Huntington Beach Pier & Surf City USA

The heart of 'Surf City USA,' with a long concrete pier, a wide sandy beach stretching for miles, and a year-round surf culture (the US Open of Surfing is held here). Main Street's shops, the International Surfing Museum, and the Surfers' Hall of Fame are steps away.

Practical: Ample paid lots along Pacific Coast Highway; sunsets from the pier are the signature draw. Fire rings and bike paths make it an easy full-afternoon stop.