Hotels in Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach Introduction

Wealthy entrepreneur, art collector, and railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington first put Huntington Beach on the map with the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1869, and his subsequent establishing of a pioneering network of streetcars to serve the Los Angeles suburbs helped the town become a thriving settlement. Nowadays, this Orange County city has made a name for itself as a major vacation hotspot, owing to its glorious expanse of unspoiled sands and its pleasant climate; thanks to its excellent waves and laid-back beach culture, it’s even earned the nickname of “Surf City.”

Hotels in Huntington Beach

Given its perennial popularity with the international surfing set, Huntington Beach hotels are plentiful and varied, offering rates that span the whole price range—from lavish oceanfront resorts with luxurious suites and panoramic restaurants to simple self-catering studios where you can stash your surfboard while you head into town for the evening. You’ll find that a lot of Huntington Beach hotel deals include breakfast, a quick and tasty way to fuel up for the day’s energetic surfing without wasting a moment of precious wave time. Try booking in advance for the best rates on ocean-view rooms or money-saving all-inclusive packages.

Where to stay

Life in Huntington Beach revolves around the ocean, so make the most of this spectacular natural asset by staying on the waterfront—you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sunsets. Many hotels in Huntington Beach have spacious outdoor pools, offering a perfect relaxing alternative to the wild Pacific waves. Expand your search southward toward Newport Beach for a wider choice of discount hotels, or discover another side to the city by choosing a downtown budget inn with cultural attractions, restaurants, and stores on your doorstep—you’ll be just seconds away from some of the city’s most popular nighttime venues too.

Things to see

There’s no avoiding Huntington Beach’s main claim to fame—the waves—so when you arrive, go with the flow and take a trip to the International Surfing Museum. This small but fascinating institution is dedicated to preserving the sport’s cherished legacy, boasting a collection of historic surfboards and memorabilia that’s guaranteed to have you humming Beach Boys tunes from the moment you step through the door. The city’s Surfing Walk of Fame also pays tribute to the pioneers of this global sport, most notably the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, credited with launching the craze here in 1925. Enjoy the waves without getting your feet wet on a scenic stroll along Huntington Beach’s iconic pier, one of the longest on the West Coast and listed for its historical importance. Shopaholics can put their plastic through its paces at Huntington Harbour Mall, a colorful plaza of fashion stores, beauty salons, and eateries.

How to get to Huntington Beach

There’s something about Huntington Beach that might make you want to roll up in a classic surf wagon with a board strapped to the roof. But whether your wheels are vintage or modern, road travelers are sure to appreciate the city’s easy accessibility. Take the scenic route north from San Diego or south from San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for unforgettable ocean panoramas as you travel. The nearest regional airports are John Wayne Orange County or Long Beach, both within 30 minutes’ drive from downtown, while Los Angeles International is around 45 minutes away.