Overview
Huntington Pier sits at the heart of Southern California surf culture, one of the world's most famous spots with a long history of contests. The pier splits the break in two, with both sides breaking over sand and offering lefts and rights. The south side's lefts wall right through the barnacle-encrusted pilings, the setup that made "shooting the pier" famous. Look further north for peaks where the service ramp meets the beach and around the end of Golden West Street.
When It Works
The break draws swell from the south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW) and stays consistent on both sides of the pier. It is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. The south side is at its best on southwest swells, with frequently good lefts, while the north side handles the bigger winter swells and sends often excellent rights peeling toward the pier.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind. Both sides can work through all tides, with a rising tide generally the better call. It does blow out easily, often around the summer middays when surfing is blackballed in favor of swimmers.
Local Tips
This is a beginner-friendly break, and it is also predictably jammed. Expect a very busy lineup, especially through the summer.
Access
Access is via pay-parking lots at First Street, Huntington Street, and Beach Boulevard, with metered parking on the highway. Facilities include restrooms, showers, camping, lifeguards, and a surf shop.
