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Main Street Huntington Beach

4.8
·32 reviews·Huntington Beach, United States

The vibrant heart of 'Surf City USA,' offering a classic California beach experience with shops, dining, and the iconic pier.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday evenings

Surf City Nights street fair

CrowdMedium
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Main Street, Huntington Beach - Image 1

Main Street Huntington Beach

Best Time

Tuesday evenings

Surf City Nights street fair

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The vibrant heart of 'Surf City USA,' offering a classic California beach experience with shops, dining, and the iconic pier.

4.8
(32 reviews)

"You get to live the lyrics and soak up the vibe. Great food and drinks with even better views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Parking Hack

First 90 mins free at Main & Walnut/Olive parking structure for downtown visits!

🎶 Surf City Nights Fun

Enjoy fresh food, local vendors, and live music every Tuesday on Main Street.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Huntington Beach Pier

Huntington Beach Pier

End of Main Street

Iconic landmark offering stunning ocean views, fishing, and a gateway to the beach. A true 'Surf City USA' staple.

Main Street Shops & Dining

Main Street Shops & Dining

Downtown Huntington Beach

A bustling street filled with unique boutiques, diverse restaurants, lively bars, and street performers. A taste of classic California beach culture.

Surf City Nights

Surf City Nights

Main Street

Tuesday evenings transform Main Street into a vibrant street fair with fresh produce, local vendors, food, and live music.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Surf City Vibe

Huntington Beach's Main Street is the vibrant heart of 'Surf City USA.' Expect a lively atmosphere with shops, eateries, and entertainment, all steps from the iconic pier and beach. It's a classic California beach experience.

Parking & Peak Times

Weekends can mean challenging parking, especially during events.Reddit Consider arriving early or utilizing the free first 90 minutes at the Main & Walnut/Olive parking structure.TikTok Weekday evenings offer a more relaxed experience.

Best Times

When
Tuesday evenings
Why
Surf City Nights street fair
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 126 Main St Huntington Beach, CA 92648 $15 all-you-can-eat pasta in Huntington Beach at 2nd Floor! Starting at 5PM on Thursdays, they have endless pasta night for just $15! Try out marinara sauce, alfredo, or a mix of the 2 - sauce served with or without meat! Eat as much as you want for $15 - while supplies last 🔥 #ayce #pasta #insane #viralfood #deals #fooddeals #allyoucaneat #huntingtonbeac...
@ocfoodandview
5.6K likes • 110.4K views

🎯 Free Parking Hack

First 90 mins free at Main & Walnut/Olive parking structure for downtown visits! TikTok

🎶 Surf City Nights Fun

Enjoy fresh food, local vendors, and live music every Tuesday on Main Street. Instagram

Huntington Beach California… Surf City USA where waves, boardwalks, and endless traffic collide 🌊🏄‍♂️ From Bolsa Chica to Main Street, this SoCal spot is sun, sand, and a little chaos with every sunset. #huntingtonbeach #huntington #orangecounty #oc #socal
@roam360
5.2K likes • 42.5K views
Who else had a blast on Main Street in Huntington Beach? We did sure did! _ 🎥 @Ken C10: @stewart.daniel83 _ #c10trucks #classictrucks #67c10 #68c10 #69c10 #hotrodtrucks #americanmuscle #hbqc #carcruise #baggedtrucks
qruisinpch
3K likes • 38.7K views

🍔 Gourmet Sliders

Try Burt's Burgers HB on Main St for delicious gourmet sliders. Instagram+1

🚗 Classic Car Sightings

Keep an eye out for cool classic cars and unique vehicles on Main Street. Instagram+2

Looking for a new Tuesday tradition? ☺️   Huntington Beach’s Street Fair and Farmers Market is free with no ticket required 🍓🍉 Stroll through Surf City Nights every Tuesday on Main Street and PCH! 🚶   ✅ Fresh produce ✅ Local vendors ✅ Good eats ✅ Live music ✅ Good views ✅ Every week (dependent on weather)   ✨ Learn more about Surf City Nights with the link in our bio!   #TraditionTuesday #SurfCi...
surfcityusa
1.2K likes • 24.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Parking Hack

First 90 mins free at Main & Walnut/Olive parking structure for downtown visits! TikTok

🎶 Surf City Nights Fun

Enjoy fresh food, local vendors, and live music every Tuesday on Main Street. Instagram

🍔 Gourmet Sliders

Try Burt's Burgers HB on Main St for delicious gourmet sliders. Instagram+1

🚗 Classic Car Sightings

Keep an eye out for cool classic cars and unique vehicles on Main Street. Instagram+2

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Pier

Walk the iconic pier for ocean views and a classic beach experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Main Street Huntington Beach's classic 'Surf City USA' vibe, with its lively atmosphere, diverse shops, and great food options. The proximity to the pier and beach is a major draw, offering a quintessential California beach experience. While parking can be a challenge on weekends, the overall experience is highly recommended for its vibrant energy and scenic backdrop.

"Shops…. Great eats… Pubs… Bars… Gifts… Live music.. Coffee… Events and all with the beach as your backdrop. Cruise up and down main street and take in the sights, sounds and smells of what is known around the world as Surf City USA! You can’t get more of a classic beach vibe than Huntington Beach Main Street USA. This is what the Beach Boys sang about. You get to live the lyrics and soak up the vibe. Great food and drinks with even better views!"

The Curious Critique - TOP 5% GOOGLE REVIEWER

"Plenty of parking in the lots and I paid $0 for the 1.5 hours I parked last time I was there to walk to the pier and enjoy dinner with friends.

So many choices for eating and entertainment. Clean and pretty beach and boardwalk. All kinds of different people hanging out and doing their thing. I've always enjoyed the area and it is a visitor fav when I host out of towners."

Valarie Kliza

"We headed to Huntington Beach from Long Beach. Beautiful and calm drive. Beach was very clean. The pier was so beautiful and clean. We will definitely be going back in the future! Highly recommend it!!"

Carmen Bustamante

What People Like

Classic beach vibe
Vibrant atmosphere
Pier and beach access

What People Dislike

Weekend parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Main Street is easily accessible by car, located just off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Public transportation options are limited, but ride-sharing services are readily available. Parking can be challenging on weekends, so consider arriving early or using the parking structure for the first 90 minutes free.TikTok

Yes, there are several parking lots and street parking options. The Downtown Huntington Beach Parking Structure at Main & Walnut/Olive offers the first 90 minutes free.TikTok Street parking can be metered and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.Reddit

Main Street is very walkable, with most shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach. Many visitors also enjoy cruising on electric scooters or bikes.TikTok

Yes! Surf City Nights, a street fair and farmers market, takes place every Tuesday evening on Main Street, featuring local vendors, food, and live music.Instagram Keep an eye on local event listings for other special occasions.

Huntington Beach generally offers good accessibility. The pier and boardwalk are paved and accessible, and many businesses on Main Street have ramps or accessible entrances. It's always a good idea to call ahead for specific needs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Main Street itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely stroll, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere. Some specific events or venues might have separate admission fees.

Main Street is always open, but individual shop and restaurant hours vary. Most businesses are open from late morning to evening, with many staying open later on weekends. Surf City Nights runs on Tuesdays from 4-9 PM.Instagram

No, there is no entrance fee to walk on the Huntington Beach Pier. It's a public access point for everyone to enjoy.

Dogs are generally allowed on leash on Main Street and in many outdoor dining areas. However, they are typically not permitted on the beach itself or in most indoor establishments. Always check specific venue policies.

Beach access near Main Street is free. You can walk onto the sand and enjoy the beach without any admission charge.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the vibrant shops and restaurants lining Main Street, and the lively atmosphere of Surf City Nights on Tuesdays.Instagram You might also spot classic cars Instagram+2 or enjoy live music.

Main Street offers a diverse range of shops, including surf apparel stores, boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and gift shops. You can find everything from beachwear to unique local crafts.

Absolutely! Main Street is packed with dining options, from casual burger joints like Burt's Burgers Instagram+1 to international cuisine like Argentine empanadas,Instagram and even all-you-can-eat pasta specials on Thursdays.TikTok

Main Street comes alive at night with numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants offering live music and a vibrant social scene.Reddit The pier also offers a beautiful nighttime view.

Yes, you can rent Slingshots from Slingshot Rentals HB located on Main Street.Instagram Some visitors also enjoy cruising on Onewheels.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Huntington Beach Pier at sunset is a classic shot.TikTok+2 Main Street itself offers vibrant street scenes with shops and people.TikTok Look for classic cars Instagram+2 and the 'Surf City USA' signage for iconic photos.

Yes, Main Street provides direct access and excellent vantage points for photographing the beach and ocean. The pier offers elevated views, perfect for capturing the coastline.

Keep an eye out for unique finds like the Old World Village TikTok or the vintage BMW Isetta cars that sometimes cruise down Main Street.Instagram+1 The street art and murals can also make for interesting backdrops.

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful warm light for photos of the beach and pier.TikTok+1 Mid-day can be good for capturing the bustling street life and shop fronts.

Absolutely! Surf City Nights Instagram is a fantastic event for photography, with colorful stalls, food vendors, and live entertainment providing plenty of visual interest.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Main Street Huntington Beach offers a fantastic family-friendly experience. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the waves. The pier is great for a stroll, and kids often enjoy watching the surfers. Many restaurants on Main Street have kid-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere.Reddit

Consider visiting during Surf City Nights on Tuesdays for a lively street fair with activities and food that appeal to all ages.Instagram The free first 90 minutes of parking at the Main & Walnut/Olive structure is also a bonus for families juggling kids and gear.TikTok Remember to bring beach essentials like sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

Car lovers will find plenty to admire on Main Street Huntington Beach. The area frequently sees classic cars, hot rods, and unique vehicles cruising by, especially during car cruise events.Instagram+2 Keep an eye out for vintage models like the BMW Isetta, which have been spotted on Main Street.Instagram+1

While not a dedicated car show, the general vibe of 'Surf City USA' often attracts a diverse range of vehicles. You might also find opportunities to rent fun vehicles like Slingshots for a thrilling ride around town.Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Huntington Beach's Main Street can be enjoyed on a budget. While shopping and dining can add up, there are plenty of free activities. Walking the pier, enjoying the beach, and soaking in the vibrant street atmosphere are all free.Reddit

Take advantage of the free first 90 minutes of parking at the Main & Walnut/Olive structure.TikTok For affordable eats, check out Surf City Nights on Tuesdays for diverse food vendor options,Instagram or look for happy hour specials at local bars and restaurants. Some places even offer great deals like all-you-can-eat pasta for $15 on Thursdays.TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Surf City USA

Main Street in Huntington Beach is more than just a street; it's the pulsating core of what locals and visitors alike call 'Surf City USA.' This vibrant thoroughfare is a quintessential California beach experience, brimming with a lively mix of surf shops, trendy boutiques, diverse eateries, and buzzing bars.Reddit It's the place where the spirit of surfing culture is palpable, offering a classic beach vibe that has inspired songs and dreams.Reddit Whether you're looking for a souvenir, a delicious meal, or just to soak in the energetic atmosphere, Main Street delivers.

The street leads directly to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, a beloved landmark that extends into the Pacific Ocean. The pier is a hub of activity, perfect for a leisurely stroll, watching surfers catch waves, or trying your luck at fishing. The combination of the energetic street life and the serene ocean backdrop makes Main Street a unique destination. It's a place where you can truly 'live the lyrics' of a beach anthem and embrace the laid-back yet exciting coastal lifestyle.Reddit

Beyond the shops and the pier, Main Street is also a venue for community events. Surf City Nights, held every Tuesday, transforms the street into a bustling fair with fresh produce, local artisan vendors, and live music, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture and enjoy good food with ocean views.Instagram The street also occasionally hosts car shows and other community gatherings, adding to its dynamic appeal.

Dining Delights on Main Street

Main Street Huntington Beach is a culinary hotspot, offering a wide array of dining experiences to satisfy any craving. From casual bites to gourmet treats, there's something for everyone. Burt's Burgers HB, located right on Main Street, has quickly become a local favorite for its gourmet sliders, including wagyu options and creative toppings.Instagram+1 For those seeking a taste of international flavor, Pampas Cuisine brings traditional Argentine empanadas to the Surf City Nights street fair.Instagram

Beyond these highlights, the street is dotted with numerous pubs and restaurants serving up everything from classic American fare to international dishes. You can find spots offering all-you-can-eat pasta specials on Thursdays,TikTok making it a great value for pasta lovers. Many establishments boast outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy their meals with the sights and sounds of the beach just steps away.Reddit The variety ensures that whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down dinner, Main Street has you covered.

When exploring Main Street's food scene, don't be afraid to venture into the smaller eateries and cafes. You might discover hidden gems offering unique flavors and a more local dining experience. The lively atmosphere of Main Street often extends to its dining establishments, making every meal an enjoyable part of your visit.

Navigating Parking and Transportation

Parking is a significant consideration when visiting Main Street Huntington Beach, especially during peak times like weekends and special events.Reddit The city offers several parking lots and street parking, but they can fill up quickly. A smart tip for visitors is to utilize the Downtown Huntington Beach Parking Structure, conveniently located at Main & Walnut and Main & Olive. This structure offers the first 90 minutes of parking for free, which is perfect for a quick lunch or shopping trip.TikTok

For longer stays or during busy periods, be prepared for metered street parking or paid lots. Some visitors have noted that parking can be 'terrible on the weekends',Reddit so arriving early in the day or opting for a weekday visit can significantly improve your parking experience. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available and can be a convenient alternative to driving and parking yourself.

Once you've parked, Main Street is highly walkable, making it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and the pier on foot. For those looking for a bit more fun, renting electric scooters or Onewheels is also an option, adding a playful element to your exploration of the area.TikTok