Located 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles in Orange County, California, Huntington Beach sits along the Pacific Ocean bordered by Seal Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, and Westminster. It features a continuous 9.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline. The marine air creates sunny, dry, and cool weather, though mornings and evenings often bring strong breezes up to 15 mph, excessive dampness, and a seasonal marine layer that causes overcast and foggy conditions in May and June. Ocean water temperatures average between 55 and 65 °F.
The coastline faces ocean swells generated from the North Pacific in winter and a mix of Southern Hemisphere storms and cyclones in summer. This combination creates consistent surf throughout the entire year. Along the coast, you will find state-managed sections at Bolsa Chica State Beach in the north—a sand bar fronting Bolsa Bay—and Huntington State Beach in the south, while the central strip is maintained as Huntington City Beach.
Beyond the sand, the setting is defined by a deep beach culture, open coastal wetlands, and an urban backdrop dotting the area with remaining oil pumps. Huntington Beach suits surfers drawn to its year-round wave conditions, birdwatchers and photographers exploring coastal marsh reserves, and travellers looking for oceanfront camping. RV camping is permitted along the city beach, where spots for major events require early planning.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Car | Accessible via Beach Boulevard (originally a historic thoroughfare) in Orange County, 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Surf Season | Year-round | Consistent surf occurs all year, powered by winter swells from the North Pacific and summer swells from Southern Hemisphere storms and cyclones. |
| Marine Layer / Foggy Season | May to June | Cool Pacific air meets warm land air during these months, bringing overcast and foggy conditions. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Ocean water temperatures average cool, ranging between 55 and 65 °F.
- Morning and evening breezes frequently reach speeds up to 15 mph.
- Campsite and RV reservations for popular times like the Fourth of July must be booked many months in advance.
- Anaheim Bay harbor entrance access near Huntington Harbour may occasionally be restricted by the U.S. Navy.