Huntington Beach

Southern California is beautiful. Whether you're just visiting or live here year-round, there's so much to do and see. This is especially true in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach may be known for surfing—it isn't called Surf City, USA, for nothing!—but there's plenty more the area has to offer.

Whether you want to hang out at the beach, spend the day at the spa, or find somewhere spectacular to eat, Huntington Beach has you covered. To learn more about Huntington Beach and the many things you can do in the area, keep reading.

The History of Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach was originally home to the Tongva people (also known as Gabrielinos). Their land stretched from Topanga Canyon to Laguna Beach. European settlement came in 1784 when a Spanish soldier by the name of Manuel Nieto received a land grant as a reward for his time in the military.

The land was used to raise cattle and grow barley. Colonel Robert Northam purchased some of the land and continued to grow barley, selling it to local ranchers. By the late 1880s, the city was known as Shell Beach, and it was home to a small group of settlers. The name of the area was changed to Pacific City in 1901 when P.A. Stanton bought 40 acres right on the beach. He had a dream to create an Atlantic City-type city on the West Coast.

The area's first mayor, Ed Manning, helped the city incorporate. The Huntington Beach Company, owned by Henry Huntington, was the city's original developer—and it was from here that the city took the name it goes by today, Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach was just a small, oceanside town until the 1920s, when there was an oil boom. At the time, the largest oil deposit in California was found right in Huntington Beach. The population more than doubled, growing from 1,500 to 5,000 as wells were raised and oil was drilled.

When the oil derricks within the city and on the coast were cleared in the 1950s, there was a population expansion which continued into the 1960s and 1970s. Huntington Beach was the fastest-growing city in the continental U.S. Oil rigs were eventually concealed to enhance the city's image.

In the 1980s, Donald Douglas, Jr., began building the Douglas Aircraft Space Systems Center, which produced part of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo astronauts to the moon. Douglas aircraft were soon McDonnell Douglas aircraft—before Boeing bought the whole business. Boeing remains a large employer in the Huntington Beach area.

Surfing was brought to the area by Duke Kahanamoku in 1925. Gordie's Surf Boards, the city's very first surf shop, opened in 1953. This was followed six years later by the first U.S. Surfing Championships. One year after that, the surfing competition was broadcast on television, and Huntington Beach became known as a surfer's paradise.

Things to Do in Huntington Beach

Of course, surfing is an excellent activity to pursue when in Huntington Beach. There are ten miles of beach to explore. Surfers can choose from many spots to catch a great wave. Not a surfer? Take lessons or enjoy just hanging out and soaking in the sun. Other fun beach activities include beach yoga and volleyball. At the end of the day, hang out with family and friends around a bonfire pit.

The Huntington Beach Pier is often considered the heart of the city. Measuring almost 2,000 feet, the Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest on the West Coast. Take in the views, go fishing, or find terrific food to eat. There's even live music to enjoy at the Pier Plaza Amphitheater. Huntington Beach offers many other outdoor activities you can participate in. Biking, hiking, or roller skating are popular choices. Huntington Beach even boasts four different pickleball courts at Worthy Park, if you're into this new-ish craze.

Perhaps you're more of an indoor person. No worries! There are plenty of things you can do indoors. Are you an art lover? Then the Huntington Beach Art Center is the place for you. Here, you can browse through art galleries, enjoy performances, and attend lectures, just to name a few of the activities available. Want to learn more about the history of Huntington Beach? Visit the Newland House Museum. This restored Victorian home offers great insight into how Huntington Beach grew into the city it is today.

As stated above, Huntington Beach is known for its great surfing. Learn more about how surfing became such an important part of the culture in Huntington Beach at the Huntington Surfing Museum. Not only is this the home of the Guinness World Record holder for largest surfboard, but you can also view exhibits about many surfing heroes who have surfed in Huntington Beach and learn all about how surfing came to be such an integral part of the community.

If self-care is what you crave, try a local day spa, such as the Aarna Spa. Pamper yourself with a facial, a massage, or some time in the sauna. You'll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! Maybe shopping is more your speed. You'll find plenty of places to browse and find wonderful treasures. From the boutiques of downtown to the chain stores at 5 Points Plaza, you are bound to find something that strikes your fancy.

After spending your day hanging out at the beach, shopping, or checking out some of the local culture, you will have worked up an appetite! No matter what type of food you enjoy, Huntington Beach has you covered—from oceanside seafood restaurants to Asian and Mexican eateries. You won’t go home hungry. If you happen to be a beer fan, you're in luck since there are numerous breweries where you can relax with some local craft beer. Spend your evening finding the perfect brew! Finally, for full-day fun, both Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, along with other family-friendly theme parks, are just a short drive away.

A Pediatric Dentist in Huntington Beach

If you're new to the area and find yourself in need of a pediatric dentist, look no further than Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry. We're ready to ensure that your child has the brightest smile in town. Contact us for an appointment today! (And have the best time exploring all our area has to offer!)