Huntington Beach, sometimes called Surf City, is a seaside city in Orange County, in southern California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 189,594. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the south, by Seal Beach on the north-west, by Costa Mesa on the east, by Newport Beach on the southeast, and by Garden Grove, Westminster and Fountain Valley on the north.
It is famous for its long 14 km (8.5 miles) beautiful beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing. The waves are a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina. Because the coast curves so strongly eastward at Huntington Beach, the local beach actually faces south, making it one of the most pleasant, sunny beaches of the west coast of the U.S.
Huntington Beach incorporated in 1909 under its first mayor, Ed Manning. Its first high school was built in 1926. Its team, the Oilers, are named after the city's original natural resource.
The climate is generally sunny, dry and cool. In the morning and evening, there are often strong breezes, 15 mph (25 km/h). Ocean water temperatures average 10 to 15 °C (55 to 65 °F). In the summer, temperatures rarely exceed 85 °F (25 °C). In the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 10 °C (55 °F), even on clear nights. There are about 10 inches (250 mm) of rain, almost all in mid-winter. Frost occurs only rarely on the coldest winter nights.
Bolsa Chica Harbor is suitable for light craft, and includes a dock, launching ramp, basic services and a restaurant.
The harbor entrance is sometimes restricted by the US Navy, which loads ships with munitions at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station to the north of the main channel.
The legendary punk rock band T.S.O.L. formed in Huntington Beach in the early '80s.
The Jr. Pee Wee Chargers Pop Warner Football Team took 2nd place at the 2004 National Pop Warner Super Bowl.
Web Sites and Links
• City of Huntington Beach
Official information on the city, the people, businesses, and recreational activities.
• Debbie Stock's California Photo TourHuntington Beach is featured as the premiere beach city in this site, with scenes and stories from throughout the state.
• Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors BureauVisitor's guide to accommodations, beach reports, weather, surfing, and area information.
• Huntington Beach Events InformationUp-to-date info. on beaches, surfing, wetlands, birding, dining, restaurant, activities, dog beach, calendar, marathon, 4th of July parade, hotel reservations, free concerts, and museums.
• Photo Tour of Surf City, Huntington BeachPictures and info. on beaches, horseback riding, golf, rentals, art, concerts, museums, shops, restaurants, hotels+prices, city hall, real estate, and high schools, with a visitors' guide, events calendar, and surf tour-photo tips.
