An Introduction To Huntington Beach Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Huntington Beach surf, known around the world as “Surf City USA,” is a classic Southern California experience. This fun beach city, located just forty miles south of Los Angeles, mixes an iconic surf culture with easy access to the waves, be it walking, bike riding, or hopping on some transport, everything is within reach.
The famous Huntington Beach Pier stands in the center of Huntington Beach, delivering dependable waves for all levels of surfers. It can be an excellent place for a day spent learning the sport or for the seasoned rider racing down the line.
For beginner surfers, Bolsa Chica offers friendly mellow waves that allow them to build confidence in a non-threatening environment. More experienced surfers tend to favor The Cliffs, which offer a more challenging steep and punchy wave.
With walkable streets, bike paths, and an amazing beach vibe, Huntington Beach is ideal for those looking to embrace the coastal lifestyle without relying on a car. From sunrise sessions to sunset strolls, it’s the place where surf, community, and classic Californian vibes come together.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Huntington Beach
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Peak Huntington Beach Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Huntington Beach surf shines brightest from October through March, when northwest winter swells deliver consistent 3 to 8-foot walls along “Surf City USA.” During this season, Huntington Beach surf offers hollow, barreling sets that attract performance-oriented surfers. The long beach break allows for multiple takeoff zones, downtown, the pier, & beyond, spreading out the lineup.
While crowd levels rise on prime swell days, the number of peaks ensures everyone can find a wave. Huntington Beach surf in winter is all about power & consistency, rewarding those who can handle dynamic conditions & strong shorebreak sections.
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Shoulder Huntington Beach Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
In spring & early autumn, Huntington Beach surf transitions to more versatile conditions, with waves generally in the 2 to 5-foot range. April & May hold vestiges of winter swells, while September sees the return of southern hemisphere swells. Huntington Beach surf during these shoulder months provides cleaner, friendlier waves for all skill levels.
Mornings often feature glassy faces before local seabreezes stir the water. With smaller surf but still reliable peaks, it’s a great time for learning new maneuvers or enjoying extended rides without the full intensity of peak winter conditions.
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Low Huntington Beach Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Huntington Beach surf quiets down in summer, delivering smaller, gentler waves, typically 1 to 3 feet, that break with a rolling, surf-school-friendly character. While not a season for high-performance surfing, the consistent, mellow surf makes it perfect for newcomers & longboard riders.
Huntington Beach surf in summer is characterized by soft, peaky lines that are easy to catch & ride. Crowds still gather on weekends, but the easy-going conditions allow multiple takeoff zones. Summer at Huntington Beach surf is about relaxed sessions, improving fundamentals, & enjoying long, carefree rides.
Huntington Beach Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Huntington Beach Surf Temperature:
18–21°C (64–70°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit is usually fine for summer, though boardshorts/bikinis might be okay during warmer afternoons. Windy mornings might still feel chilly.
Rainfall:
Summer is very dry, with only 0–2 rainy days per month, usually bringing clear skies & stable conditions.
Huntington Beach Surf Temperature:
17–20°C (63–68°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or a 3/2 mm wetsuit will keep you comfortable, especially in the mornings & as water cools by late autumn.
Rainfall:
Autumn remains mostly dry with only about 1–4 rainy days monthly, increasing toward November.
Huntington Beach Surf Temperature:
14–16°C (57–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is recommended, offering sufficient warmth for California’s mild but cooler winter water temperatures.
Rainfall:
Rain is more frequent in winter, with around 5–8 rainy days per month, often linked to Pacific storms.
Huntington Beach Surf Temperature:
15–18°C (59–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit remains ideal, especially during the cooler early spring mornings.
Rainfall:
Spring starts with 3–6 rainy days per month, generally tapering off by May with increasingly dry & sunny conditions.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Huntington Beach
| Huntington Beach Surf Spots | Distance from Huntington Beach | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Huntington Pier |
In the town centre |
3-8 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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9th Street |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) north |
1-4 foot |
Small, peaky beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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The Cliffs |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) north |
3-10 foot |
Powerful, fast beach break |
Advanced |
|
Bolsa Chica |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) north |
2-5 foot |
Soft, mellow waves |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Huntington Beach Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Very high
Huntington Pier is a powerful beach break that thrives on low to mid tides under west to southwest swells, with morning northeast winds cleaning the faces. Sandbars near the pier form fast-breaking peaks that can barrel in larger surf. This spot is highly competitive, attracting local pros & contest surfers.
The take-off can be critical, but rips provide defined channels for easier paddle-outs. Crowds peak during swell windows, especially in winter. Despite the intensity, the wave delivers world-class barrels & high-performance sections, making it a quintessential Huntington experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
9th Street is a shallow beach break offering hollow, fast-breaking waves on low tides with strong westerly or southwest swells. Offshore northeast winds clean the face, creating punchy barrels close to shore. The shallow sandbar can produce critical take-off zones, suited only for experienced surfers.
Crowds are consistently high due to easy beach access & proximity to parking. When the swell is up, 9th Street rivals the pier in wave quality but is even more treacherous. It’s a high-reward, high-risk spot for surfers seeking shallow-water barrels.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
The Cliffs (Broadway) is a beach break located just north of Huntington Pier, breaking over a sloping sand bottom. It thrives on mid tides with West or southwest swells & benefits from north-east winds for clean lines. Waves average waist- to chest-high, offering soft shoulders ideal for flow-style turns.
The take-off is forgiving, making it popular with longboarders & intermediate surfers. While crowds can be moderate on good days, the extra stretch of sand provides space to spread out. The Cliffs delivers consistent, approachable surf away from the main pier crowds.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West to southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Bolsa Chica is a broad beach break that works best on mid tides with a solid west-southwest ground swell & offshore northeast winds. The soft sand bottom produces waist-high rollers to chest-high walls, ideal for beginners & longboarders.
Occasional stronger sets bring playful pockets & small barrels. Due to its distance from the pier, crowds are lighter, offering more space to surf. The gentle beach gradient makes for easy paddle-outs, & consistent shape keeps riders returning for mellow, uncrowded sessions.
Rating: 3/5
Travel Time To Huntington Beach Surf Spots
| Huntington Beach Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Huntington Pier |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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9th Street |
Approx. 10 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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The Cliffs |
Approx. 40 min. |
Approx. 15 min. |
20 min.
(Local bus available) |
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Bolsa Chica |
Approx. 60 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
25 min.
(Local bus available) |
Accommodation In Huntington Beach
When preparing for your Huntington Beach surf trip, Trip.com offers a convenient way to book accommodations near the ocean. They have a lot of options to suit every taste and budget, whether you want a luxurious resort or a suburban hostel. It’s best to book as early as possible so that you can enjoy some stress-free time before surfing.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€90 to €185 |
$100 to $200 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€280 to €550+ |
$300 to $600+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Huntington Beach Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Huntington Beach surf schools are a must-try if you want to learn in the heart of California’s surf scene. Learn To Surf and Banzai Surf School provide expert guidance for beginners, focusing on foundational skills and building confidence on the waves. Corky Carroll’s Surf School stands out with its personalized coaching and specialized programs for children, making it ideal for families.
Orange County Surf Coaching caters to surfers looking to refine their techniques, offering lessons from beginner to advanced levels with a focus on progression. Wave Huggers and Surf Is Cool Surf School round out the options, delivering engaging and supportive lessons for surfers of all ages.
Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing cleaner rides, Huntington Beach surf schools make sure you’re learning from the best.
Huntington Beach Surf Camp
Huntington Beach surf camps are an awesome way for kids to dive into surfing while having a blast at one of California’s most famous beaches.
Corky Carroll’s Surf School delivers outstanding surf camps tailored specifically for children, blending expert instruction with a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere.
Wave Huggers also specializes in kids’ camps, emphasizing skill-building and water safety, making it a top pick for families exploring Huntington Beach.
While most of the Huntington Beach surf camps are geared toward kids, adults don’t have to miss out, there are plenty of nearby surf packages & lessons for grown-ups, along with lots of places to stay right by the action.
Huntington Beach Surfboard Hire
Huntington Beach surfboard hire is as easy as it gets, with tons of rental shops lining the beach offering everything from foamies to high-performance boards.
Banzai Surf School and Corky Carroll’s Surf School provide convenient rental services alongside their lessons, ensuring a seamless experience for those learning to surf. Surf Is Cool Surf School offers a range of well-maintained boards suitable for riders of all skill levels.
For those seeking independent rentals, 15th Street Surf Supply and Huntington Surf Sport boast extensive collections, including beginner-friendly foam boards and high-performance shortboards. With great gear & easy beach access, Huntington Beach surfboard hire makes it simple to join the local lineup.
Huntington Beach Surf Report & Surf Cam
Keeping tabs on Huntington Beach surf conditions is the key to getting in on the best waves. Surf-Forecast provides all the nitty-gritty details on swell, tides, and wind, while Surfline features live cameras at some of USA’s most popular surf breaks (when you pay for a subscription). These tools give you real-time insights to time your sessions well.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM makes internet access with instant activation upon arrival, no need for local SIM cards. This allows you to check live cams, surf reports, and upload your surf clips at will while keeping your internet connection steady throughout your trip.
How To Get To Huntington Beach Surf
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) To Huntington Beach
Distance: 65km (40mi)
To reach Huntington Beach, the most convenient route is to fly into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and then take a taxi or local bus to your destination. Below is a guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Huntington Beach based on your preference.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
From LAX, take the free “G” shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Station on the Metro C Line (Green). Ride the light rail to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station & transfer to the Metro A Line (Blue) toward Downtown Long Beach.
From Long Beach, transfer to the OCTA Bus Route 1 toward Huntington Beach. This multi-step journey offers a low-cost way to reach the coast but involves several transfers & can be time-consuming, especially during weekday commute hours.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Several shuttle companies, such as HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups, run shared and private shuttles between LAX and Huntington Beach. Shared shuttles depart on scheduled timetables, often grouping passengers heading to coastal Orange County destinations.
Vans are equipped for boards and luggage, and some services offer complimentary water and Wi-Fi. Private shuttles provide customizable pickup times & non-stop service. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during surfing competitions and summer weekends.
USA Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
The United States has a massive coastline with epic waves, but you’ll want to prep with the essentials. You’ll be using U.S. Dollars, and cards are accepted everywhere. Tap water is safe, and WiFi is fast in most surf towns. English is the primary language.
Get the full breakdown of visa advice, safety tips, and other important details on our USA surf page, where we’ve laid out all 7 essentials to keep you informed.
Travel Insurance For Your Huntington Beach Surf Trip
Maybe you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first USA surf mission, either way, surprises can sneak in and catch you out. Missed flights, illnesses, or stolen items aren’t just frustrating, they’re expensive, especially in the USA. Travel insurance offers peace of mind and a way forward. Instead of reacting, you’ll be ready.
VisitorsCoverage helps surfers stay protected wherever they go, with plans built for real-life travel challenges. Don’t wait for something to go wrong before you act. Set yourself up to surf and explore without worry.
Discover Huntington Beach: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Huntington Beach there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Below are 6 recommended activities to make the most of your time.
For even more to explore, check out GetYourGuide and Viator for experiences like harbor cruises, food tours, and day trips to nearby attractions.