Huntington Beach

by The Linguist

With a population of 200,541 as of the 2020 census, Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County, California known for its surf culture. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway and blessed with 9.5 miles of uninterrupted beach shoreline, Huntington Beach has rightfully earned the nickname “Surf City USA.”

Population and Demographics

As mentioned above, Huntington Beach has a population of just over 200,000 residents. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly white, with 79.2% of residents identifying as white alone. Hispanics and Latinos make up 14.9% of the population and Asians account for 9.6%. The median age is 40.8 years old. The city has seen steady population growth over the last several decades as more and more people are attracted to its ideal location and famous beaches.

Economy and Major Employers

The economy of Huntington Beach is driven largely by aerospace, oil, tourism and retail. According to the city’s website, some of the major employers include:

  • Boeing
  • Cambro Manufacturing
  • C&D Aerospace
  • Quiksilver
  • Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
  • Huntington Beach Hospital
  • Marriott

Tourism also accounts for a significant amount of revenue and jobs in the city. Popular tourist attractions like the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach State Park, the International Surfing Museum, and pro surfing competitions held here bring millions of visitors each year.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Some of the most popular landmarks and points of interest in Huntington Beach include:

  • Huntington Beach Pier – This iconic pier stretches 1,850 feet over the Pacific Ocean. It includes a restaurant at the end and provides prime views.
  • Huntington City Beach – With over three miles of pristine beachfront, visitors flock here to surf, swim, build sandcastles and enjoy the sun and surf.
  • Sunset Beach – Famous for its big waves, this beach is a hot spot for surfers looking to catch some waves. It hosts surfing contests throughout the year.
  • Huntington Beach State Park – Just north of the city, this park offers nature trails, a museum focused on oil history, and opportunities for camping, swimming, and surf fishing.
  • International Surfing Museum – This museum documents the history of surf culture and honors surf pioneers. It has an impressive collection of vintage surfboards and memorabilia.
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – Home to a restored saltwater marsh, this ecological reserve lets you experience natural wetlands in the midst of a major city. It’s popular for birdwatching.

The beach scene is an integral part of Huntington Beach. Miles of sandy beaches, Surf City culture, beach attractions, and a lively downtown area near the pier give Huntington Beach its classic California beach town appeal.

Sports

As the official “Surf City USA”, it’s no surprise that surfing is a top sport in Huntington Beach. With a seemingly endless summer of good weather and waves, surfers flock here from around the globe. Major surf competitions are held here throughout the year. The city is also home to the Surf City Marathon and related races held every February since 2010.

Beyond surfing, Huntington Beach is home to several sports teams including:

With a coastal location and Surf City vibe, it’s no wonder Huntington Beach is passionate about surfing and watersports. But the city also boasts strong high school and community college athletic programs across many sports.

Things to Do

Some of the top things to do in Huntington Beach include:

  • Surfing – Rent a board and wetsuit and try your hand at surfing, or enjoy watching others brave the waves.
  • Beach time – Build sandcastles, go for a swim, play volleyball, or just relax in the sun.
  • Shop and dine downtown – Check out surf shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars along Main Street near the pier.
  • Farmer’s Market – Held every Tuesday, this lively market offers fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts.
  • Sportfishing – Book a sportfishing tour to try and reel in catches like bass, halibut, yellowtail, and more.
  • Biking and hiking – Miles of bike paths and nature trails wind along the coast and through parks and wetlands.
  • Surf Museum – Learn about the history and culture of surfing in Huntington Beach.
  • Whale watching – Grab a pair of binoculars and watch for migrating whales Dec-April.
  • Beach bonfire – End the day gathered around a cozy fire pit in the sand.

With a lively downtown district, endless sandy beaches, and the iconic pier jutting out over the waves, Huntington Beach encapsulates the classic Surf City California vibe. Visitors flock here to surf, shop, dine, beach, bike, boat, and enjoy the sun and waves.