huntington Beach, fireworks show on the 4th of July, surfing concerts some Sundays and Easter Sunrise service all find the place overlooking the ocean just perfect.   Since the space is a public space, regulations do not generally permit rental for private functions.

At the end of the plaza is a huge wall filled with a unique tile mural by an artist who created the local history in full color. Oil derricks, swimsuits, and everything in between pay homage to the development and growth of Huntington Beach.

When visiting HB's Pier Plaza, you may choose to eat and sleep in the city if you are just passing through and happen to like what you see. Right across the street from Pier Plaza is Best Western Huntington Beach Inn overlooking the Huntington Beach Pier and Pier Plaza on Pacific Coast Highway.

Where to eat - Right next to Pier Plaza is Duke's HB, Savannah's at the Beach, and Zack's Concessions.

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