Huntington Beach, California — Surf City USASurf City USA sits in my top three California spots, and that's saying something. Top billing goes to San Francisco — I left my heart there too — and you can't ever call Big Sur number two, so let's call Huntington Beach and Big Sur a dead heat.The ritual: get down to the pier early, while the sun is just coming up, and walk it out over the water with surfers working both sides below you. In the morning light, with the marine layer burning off, there's nothing like it.Parking is easy — there's a lot right next to the pier, beside the world-famous Duke's. And yes, the Duke is that Duke: the restaurant is named for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian father of modern surfing (he first rode these waves in 1925).Right across from the pier is Main Street — the town's little main drag — lined with coffee shops and surf shops, exactly what you'd hope for.Practical note: there's metered parking up front, and the deeper you go the more you find — more lots, more side streets. Don't sweat it if there's no spot right at the pier; keep going and you'll find one.

This is a very nice pier with free admission. Parking is a hassle with meters capped at 2 hours and for big vehicles that will not fit in the parking garages it is so inconvenient. There are plenty of benches to sit. It looked like the fisherman were catching. The surfers are fun to watch. The beach is beautiful. I would like to return and stay in the area to explore more when parking is not a hassle.

The vendor at the beach took my grandson‘s money for $15 necklace

Great walk and beautiful views of the ocean and beach (and also surfers driving waves in many places). Across the road you have Main St, which is a great place to stroll and have lunch / drinks. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Huntington Beach, you won´t forget it easily.

Staying nearby so post breakfast walked the pier. Views are wonderful. The surfers were out, people were fishing - just a lovely setting. We’re staying nearby and noticed it’s lit up at night. Worth a visit