Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in sunny Southern California, Huntington Beach is often called Surf City – and with good reason. It’s well known for its consistently wonderful waves, and its 9.5-mile stretch of beautiful sandy beach. It’s not a big community by the standards of the greater Los Angeles area – 200,000 people or so – but it’s a community that offers plenty to see and do for all who visit, and for those who call it home.
A Bit of Huntington Beach History
European settlement of the area that is now Huntington Beach began in 1784 when a Spanish soldier received a 300,000-acre land grant. For years, the area was primarily a center for ranching and agriculture, and it continued to grow until it was officially incorporated as Huntington Beach in 1909. It remained somewhat of a small and sleepy town until the famous oil boom of the 1920s, which caused an explosion in growth in the area. It has been growing steadily since that time. Today, Huntington Beach is a popular tourist site, a diverse and eclectic community with plenty to see and do, and a pilgrimage destination for every surfer in the country.
Huntington Beach– A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Huntington Beach here.
The LGBTQ Community in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has a warm and friendly LGBTQ community, rich in diversity, and welcoming to all. That community is fortunate to be well-supported by a variety of community resources, including:
The LGBTQ Center of Orange County is a community center dedicated to advocating for the rights of and pursuing equality and recognition for the LGBTQ community in the area through programs, events, resources, and services provided year-round in any number of ways.
GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Orange County, is dedicated to its role as a dynamic media force dedicated to provoking important dialogue that will lead to lasting and necessary community change. It is dedicated to supporting and promoting the interests of the LGBTQ community in the Orange County area, and to helping ensure that everyone can enjoy a life that they love.
What’s the Weather Like in Huntington Beach?
Those who live in Huntington Beach can expect plenty of that characteristic sunshine that Southern California is so well known for. The area has fairly mild temperatures year-round, with the temperature in July reaching a high of around 79°F, and the lows in January averaging around 47°F. Huntington Beach receives significantly less than the national average – only 12 inches per year, in fact, and no snow.
The Best Events in Huntington Beach
Nearby Long Beach hosts a very popular pride celebration and festival in May of each year. The festival features seven large dance areas and hosts artists, shows, parades, and parties of all kinds for those who attend to enjoy.
For those who live in the Orange County area, the annual Los Angeles Pride event is one not to be missed. The festivities draw more than 200,000 visitors each year, and between parties, parades, events, performances, networking opportunities, and plenty of activities, everyone is sure to have fun and feel proud of the rich, diverse, and thriving LGBTQ community in the area, and of all that it adds to Orange County.
Where to Live in Huntington Beach
There aren’t any specifically “gay” neighborhoods in Huntington Beach like one might expect to find in larger towns – but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of wonderful, friendly neighborhoods to choose from. The Human Rights Commission has consistently ranked Huntington Beach as one of the most gay-friendly parts of Orange County, meaning that it has plenty of wonderful places for those in the LGBTQ community to live. Where to live is thus mostly simply a matter of personal preference and what home style and neighborhood you prefer. Condos in Huntington Beach can start around $210,000 and top out at nearly $2 million, while single-family homes can start under $200,000 and top out at well over several million dollars.
Arts and Entertainment
The Huntington Beach Pier truly captures the spirit of Surf City. At 1850-feet in length, it is one, of the longest public piers on the West Coast, and is the perfect place to watch a stunning West Coast sunset. Shops, restaurants, and opportunities for fun on the beach are also nearby, making it a great place to spend some time on a beautiful day.
Based in nearby Los Angeles, Celebration Theatre is a performing theatre group dedicating to entertaining, inspiring, and empowering the LGBTQ community with innovative productions, and to be a catalyst for change in the community. You won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a show – or several – for yourself.
Parks and Recreation
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a beautiful, 1300-acre coastal estuary with a wide variety of habitats, wildlife, and beautiful vistas for visitors to enjoy. It truly showcases the unique natural beauty of the Huntington Beach area, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum is a must-see Surf City site. The museum’s mission is, “preserving the past, participating in the present, and influencing the future of all aspects of surfing culture” – and it accomplishes that mission well. A visit is sure to be enlightening, interesting, and fun – not to mention providing a great glimpse into the unique character and history of the area.
Huntington Beach Nightlife
Tumbleweeds is a friendly, family-owned bar and grill known for its live music, great beer selection, pool tables, and friendly crowds. It’s a great place to spend an evening with old friends – or to make some new ones.
Tin Lizzies is a Victorian-style LGBTQ bar known for its theme nights, happy hours, pool tables, friendly bar-tenders, and welcoming crowd.
Contact a Huntington Beach Realtor Today
If Huntington seems like it would be a great place for you to call home, we would love to have the opportunity to put you in touch with a realtor who knows the community well and can help you find a house you love in a neighborhood that’s a perfect fit for you. Contact a Huntington Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
