Huntington Beach Pier
Iconic 1,850-foot pier in Surf City USA, offering panoramic ocean views, surf watching, shops, and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Huntington Beach Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1,850-foot pier in Surf City USA, offering panoramic ocean views, surf watching, shops, and dining.
"A true local gem that never gets old, offering endless ocean vibes and surf action.
"🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for pier parking or consider ride-sharing to avoid hassle.
🏄 Weekend Surfer Alert
Weekends mean more surfers and crowds near the pier. Plan accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Pier Walk
Huntington Beach Pier
Stroll the 1,850-foot pier for panoramic ocean views, watch surfers, and soak in the classic California beach vibe.

Surfer Spectacle
Around the pier
Witness skilled surfers catching waves, especially during competitions or prime swell times.
Sunset Serenity
Huntington Beach Pier
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Local Shops & Bites
Along the pier
Browse unique shops and grab a bite at the diner, complete with a tiki bar for a fun, casual meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pier Perks & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for pier parking or consider ride-sharing to avoid hassle.
🏄 Weekend Surfer Alert
Weekends mean more surfers and crowds near the pier. Plan accordingly!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Catch the magical light for photos during sunrise or sunset.
🛍️ Pier Shopping
Explore the unique shops for souvenirs and beachwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for pier parking or consider ride-sharing to avoid hassle.
🏄 Weekend Surfer Alert
Weekends mean more surfers and crowds near the pier. Plan accordingly!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Catch the magical light for photos during sunrise or sunset.
🛍️ Pier Shopping
Explore the unique shops for souvenirs and beachwear.
🎆 Holiday Sparkle
Check for special events like the 4th of July fireworks!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Huntington Beach Pier for its iconic status, stunning ocean views, and vibrant surf culture. It's a beloved spot for leisurely strolls, watching surfers, and enjoying beautiful sunsets. Some find parking challenging and crowds can be significant on weekends and during events.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Huntington Beach Pier is easily accessible by car, with several parking lots nearby. Public transportation options are also available, though may require transfers. Ride-sharing services are a convenient alternative.
Parking directly at the pier can be competitive. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or explore nearby public parking structures and street parking. Some visitors recommend ride-sharing to bypass parking challenges.
Yes, several bus routes serve the Huntington Beach area, with stops within walking distance of the pier. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Huntington Beach has a scenic coastal bike path that leads directly to the pier, offering a pleasant ride with ocean views.
From major freeways like the I-405, take exits towards Huntington Beach. Follow signs for the pier and beach access. GPS coordinates for the pier are approximately 33.6595° N, 118.0000° W.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Huntington Beach Pier itself is free for all visitors. You can walk, enjoy the views, and experience the atmosphere without any admission cost.
The pier is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing for early morning strolls and late-night visits. However, individual shops and restaurants on the pier will have their own operating hours.
While the pier is free to enter, special events like the US Open of Surfing or concerts may require tickets. Check event schedules and official websites for ticketing information.
Generally, there are no major restrictions for walking on the pier. However, be mindful of posted rules regarding skateboarding, alcohol, and pets, which may vary.
Keep an eye on local event listings, the official Huntington Beach tourism website, and social media for announcements about concerts, festivals, and competitions held at or near the pier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk the length of the pier, watch surfers, fish, enjoy the ocean breeze, visit the shops and restaurants, and take in stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity on the pier. You can rent or purchase fishing gear from local shops. Remember to check local regulations for any licensing requirements.
Yes, public restrooms are typically available near the pier entrance and along the beach, providing convenience for visitors.
You'll find a variety of shops, including surf shops, souvenir stores, and places to grab snacks and ice cream.
The pier is generally accessible, with a relatively flat surface suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some areas might have slight inclines.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The pier features a diner with a classic tiki bar, offering casual meals and drinks with ocean views. There are also various eateries and cafes located just off the pier.
Yes, Huntington Beach offers numerous seafood restaurants in the vicinity, ranging from casual fish taco spots to more upscale dining experiences.
You can often find ice cream and sweet treats at the shops and cafes located on or near the pier, perfect for a beach day indulgence.
The dining experience on the pier is typically laid-back and casual, fitting the beach town atmosphere. Expect ocean views and a relaxed ambiance.
While the pier's diner might have limited options, the wider Huntington Beach area offers a diverse culinary scene with many restaurants providing vegan and vegetarian choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
The end of the pier offers expansive ocean vistas, while the pier structure itself provides interesting lines and perspectives. Watching surfers can also lead to dynamic action shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near beaches. It's crucial to check current FAA regulations and local ordinances before flying a drone near the pier.
Expect to capture stunning ocean landscapes, surfers in action, vibrant sunsets, beachgoers, and the iconic pier structure itself.
While specific pier photography tours might be rare, local photography workshops or guided tours of the Orange County coast could include the pier as a key location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are casual dining options on the pier, including a diner with a tiki bar, perfect for satisfying hungry little ones. Nearby, you can find playgrounds and the famous Dog Beach, where children can enjoy interacting with friendly dogs. Consider visiting during a weekday morning to avoid the peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
🏄 Surfers and Beach Lovers
Beach lovers will appreciate the wide sandy shores, the vibrant atmosphere, and the endless ocean views. The pier offers a perfect place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the quintessential Southern California beach culture. Don't miss the chance to witness a sunset from the pier – it's truly magical.
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Content creators can capture engaging videos of the pier's lively atmosphere, the surfers, and the beautiful ocean vistas. Consider incorporating drone footage (where permitted) for unique aerial perspectives. The pier's shops and eateries also offer opportunities for lifestyle and food photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Culture at HB Pier
For those looking to join the action, surf schools and rental shops are readily available near the pier. However, be aware that on busy weekends, the lineup can get crowded, and surfers are advised to be mindful of each other's space and priority. The pier itself offers a unique vantage point to observe surf contests, with some dramatic wipeouts captured on video when waves get particularly challenging.
Beyond the competitive scene, the pier is a beloved local spot for casual surfing and enjoying the ocean. The atmosphere is always buzzing with surf enthusiasts, making it a great place to soak in the authentic surf lifestyle.
Events and Community at the Pier
During the holiday season, the pier often features special decorations, such as the '80 snowflakes' initiative that benefits local youth shelters, showcasing the community's charitable spirit. These events draw both locals and tourists, adding a dynamic layer to the pier's appeal and offering unique experiences beyond a typical beach visit.
Attending an event at the pier provides a deeper connection to the Huntington Beach community and its traditions. It's a chance to witness local culture firsthand, whether it's a surf competition, a festive holiday display, or a community rally.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the natural beauty, the pier is a hub of activity. You can photograph the bustling shops, the casual diners, and the diverse array of people enjoying the beach. The pier's vantage point also allows for unique perspectives of the coastline and the city.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the week to avoid large crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. Experiment with different angles, from ground level looking up at the pier to elevated shots from the pier itself, capturing the essence of Surf City USA.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit