Huntington Beach is Surf City USA—the epicenter of American surf culture that has hosted the US Open of Surfing and shaped the sport's identity for generations. The pier and surrounding peaks produce remarkably consistent waves, catching both winter northwest swells and summer southern hemisphere energy. This accessibility means crowds that can make every session a contact sport, but also means there's always someone to surf with and an energy that defines California beach culture. The wide sandy beach, vibrant downtown, and year-round warmth create the quintessential SoCal surf experience.
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Easy beach access. Pier and multiple peaks.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Winter NW swells best. Summer S swells also work.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions