Huntington Beach is a popular city for both locals living in the Los Angeles area as well as visitors from all around the world. It’s known for its perpetual sunny weather, streets lined with delicious restaurants, and of course, beach activities. Also known as “Surf City USA,” many people frequent the city to not just surf, but also kayak, paddle board, and even visit the dog-friendly beach. What many people don’t know is that Huntington Beach is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique environment. For those who are new to the city or thinking about moving to the area, here’s a breakdown for some of Huntington Beach’s most popular communities.

Typical residential buildings in Huntington Beach 

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beachis a neighborhood in Huntington Beach that’s known for its rich history and iconic Water Tower House, one of Southern California’s oldest landmarks overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway. Sunset Beach spans approximately a mile-and-a-half (from Warner Avenue to Anderson Street), and it’s considered one of the widest beaches in the Greater Los Angeles area. This beachside neighborhood isn’t just charming and historic, it also embodies the typical laid-back and carefree beach lifestyle that’s often portrayed on television. Popular activities in Sunset Beach include shopping or dining along the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or participating in self-guided walking tours. 

Huntington Harbor

Located just north of Sunset Beach is the intimate neighborhood of Huntington Harbor. This community is a residential development consisting of five man-made islands, each including waterways and canals. Reminiscent of the canals in Italy, this neighborhood is a great option for couples, boat enthusiasts, paddle boarders, and those who enjoy a more lavish lifestyle. A rather pricey community to live in, homes range from the high $600,000s to $6 million, according to Neighborhoods.com listings. Also, the neighborhood gets crowded around the holidays, especially with its popular annual events such as the Huntington Harbor Boat Parade and the Cruise of Lights.

Golden West

Towards the northwestern corner of Huntington Beach is another European-inspired neighborhood called Golden West. This is a prime destination for homebuyers who want to be around eclectic stores, restaurants, outdoor shopping, entertainment options, and fitness centers. This district is home to the diverse Golden West College, so don’t be surprised to see students studying at a nearby coffee shop. A popular gathering place for skateboarders of all ages is the neighborhood’s Vans Off The Wall Skatepark on Center Avenue, which offers several ramps, hilly inclines, and railings to practice on. When tourists are in Golden West, they make a bee line towards Bella Terra, the district’s rustic shopping center. Many people also check out the charming Old World Village, which will transport visitors back in time to old world Germany and Austria.

Bolsa Chica

Sitting a bit farther west from Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chicais another well-rounded neighborhood in Huntington Beach. Compared to other beach neighborhoods in the city, the waves here are more calm and manageable, making this beach area an ideal place for surfers learning the craft as well as surf fishing. Festive and welcoming, Bolsa Chica has one of the best boardwalks in Huntington Beach. Many of the concessions in this neighborhood include gourmet spots with live music. Bolsa Chica State Beach stretches on for three miles, and it’s one of the few beaches in the area that’s open for camping and bonfires. For the nature lovers, be sure to check out the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserveand its acres of marshes and green trails.

Downtown Huntington Beach

Like many Downtowns in the greater Los Angeles area, Downtown Huntington Beachis the heart of the city. However, unlike the fast-paced, industrial vibe of Downtown Los Angeles or the business district of Downtown Long Beach, Downtown Huntington Beach is more laid-back. Because this Downtown is only a few short steps from the beach, many athletes, especially well-known surfers, live in this charming community. Residents in this neighborhood have Huntington Beach Pier in their backyard, and they also have easy access to the ever-popular Main Street and Fifth Street, which offer miles of boutique shops, restaurants, and unique storefronts. This area is also very popular thanks to its lively nightlife options.