Kennedy Myers || Contributing Writer

When we think of California’s Huntington Beach, we automatically think of waves crashing against the shore, hot sand beneath our feet, and the sun shining down on our backs. But, the land that Huntington Beach lies on can be traced back to a Spanish soldier, Manuel Nieto, who was given 300,000 acres of land in 1784. Nieto decided to call this new land Rancho Los Nietos, and it was filled with cattle, horses, and barley.

In 1889, this land became known as Shell Beach, only to change the name again in 1901 to Huntington Beach, it was then that the first mayor was elected. The growth of the city came in 1920 with the oil boom and has continued to climb ever since. As its known today, “Surf City” is popular with tourists, families, professional surfers, professional volleyball players, and locals.

Huntington Beach has over 11 million visitors to the city each year. This beach has 3.5 miles of shoreline that is available for swimming and surfing.

Huntington Beach has over 11 million visitors to the city each year. This beach has 3.5 miles of shoreline that is available for swimming and surfing.

 

Beach volleyball nets are set up for people wishing to play a game or two. The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Pro Beach Volleyball Championships were held here in 2014.

Beach volleyball nets are set up for people wishing to play a game or two. The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Pro Beach Volleyball Championships were held here in 2014.

 

Many visitors set up chairs and fish off the pier. Even though these people hadn’t caught anything this particular day, they were still enjoying the time away from the office and with each other, they said.

Many visitors set up chairs and fish off the pier. Even though these people hadn’t caught anything this particular day, they were still enjoying the time away from the office and with each other, they said.

 

In 1925, Duke Kahanamoku introduced Huntington Beach and all of the Southern California beaches to the sport of surfing. The first surf shop, Goldie’s Surfboards, opened their doors in 1953. This is a statue of Duke placed in town to remember Kahanamoku today.

In 1925, Duke Kahanamoku introduced Huntington Beach and all of the Southern California beaches to the sport of surfing. The first surf shop, Goldie’s Surfboards, opened their doors in 1953. This is a statue of Duke placed in town to remember Kahanamoku today.

 

Hungry after a long morning of swimming and surfing? There are many delicious places to grab a bite of lunch Huntington Beach.

Hungry after a long morning of swimming and surfing? There are many delicious places to grab a bite of lunch Huntington Beach. Tacos, burgers, sea food and more, the eateries reflect the diverse culture of Huntington beach.

 

There are musicians playing guitar, cello, singing and rapping in different parts of the town, but usually they are located close to the pier.

Musicians play guitar, cello, sing and rap in different parts of the town, but they are usually located close to the pier, where the music add a happy and summery vibe for beach goers to stoll down the pier to.

 

People from all over the world visit Huntington Beach to go surfing. In 1969, the first U.S. Surfing Championships were held in Huntington Beach. The next year these championships were aired on television, increasing Huntington Beach’s fame for its great surfing. In 2005, the USA Surf Team named Huntington Beach as their home and the Association of Surfing Professionals of North America have since moved here as well.

People from all over the world visit Huntington Beach to go surfing. In 1969, the first U.S. Surfing Championships were held in Huntington Beach. The next year these championships were aired on television, increasing Huntington Beach’s fame for its great surfing. In 2005, the USA Surf Team named Huntington Beach as their home and the Association of Surfing Professionals of North America have since moved here as well.

 

The perfect way to end the trip is with a milkshake from Ruby’s Diner on the pier. This 1940’s style diner has been serving milkshakes, hot dogs and hamburgers since 1982.

The perfect way to end the trip is with a milkshake from Ruby’s Diner on the pier. This 1940’s style diner has been serving milkshakes, hot dogs and hamburgers since 1982.

 

The town of Huntington Beach has shops, restaurants, and sunshine; everything necessary for a great day at the beach.

The town of Huntington Beach has shops, restaurants, and sunshine; everything necessary for a great day at the beach.