Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a middle class seaside city in Orange County in southern California. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 189,594. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, by Seal Beach on the north, by Costa Mesa on the south, by Westminster on the northeast, and by Fountain Valley on the east.

It is known for its long 14 km (8.5 miles) beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing. The waves are a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina, and waves from distant hurricanes. Because of the curve of the coastline at Huntington Beach, the local beach actually faces southwest. In summer, the southwest-facing beach often has very strong surf from hurricanes off the Mexican coast.

Many people have dubbed Huntington Beach, "Surf City USA". The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded Huntington Beach three official registration numbers that will permit Huntington Beach to use the logo and name, "Surf City USA" in ads, on beach bags, hats and other beachwear.

Huntington Beach is well known for it's anual surfing contest held once a year. This attraction is said to have brought 300,000 people to the beach during one weekend.