City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach, nicknamed Surf City USA, is popular for its perfect Pacific waves, golden sunsets and the iconic surf culture of the ‘60s. The city sits along Southern California’s Pacific Ocean in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego. The area is within easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway, a bicycle path and footbridge along the Santa Ana River and private boat docks near Huntington Harbour.
Huntington Beach Pier (Photo: Wikimedia)
Today, we’re going to check out some day trips, historic attractions and other things to do while you’re visiting Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach Boardwalk
Huntington Beach Pier (Photo: Pixabay)
The iconic boardwalk stretches for about 10 miles along the sandy strips of Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington City Beach and the spectacular surfing of Huntington State Beach. Along the way, you’ll find attractions, restaurants and the Huntington Beach Pier, which was built sometime around 1902 and was the site of surfing demonstrations by legends Duke Kahanamoku and George Freeth. The pier is 1,856 feet long and is on the National Register of Historic Places as a classic landmark of Orange County. Don’t forget your camera.
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
Photo: Pixabay
Established in 1987, the Huntington Beach Surfing Museum preserves the history of surfing and Huntington Beach’s place in it. It’s dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport of surfing, and features historic surfboards, exhibits on legendary surfers, classic surf films, artistic sculptures and surf music (made famous in the ‘60s by groups such as The Beach Boys of the further north Hawthorne Beach). The museum also holds surf music events at the Huntington Beach Pier.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Photo: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Facebook
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is made up of 1,400 acres of salt and freshwater wetlands, dunes and mesas. There’s a boardwalk over the marsh, five miles of walking trails through the lowlands and lots of opportunity for fishing, birdwatching and sunset viewing. Stop by the Interpretive Center for trail information or to visit the wetlands exhibits and educational displays.
Huntington Central Park
Photo: Huntington Beach Central Park Facebook
Take off from a private boat lift rental for the gardens, lakes and fields of Huntington Central Park. Covering more than 350 acres, you can spend the day picnicking, playing frisbee golf and horseshoes, bicycling and fishing in the lakes. The park hosts events and year-round activities for all ages. There’s also a dog park, three restaurants, restrooms and an equestrian center.
Lyon Air Museum
Photo: Lyon Air Museum Facebook
Located on the west side of John Wayne Airport (SNA), Lyon Air Museum offers a view of historic vehicles with an emphasis on the military and WWII. You can check out military aircraft and vehicles, vintage motorcycles, rare cars and more. Vehicles in the collection include a Cessna O-1E “Birddog,” a Douglas A-26 “Invader,” a 1945 Indian motorcycle “Chief” and a 1939 Mercedes-Benz Model G4 Offender Touring Wagon. The collection is part of Martin Aviation, an aircraft repair facility that was established in 1923 by aviation pioneer Eddie Martin.
Santa Catalina Island
Photo: Santa Catalina Island Facebook
There’s nothing like a day trip to Santa Catalina Island to take in nature and soak up the glamorous vibes of this Old Hollywood destination. The island, which is part of the Channel Islands, is about 30 miles off the coast and accessible by ferry, helicopter or private boat from a Huntington Beach dock rental. The Catalina Flyer is a 600-passenger double-decker ferry that transports visitors back and forth from Balboa Pier. It travels along the channels of Newport Harbor and takes about an hour.
Once there, you can ride golf carts around the island, take a glass-bottom boat tour or a zip-line adventure and stroll along peaceful streets lined with shops and waterfront restaurants. You can also just relax among the palm trees at Descanso Beach if you so choose.
Whether you’re in town for two days or two weeks, be sure to pencil in some of these ideas for your next visit. Let us know if we missed anything!
