This California city is nicknamed ‘Surf City USA,’ but there’s more to do than surfing

Huntington Beach, California, may be best known as the surfing mecca of the West Coast, but this charming coastal town offers so much more. I recently spent the weekend in Surf City USA with the help of Visit Huntington Beach to enjoy all it offers. From fishing to biking to eating and shopping, these are some of the best things to do in Huntington Beach.

One of the Best Things To Do in Huntington Beach? Dine Out

My stomach often leads me to new places, and Huntington Beach did not disappoint my gastronomic needs. While the seafood was plentiful, there were also other great dining options to be had if seafood is not your thing.

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Duke’s Restaurant and Barefoot Bar is right next to the Huntington Beach Pier. The interior is paneled in warm, welcoming surfboard-esque wood, but your eyes will immediately be drawn to the giant windows that give guests a great view of the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant is named after the famous Duke Kahanamoku, often called the father of international surfing.

Once you’ve moved past the surfing memorabilia, your first business order is to try their Mai Tai. Their catch-of-the-day is also a must-order, but make sure you save room for their famous Hula Pie. Made with macadamia nut ice cream, a chocolate cookie crust, chocolate fudge, and whipped cream, the Hula Pie is known in Hawaii as “What the sailors swam ashore for in Old Lahaina Town.”

Bluegold at Pacific City

Bluegold is a unique restaurant that I might not have stumbled upon if it hadn’t been for the recommendation by the team at Huntington Beach’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pacific City appeared to be a somewhat new shopping and dining location featuring popular stores and restaurants, unique eateries, and smaller boutiques.

When I sat down at Bluegold, I was ready to try something other than seafood. I highly recommend their braised short ribs and polenta, but any of their “Plates de Dujour” would be a fantastic choice.

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine describes their meal offerings as “creative coastal cuisine inspired from French traditions, with a touch of Californian surf country.” I would agree with that assessment. Located in The Waterfront Beach Resort, this restaurant is open to all, not just resort guests.

Executive Chef Lewis Butler offers the best land—and sea—inspired dishes, such as grilled octopus, pan-roasted Chilean sea bass, and sous vide Jidori chicken breast. The restaurant’s extensive wine list is also impressive.

Sessions West Coast Deli

While not exclusive to Huntington Beach, Sessions West Coast Deli‘s location in Surf City is a prime spot for people-watching. Its intimate atmosphere and small seating area may strike visitors as more of a takeout spot, but if you can snag a bar seat at the window, it’s worth it for the view (of the beach and the people).

Grab a prime spot first thing in the morning, order a breakfast sandwich or burrito with a cold brew latte, and you’ll be in business.

Activities in Huntington Beach, California

Obviously, you’ll want to surf in Surf City, USA, but what else can you do? As someone who doesn’t know how to surf, I was excited to learn just how many more things there are to do in Huntington Beach if surfing isn’t your jam.

Surf the Waves

Plenty of surfers were looking for waves even without an actual surfing competition. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned surfer, there are a plethora of shops to rent or buy gear from. Several shops that sell surfing gear also offer lessons.

Take in a Beach Volleyball Game

You’re missing out if you’re like me and only follow beach volleyball during the Olympics. The AVP Huntington Beach Open was worth visiting the area to see the competition in person. Not only is it free to enter, but you can watch from the stands, pier, or beer garden (guests must be 21 or older to enter the beer garden).

Even if you don’t know who is playing, the matches are still exciting to watch. I have a strong feeling that the 2028 Olympics in LA will host beach volleyball games in Huntington Beach.

Ride an E-Bike Around the Town

E-bikes, or electric bikes, are similar to regular bicycles with the addition of an electric motor that helps each pedal give the rider more power. EV Rideables, a local bike shop in Huntington Beach, showed me how to use the motor in addition to my own pedaling before I took off on my own adventure. After about 15 minutes, I gained confidence in navigating the roads and spent almost an hour riding up and down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Have a Spa Day

After all your rigorous physical activity, a spa day may be just what you need. Huntington Beach has over 65 spas and wellness centers to choose from. Thanks to the team at Visit Huntington Beach, I enjoyed a few hours at Drift, a Waterfront Spa at The Waterfront Beach Resort. No matter which spa you choose, make sure to arrive early and take advantage of all its amenities, including steam or sauna rooms, a jacuzzi, or an outdoor spa garden space.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

As mentioned, Pacific City’s shopping and dining area is worth stopping. However, it would be remiss not to mention all of the local shopping on Main Street. Shops like Jack’s, Huntington Surf & Sport, and Beach Island sell souvenirs such as shirts, hats, and towels, as well as surfboards and other gear. 

Lastly, don’t miss the Surf City Artisan Fair, which is held most weekends in the summer near the pier. Support local businesses with every purchase during the fair’s hours from 9 am to 6 pm.

Other Activities To Consider

While my personal visit only lasted one weekend, visitors could spend several days in town and still not see everything Huntington Beach offers. On my next trip, I plan to visit the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum or take a historical walking tour around town. I’d also love to try a whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Though most well-known for its stellar waves, Huntington Beach, California, has so much to offer.