Article content There are landmark scenic staples that are not to be missed in so many California cool seaside towns. The Pacific is a wonderful scene setter in that regard. Brilliant sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, warm temperatures blended with a chill vibe and as a beacon, a pier slicing through the surf and into the ocean.
At Huntington Beach, an underrated Orange County must-stop, a perch on the pier comes with a premium tourist experience. HB, as the locals call their terrific seaside locale, bills itself as Surf City USA, honouring its long association with the pastime that is now an Olympic sport. And from the moment you cruise into town on the famed Pacific Coast Highway, visitors are compelled to catch the wave — literally and figuratively.
On a recent visit to the OC oasis, I spent most of one morning midway up the pier mesmerized watching the action. Dozens at a time were lined up to shred the next perfect wave and they came to the right spot. Whether it’s “getting barrelled,” as the experts crave when they get down low in the hollow part of the wave, or more modest moves, it’s a spectacle not to be missed.
From beginners to well-seasoned acrobatic surfers doing their thing, the pier is a perfect spot to not only catch the action, but to set the mood for the chill vibe and surfing theme that is so much of the city’s identity. SURF CITY USA The catchy handle is a perfect fit given the surroundings. And in case you’re wondering, Surf City USA does .
