Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Consistent surf and an easy boardwalk day, but summer crowds and the search for metered parking along PCH keep it from feeling like a local secret.
How we score beachesMetered street parking along Pacific Coast Highway is cheaper than the pier lots if you don't mind a short walk in.
Dogs are not allowed on the main sand at Huntington City Beach, though leashed dogs can use the service road and the separate designated Huntington Dog Beach to the north.
Surf holds up nearly year round in Surf City, but the water doesn't climb out of the 60s until July. September and October, after the early summer fog clears, are when locals actually swim instead of just surf.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
Coronado Beach
Coronado, CA · Pacific Coast
Wide, flat sand with a view of the historic Hotel del Coronado, gentle waves that make it a favorite for families, and a naturally sparkly shoreline from mica flecks in the sand.