Huntington Beach California

The surfing lifestyle and sunny climate of Orange County is well known, and the city of Huntington Beach California contributes greatly to the surfing culture.

Its eight miles of beach attract many tourists and the pier, going from Main Street to the Pacific Ocean, is the largest of its kind on all the West Coast of United States.

The downtown district of cafes, restaurants, surf shops and bars make for a vibrant atmosphere.

Surfing conditions here are considered to be amongst the finest in the state and Huntington Beach California is the annual host for the World Surfing Championships held each summer. The area is also popular with kiteboarders and the National Paintballing Championships are also held here. 

The International Surfing Museum receives many visitors and has helped to put Huntington Beach California on the map. There are displays covering the entire history of the sport and a large collection of surf boards.

Information includes facts about pop culture with connections to surfing, such as the music of Jan & Dean, the Beach boys and guitarist, Dick Dale. The gift shop sells CDs and T-shirts and the museum organizes surf music concerts throughout the summer.

Many events bring people together.

That's why the social calendar is full: the Surf City Nights are held each Tuesday with entertainment, food stalls and activities for the children, and even a farmer's market.

The Annual Kite Festival is an event for everyone to get involved who has a kite to fly. Professional kite fliers often participate, demonstrating their skills to music. For the really fit citizens of Huntington Beach California, there is the Annual Biathlon Race, which combines running and swimming.

It takes place in July, beginning at daybreak and is organized by local lifeguards.

Central Park is a very large area

You get the chance to see wildlife in the dense forest with eucalyptus trees. It also contains the Public Library, a facility with a large collection of books, a theatre and a gift shop. It also houses a collection of local historic artifacts. If you want to ride a horse, the park also has a rental system with guided horseback trails. Golfers too, enjoy the disc golf course and there is a sports center, nature center and areas for dining.

Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve is highly appreciated by Nature lovers: they like to go to the protected area of wetlands and tidal saltwater marshes, ideal for many species of local wildlife. Fishing is even allowed in certain areas. There are also free public tours of the reserve and it is popular with hikers and birdwatchers.