If you’re already in the Garden Grove area, Huntington Beach is a great option for an easy day trip. It offers more than just awesome beach time. You can walk and enjoy the scenery, sample some food, and visit the pier and downtown area. When you tour Garden Grove, you aren’t limited in attractions. Several beaches near Garden Grove each have their own vibe and crowd. But before you jump in the car and hit the nearest beach, a little planning can go a long way with parking, crowds, necessities, and time management.
Parking and Getting There
One of the biggest hassles near the beaches and downtown is parking, but the community has done its best to make beach lots, meters, and downtown garages available. Make sure you check rates because they can change based on season, holidays, and events. Always check the fine print. Some beach lots do not allow free reentry once you leave.
Read any signs and follow any instructions before you walk away from your car if you’re planning a beach day on busy weekends or during summer.
Know Which Part of the Beach You Want
Huntington Beach can have very distinct beach areas. The coastline features Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach City Beach, and Huntington State Beach.
If you’re looking for something more active and lively, the pier and downtown area may be a good place to check out. Start by deciding what kind of beach day you want before choosing where to park.
What to Bring
The California sun can be brutal, so always pack sunscreen and water at the top of the list for a beach day. Towels are always a good idea, and the closer you get to the beach, the cooler it may feel so that a light jacket can solve that problem.
If you plan on staying for more than a couple of hours, snacks should make the packing list. Be careful not to overpack if you plan to walk downtown. Leave any nonessential valuables at your lodging to make everything easier to carry.
The Pier and Downtown
A favorite of both tourists and locals is the Huntington Beach Pier. Pier Plaza is at the base of the pier, and for those new to the area, visitor kiosks offer maps, dining and activity guides, event information, transportation help, and recommendations.
Downtown pairs well with a beach day. After swimming all day, no one wants to jump in the car right away, so this is a great place to walk around and get ready for the drive home.
Crowds and Timing
Summer weekends, holidays, and special events often come with heavier traffic and less desirable parking options. Huntington Beach also hosts major events, so checking the event calendar before you leave could help you plan a memorable experience. The Visitor Center keeps current information available so everybody knows what’s going on and can plan a great California day.
If you plan to visit busy attractions, arriving earlier in the day usually means fewer crowds. Leave extra time if you have dinner reservations or another activity afterward.
Plan Your Huntington Beach Day
Huntington Beach doesn’t require an elaborate itinerary. You can have amazing memories even with the simplest beach day planned, but whether those memories are full of smiles or frustration can come down to the finer details. Knowing where you want to park, what area you want to visit, and what kind of beach day you want can help you plan the perfect Huntington Beach day.
Make Garden Grove your convenient starting point for exploring Huntington Beach.