Huntington Beach is a coastal city situated in Orange County, California, within the United States. It lies approximately 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and several adjacent municipalities including Seal Beach, Westminster, and Newport Beach. The city occupies a total area of 28.3 square miles, with the majority being land and a small portion comprising water features such as Huntington Harbour.

Originally established as Pacific City, the municipality was renamed in 1903 after railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington to secure access to his Pacific Electric Red Car lines. It was officially incorporated on February 17, 1909, with Ed Manning serving as its first mayor. The city was developed by the Huntington Beach Company, which remains a significant landowner and holds local mineral rights, while early growth was driven by agriculture and subsequent oil discoveries.

The city is defined by its long nine-and-a-half-mile stretch of sandy beach and a strong surf culture, earning it the nickname Surf City. Key landmarks include the original 1904 pier, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and the Newland House Museum. The geography features marshy wetlands and state parks like Bolsa Chica State Beach, alongside urban infrastructure such as Beach Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Huntington Beach attracts visitors with its mild climate and conditions ideal for surfing, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. The area is famous for its beach culture, which includes surfing styles and apparel companies that originated there. Tourism is supported by various amenities, including camping sites at Huntington City Beach and the nearby Sunset Marina Park, which offers services for light craft and picnicking.

The population was 198,711 as of the 2020 United States census, making it the fourth most populous city in Orange County. The climate is borderline semi-arid with Mediterranean influences, featuring year-round temperatures averaging 67 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal rainfall. Access is provided via John Wayne Airport to the northeast, Long Beach Airport to the west, and major interstate links connecting to Los Angeles International Airport.