From surf history and wetlands walks to harbor cruises, indie brews, and community nights, these locally owned spots deliver Huntington Beach’s spirit. Mix classics with new favorites, meet the people behind them, and experience Surf City like a local.
Things to Do in Huntington Beach (2025)
12 Places
From surf history and wetlands walks to harbor cruises, indie brews, and community nights, these locally owned spots deliver Huntington Beach’s spirit. Mix classics with new favorites, meet the people behind them, and experience Surf City like a local.
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
Permanently closed
Small but storied, this nonprofit preserves surf culture with rotating exhibits and the giant Guinness-record board. Noted by travel editors and local media; check seasonal hours posted by the museum before you go.
Huntington Surf & Sport
Surf shop
Across from the pier, HSS anchors downtown surf culture with the Surfers’ Hall of Fame out front and affordable board and wetsuit rentals inside. Long praised by surf media and locals for community support.
Corky Carroll's Surf School
Surf school
Run by surf icon Corky Carroll’s crew, this long-running school teaches all ages at mellow Bolsa Chica. 2025 surf camp dates are posted; private lessons operate year-round between Towers 18 and 19.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Nature preserve
Explore restored wetlands on free monthly walks led by trained naturalists. First-Saturday wetland tours and last-Saturday bird walks spotlight one of California’s most significant coastal marshes.
Shipley Nature Center
Nature preserve
An 18-acre native habitat with trails, pond, and interpretive exhibits. Surf City USA highlights its limited open hours and docent tours—perfect for a quiet break from the beach.
Huntington Beach Art Center
Art gallery
A downtown arts hub with community exhibitions and regional shows; current 2025 programming and evening hours make it an easy culture stop before or after the pier.
Surf City Nights Street Fair & Certified Farmers' Market
Farmers' market
Every Tuesday, Main Street closes for a certified farmers market with live bands, makers, and food stalls. Operated by the downtown BID and packed with locals year-round.
Riip Beer Co.
Brewery
Surfside-born and award-winning, Riip pours crisp lagers and West Coast IPAs across from the wetlands. Named Best Beer in the 2025 Surf City USA Foodie Awards.
Four Sons Brewing
Brewpub
Family-run tasting room with 16 taps, new releases most weeks, and frequent food trucks. Local tourism editors praise the welcoming, community-forward vibe.
602 Coffee House
Coffee shop
Independent cafe with ocean views and house-roasted beans; winner of Surf City USA’s 2025 Best Coffee. A second roastery outpost sits on Goldenwest.
Prince Charters, LLC
Boat rental service
Third-generation, locally owned charters cruise Huntington Harbour on a classic wood boat, luxury yacht, or captain-driven Duffy-style craft—great for families, proposals, or sunset picnics.
Sugar Shack Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Family-run since 1967, this surfer hangout fuels dawn patrols and parade days. Covered by the Los Angeles Times for its deep community ties and Surf City lore.
