Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Huntington Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 Where Huntington Beach is
Huntington Beach sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~8 mi / 12 km). It's roughly 30 mi (49 km) from Downtown LA and 81 mi (131 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Huntington Beach
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Flat boardwalk loops over a coastal wetland alive with herons, egrets, and stingrays — bring binoculars and let kids spot wildlife.
Free
Huntington Beach Pier & Pacific City
Walk the iconic pier to watch surfers, dig in the wide sand, and grab a bite at the bluff-top Pacific City shops.
Free (paid parking)
Huntington Central Park & Shipley Nature Center
The county's largest city park: a free nature center, a fairy-tale-themed Adventure Playground, dog park, and a lakeside cafe.
FreeFarmers markets in Huntington Beach
Surf City Nights Certified Farmers Market
Downtown Main Street closes for a free family street fair with a farmers market, live music, kids' games, and an international food court.
Local restaurants in Huntington Beach
Tacos El Chavito
Beloved local taco truck since the late '90s serving cheap street tacos.
Primecut Taqueria
Mesquite-charcoal-grilled tacos right across from the HB Pier.
Bagels Tea Lounge
Local bagel-and-lox shop with Vietnamese iced coffee and big portions.
Taco Loco
Casual blackened-seafood taco stand — swordfish, shrimp, and veggie tacos.
Sugar Shack Cafe
Family-owned Main Street surf-town institution since 1967 with Mickey pancakes and an easygoing patio kids love.
The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar
Family-owned beachy spot with big shareable Southern-comfort plates and a casual come-as-you-are vibe.
Calico Fish House
Laid-back oceanfront shack serving fresh local seafood baskets the whole family can dig into.
The Donuttery
Beloved 24/7 surf-city donut shop with a huge selection including vegan and wild flavors like red velvet and PB&J.
Local shops in Huntington Beach
Beadology
Bead-and-jewelry-making shop with crystals, charms, and hands-on classes.
California Yarn Sales
Independent knitting and yarn shop with curated yarns and supplies.
The Salty B
Trendy women's boutique with HB flair near Main Street.
Model Citizen
Contemporary clothing and lifestyle shop downtown.
Absolutely Fabulous
Locally owned gift shop in the downtown HB shopping district.
West of Camden
California-style boutique for unique men's and women's clothing, steps from the HB pier.
Open Market OC
Blend of local art, crafts, and coastal goods spotlighting California makers.
Bella Sophia Chocolates
Hand-crafted small-batch chocolates and confections.
Houseplant Nation
Houseplant shop and coffee bar with common and rare plants plus a curated decor vibe.
Grim Garden Coffee and Plants
Coffee-and-plant shop with exotic houseplants, pottery, and local handmade goods.
Seasonal & outdoors near Huntington Beach
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Huntington Beach.
More Orange County family guides
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.