Orange County

Huntington Beach, known as 'Surf City USA,' is an exposed sand-bottom beach break in Orange County centered around its iconic pier, which has hosted professional surf contests for decades including the US Open of Surfing. The pier creates distinct north and south side peaks with a mix of lefts and rights, typically producing shoulder-high to overhead waves in the 2-5 foot range on south, southwest, and northwest swells. Morning sessions are essential as prevailing onshore winds from the south or west tend to blow out conditions by late morning, and high tides flatten the waves creating the infamous 'Huntington Hop' between the outer bar and shorebreak. Fall delivers the best combination of warm water, south swell, and Santa Ana offshore winds, though the spot is surfable year-round with northwest winter swells wrapping around the pier for peaky rights. The lineup is one of the most crowded in Southern California given the easy beach access and central location, so expect company at all times.