Surf: Check out the Huntington Pier area for a deep hit of Southern California surf culture. One of the world’s most famous surf spots, site of many contests and a lot of history over the years, HB is predictably jammed, especially during the summer. The north side can handle big winter swells, sending often excellent rights peeling towards the pier. The south side works best on SW swells, showcasing frequently good lefts that wall right through the barnacle-encrusted pilings (this is the spot that made “shooting the pier” famous). Both sides can work at any tide, though medium is usually best. Check further north for peaks where the service ramp hits the beach, also around the terminus of Golden West Street. Directions: Access is via pay-parking lots at First Street, Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard. Environment: Very reliable and consistent on both sides of the pier. Blows out easily about the time surfing is “blackballed” in favor of swimmers and spongers during summer middays. Access is via pay-parking lots at First Street, Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard. Metered parking on highway. Beach nourishment continues from Seal Beach to Huntington in an attempt to remedy reduced littoral sand movement due to the extensive armoring structures from the Long Beach area south.