Moving to Huntington Beach: The Ultimate Guide

The population in Huntington Beach, California in 2019 is 201,874Huntington Beach, California is the 24th largest city in California. Located in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, with three airports near Huntington Beach. Better Known as “Surf City USA” 10 miles/16 kilometers wide open sandy beaches make it a paradise for families, couples, dogs, and surfers. Our endless summer weather offers relaxation, things to do, and oceanfront dining year-round. Some visitors’ favorites include biking, bonfire pitskayaking, and of course, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier spanning 1,850 feet in length. Our pier sits in the heart of Huntington Beach and allows visitors to experience breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze.

Huntington Beach Demographics

Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California, located 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. The city is named after American businessman Henry E. Huntington. The population is 201,874 in 2019 census, making it the most populous beach city in Orange County and the seventh most populous city in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is bordered by Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area on the west, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest, by Seal Beach on the northwest, by Westminster on the north, by Fountain Valley on the northeast, by Costa Mesa on the east, and by Newport Beach on the southeast.

Huntington Beach Weather

In Huntington Beach, the summers are short, warm, arid, and clear and the winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 48°F to 79°F and is rarely below 41°F or above 87°F.

Beaches in Huntington Beach

Five distinct public beaches sprawl along the coast, each with its own amenities and charm.
Huntington City Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Huntington State Beach
Huntington Dog Beach
Sunset Beach
Huntington Beach’s shoreline stretches for 10 uninterrupted miles of wide opened sandy beaches making it a paradise for families, couples, dogs, and surfers. Our sands are so inviting, in fact, they’ve won awards, including America’s Best Beach by Time Magazine, Best Beach in California by USA Today’s Readers Choice, and Best West Coast Beach by Coastal Living Magazine. Where perfect waves are born, Surf City USA attracts professional surfers and World Surf League contests. Our beaches create memories and holds a special place in the hearts of both our locals and visitors. Beaching is made easy with amenities at every stop, including parking, restrooms, and cold water showers.

Huntington Beach Culture

Sun, surf, and sand. Beach vibes and a laid-back lifestyle. If you want to put a pin in a city that best represents iconic California, all signs point to Huntington Beach — which rightfully touts itself as Surf City USA. Yes, you’ll find killer waves and sun-kissed beaches here, along with all of the luxuries Orange County has to offer, only without pretense or attitude (forget what you see on Real Housewives of OC — Huntington Beach folks are the real deal). But that’s just the start. Pack your bathing suits and board shorts, but don’t forget a pair of hiking shoes and a growler — you know, only in case you run into some surprises along the way.

Jobs in Huntington Beach

Quicksilver headquarters, School Districts, Hospitals, City of Huntington Beach voted as one of the best places to work.

Average Home Prices

The median list price per square foot in Huntington Beach is $530.-$560., which is higher than the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metro. The median price of homes currently listed in Huntington Beach is $900,000. -$1,100,000. while the median price of homes that sold is $1,000,000-$1,200,000. The median rent price in Huntington Beach is $2,500-$3,375, which is higher than the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metro.

The Best Restaurants In Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach serves up a variety of delicious eateries. For food lovers, what you eat can be just as significant as what you do on vacation. Surf City USA’s restaurant community delivers on authentic and memorable meals that will last you a lifetime. From rooftop views at Tanner’s Restaurant to Michelin’s LSXO Vietnamese Restaurant, and new upscale eateries added to the scene: Henry’s Oceanfront Dining and Social, Huntington Beach’s chefs are always cooking up delicious food. To wash it all down, try Main Street Wine Company wine tasting or Huntington Beach’s many local breweries.

Huntington Beach Night Life

Huntington Beach bars and lounges are pretty much everywhere you look. With many of them being all within walking distance from Huntington Beach oceanfront resortsdowntown area, and beaches, there are many to chose from to enjoy yourself. The variety of options is just as vast as the times people go to the beach in Surf City USA. There are beachfront lounges, breweriesdistilleries, authentic bars, loud DJ parties— you name it, you can find it in Huntington Beach. Do it right, and a night out here might just be your best night out anywhere.

Family, Friendly Activities

Huntington Beach California has 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline, endless summer weather, and various things to enjoy and experience throughout the city. Surf City USA is chock full of hidden gems, from an ecological reserve to Vans Skate Park, International Surfing Museum, and a beach dedicated to dogs.

  • Free for all activities– Beaches, Outdoor activities, Art / History, Parks, Beach Bike Rental & Food, Dog Beach
  • Five Sandy Beaches– Huntington City Beach, Huntington Dog Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Sunset Beach
  • Surfing– Surf lessons in Surf City USA
  • Bonfires on the Beach– Everything you need to know about the Huntington Beach Bonfires
  • Huntington Harbour -Kayaking, Rent a Duffy Boat, Private Yachts Tours, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
  • Huntington Beach Central Park – Disc Golf, Library, Adventure Playground, Shipley Nature Center, Dog Park
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve– Tours, clean ups and walking trails
  • Shopping– Pacific City, Downtown Main Street, 5 & PCH, Old World Village, 5 Points Plaza, Bella Terra
  • Tours to Catalina & fishing charters – Wagner Charters offers fishing charters, tours to Catalina, Harbor tours and more
  • Whale Watching – Watch wales and dolphins all from a boat

 

Bonfires on Huntington Beach

500 concrete fire rings dot the sand, beckoning beach-goers for a classic sunset s’mores session. Grab a blanket, firewood, and your favorite fixin’s—like the traditional graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows—and toast those ooey-gooey marshmallows to your heart’s content.

Everything you need to know about bonfires on Huntington Beach: 

  • No reservations for the bonfires pits. First come, first serve.
  • Bonfire pits are at: Huntington State BeachBolsa Chica State Beach, and Huntington City Beach
  • S’mores supplies and all the food & fixings you’ll need
    • The skewers for roasting
    • Natural wood (nothing with paint/ varnish on it because burning those chemicals is harmful)
    • A lighter or matches and some fire starter
    • Warm layers & blankets—yes, it does get cold at night.
    • Alcohol & smoking is NOT permitted on the beaches