Huntington City Beach and Huntington Beach Pier

Huntington City Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of shoreline in the town that calls itself Surf City. At its center is the Huntington Beach Pier, at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. At 1,850 feet, it's one of the longest piers on the West Coast. The current concrete pier was completed in 1992 after storms destroyed its predecessor in 1988.

The pier

The pier is free and open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. Anglers fish along the rails, and because it's a public pier on the ocean, no fishing license is needed. Bag limits, size limits, report cards and seasons still apply. You'll find restaurants and shops on the pier and at its foot. Bikes, skateboards and smoking aren't allowed on it.

The beach

The beach is a classic Southern California surf beach. It hosts the US Open of Surfing and other big events. Board surfing is prohibited whenever blackball signs are posted. The City maintains 127 fire pits between First Street and Beach Boulevard, and barbecues must be within 6 feet of a fire pit. A beach bike path runs along the sand, with a 10 mph limit and 5 mph near pedestrians.

Rules to know

The beach has a 10 p.m. curfew. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on the beach and pier. Dogs are allowed only on the service road and at the separate Dog Beach. Parking is paid, in the City beach lots and at downtown street meters.