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Huntington Beach, California, entertains more than eight million visitors annually and is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Picture-perfect weather, a historic downtown, waterfront eateries, beachfront shops, and a vast assortment of outdoor activities make Huntington Beach a west coast focal point for living life outdoors.

Often referred to as “Surf City,” Huntington Beach is famous for its consistent waves and world-class surfing beaches. With over eight miles of natural shoreline, the city attracts top surfers from all over the world. Additionally, Huntington Beach is also home to the landmark Huntington Beach Pier, which stretches 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The pier offers fantastic fishing opportunities and spectacular views of the coast, especially at sunrise and sunset.

CLIMATE AND SEASONS IN HUNTINGTON BEACH

 
Why visit Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach is a choice location for corporate-sponsored events year-round, with warm weather, good surf, and beautiful beaches. June is the driest month. The rainiest months are January, February, and December. The perfect time to visit for swimming is the months of June, July, August, September,

Average Temperature
77℉

Seasonal Temperatures

      • 96℉ – Summer (Jun-Aug)
      • 79℉ – Fall (Sep-Nov)
      • 59℉ – Winter (Dec- Feb)
      • 75℉ – Spring (Mar-May)

 

MORE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE

There are over one hundred years of surfing history in Huntington Beach. Even if you never put your toes in the water, you can observe the locals riding the waves along the pier. You can also watch or participate in activities on the beach, such as sand volleyball, beach yoga, and fishing, or take a stroll along the beach. With ten miles of uninterrupted coastline, you’ll find things that surprise you. While the surf and sand are spectacular, there are things to explore besides the coastline and the surfing tradition.

Arts & Culture
Huntington Beach is a community that embraces diversity through a mix of local and internationally inspired art, culture, cuisine, and year-round events. The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum is a must-see when visiting Surf City. The museum’s goal is to preserve the history of surfing culture throughout the globe. It is dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, who is regarded as popularizing the modern sport of surfing. The museum also holds community events and free concerts with Surf Rock, a style of music popularized in the 1960s and sounds like that of ocean waves.

Around for more than a century, the main street in Huntington Beach gets livelier each year and has a growing list of shops and restaurants. As you explore the wealth of beach shops along the boardwalk, you will discover tributes to surfing legends memorialized in granite.

There are also many activities to enjoy. Among them are Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Harbour, and Newland House Museum. All these locations provide entertainment and eating opportunities for your group. Considered a hidden gem, the Old-World Village, a German enclave, has shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With an old-world feel, you can enjoy tasty treats, live music, and other activities.

MAKE YOUR MEETING MEMORABLE

Walking on the pier, exploring the arts and culture, witnessing an epic sunset, and watching the surfers are all memorable experiences. A top Southern California meeting choice for corporate events and meetings, Huntington Beach offers the best of the Pacific coastline. There are first-class places to stay and creative indoor and outdoor spaces where meetings are taken to the next level.

Bond with Nature. Hike through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, an area that represents the largest wetlands remaining in California. This 1,300-acre haven is home to over 200 species of birds, not to mention other wildlife from lizards to mammals. Hikers can see mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, nesting islands, and more. Additionally, there are archaeological remains and fascinating plant life. Meeting planners should be aware that parking can be limited and that groups should wear appropriate footwear for hiking. Rattlesnakes can sometimes be seen along some of the hiking trails.

Go horseback riding. There is a huge 350+ acre park in the middle of the city where you can find all kinds of hidden activities. Within Huntington Central Park lies an equestrian center with over 150 acres of public trails to ride. The Shipley Nature Center features a disc golf course, as well as butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and 18 acres of natural California coastal and forest habitats.

Relax on the Harbour. Huntington Beach has a tucked-away harbor on the city’s north side, across from Sunset Beach. There is a lot to do in Huntington Harbour, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Another option is to charter a classic wooden boat, luxury yacht, or harbor cruiser for a private cruise. Guests sip on beer, wine, or champagne while touring Huntington Harbour’s stunning views in this boutique adventure.

Visit Catalina Island. You can also book a day trip to the lovely Catalina Island, twenty-eight miles off the coast. Once here, snorkeling in the crystal blue waters is an experience in and of itself. There is also a vast array of water-themed activities to choose from, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, and parasailing. For an adrenaline rush, ziplining across the island provides a thrill-seeking experience from 300 ft above. For guests who wish to stay dry but still experience the beautiful marine life of Catalina Island, the Nautilus Semi-Submarine cruise is ideal. The Wrigley Memorial, Mansion, and Botanical Gardens are picturesque locations, so remember to bring your camera! Meeting planners should consider ferry options to and from the island.

Explore Downtown Huntington Beach. There’s always excitement in downtown Huntington Beach. The streets morph into busy hubs filled with wares from local artisans, fresh produce from local farmers, and talented musicians provide the perfect ambiance. Restaurants and shops open their doors extra wide for visitors.

Shop in Pacific City. Just a half mile south along Pacific View Avenue, on the coast, you’ll find a chic outdoor mall. This trendy shopping center has unobstructed beach views, patio dining, artisan markets, and locally sourced dining. It’s not only fun but a great place to spend an entire day absorbing modern California style at a fantastic location.

Strengthen teams with beach activities. Huntington Beach is an ideal location for a vast assortment of beach activities that will build trust, inspire ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and refine communication for better leaders, teams, and individual accountability. Some ideas include beach Olympics, tournaments, obstacle courses, sand sculpting, and boat or raft building.

Wine and dine. If you want your guests to sample some of the best culinary delights and drinks around Huntington Beach, a few you’ll want to add to your list: 4 Sons Brewing, Bluegold, Duke’s, Ola Mexican Kitchen, Social, and Old Crow Smokehouse.

WHY IS HUNTINGTON BEACH APPEALING FOR A MEETING?

Airports

If you have a group of 10 to 1,000, Huntington Beach has the venues to make it a successful meeting. You will have access to four major airports within an hour’s drive.

  • Orange County John Wayne Airport (SNA) (7.6 miles)
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) (14.0 miles)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (30 miles)
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) (35.7 miles)

Here are some things to consider when planning your meeting in Huntington Beach.

  1. There are beach/water safety tips to keep in mind:
    • Keep a safe distance from jetties and Huntington Beach Pier.
    • Extend your hand in front of you in shallow breaking water when diving, body surfing, or wiping out on a surfboard.
    • If you have a beach bonfire, ensure you practice fire safety.
    • As you walk into the surf, shuffle your feet to scare away stingrays.
    • If you are swimming out from the beach and find yourself suddenly in a rip current, to get out of it, you need to swim parallel to the beach, and when you reach a regular current, swim towards the shore.
    • Alcohol is not permitted on city beaches.
  2. There are private homes near the beaches, so please respect residential property and belongings.
  3. Southern California is in an earthquake zone. The hotel where you stay should have information on what to do if an earthquake occurs. The number one thing your meeting attendees need to know is to find cover and hold on. You also should have a prearranged location to meet if anyone is separated from the group.

What is the meeting objective? Examples:

  • Many company retreats are designed to improve productivity and refocus employees’ efforts. In Huntington Beach, your people can get away from the social politics of the workplace and rediscover their strengths. This can be extremely helpful for meetings where fresh ideas, new perspectives, and networking opportunities are essential for high-priority initiatives.
  • Leadership retreats are also popular as this destination offers exclusive luxury where leaders can recharge and connect.
  • Teambuilding can also happen at Huntington Beach. Having activities on the beach can create an excellent bonding opportunity. Or a shared side trip can help build team cohesiveness, strengthen relationships, and create memories that aren’t soon forgotten.
  • Incentive travel and meetings can be valuable for companies, key stakeholders, and high achievers. Huntington Beach provides unique, memorable experiences and is an outstanding destination for exchanging information that improves growth, solves problems, and engages change-makers.

Huntington Beach, “Surf City USA,” is the epitome of Southern California’s cool, as it offers many options for meetings and incentive groups. The two exciting entertainment districts, the surf and downtown, come together to form the perfect destination to create a memorable event.

Do you need help planning a corporate meeting or group incentive travel program to Huntington Beach? Contact Gavel International for more information.

Eloisa Mendez
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