It’s eight miles of beach attract many tourists and the pier, going from Main Street to the Pacific Ocean, is the largest of its kind on the West Coast. The downtown district of cafes, restaurants, surf shops and bars make for a vibrant atmosphere.

Surfing conditions here are considered to be amongst the finest in the state and Huntington Beach California is the annual host for the World Surfing Championships held each summer. The area is also popular with kiteboarders and the National Paintballing Championships are also held here.

The International Surfing Museum receives many visitors and has helped to put Huntington Beach California on the map. There are displays covering the entire history of the sport and a large collection of surf boards.

Information includes facts about pop culture with connections to surfing, such as the music of Jan & Dean, the Beach boys and guitarist, Dick Dale. The gift shop sells CDs and T-shirts and the museum organizes surf music concerts throughout the summer.

Many events bring people together and the social calendar is full. Surf City Nights are held each Tuesday with entertainment, a farmer’s market, food stalls and activities for the children. The Annual Kite Festival is an event for everyone to get involved who has a kite to fly. Professional kite fliers also participate, demonstrating their skills to music.

For the really fit citizens of Huntington Beach California, there is the Annual Biathlon Race, which combines running and swimming. It takes place in July, beginning at daybreak and is organized by local lifeguards.

The Toyota Grand Prix is part of the American Le Mans series and is an exciting street race with an almost 2 mile circuit. The meeting also features a Pro-Celebrity Race and the events ends with the Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pageant.

One of the largest gatherings in the area is the Long Beach International Sea Festival. This is a favorite on the Long Beach events calendar for families to enjoy. There is live music, seafood booths, arts and crafts stalls, barbecue and a Swim and Pacific 5k Run.

Children enjoy the pirate ship and re-enactment of pirate swashbuckling with cannons and sword duels. There is also a treasure hunt, a pirate costume contest and a sandcastle sculpture competition. The kids can go on a charter boat trip to learn about sport fishing and there are classic movies shown on the beach for all the family.

Music is important to the area and the Bluegrass Festival is very popular. There are live concerts, music workshops and gospel choirs. Annual Long Beach events also include the Blues Festival, sponsored by the Kjazz jazz and blues radio station.

The line up is always impressive and names announced for 2007 include Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Dr John and Robert Cray. In addition to the great music, there are food and other vendors.

The Annual Tiki Beach Festival and Polynesian Spectacular at Belmont Shore is another well supported event on the Long Beach events itinerary. It is a celebration of the South Pacific Islands culture and it’s a colorful and joyful affair.

There is live music, arts and crafts stalls, a barbecue and a Sunrise Blessing Ceremony. It’s an opportunity to go for a canoe ride or a catamaran cruise round the harbor. At sundown, the spectacular begins with a buffet, island music and Tahitian and Hawaiian dancing displays. Other displays include a fire knife dance show and hula dancing.

Running events are an important part of cities these days and the annual Robert C. McAvoy Labor Day 5 Mile Run is well supported. It starts at the Riverside Boulevard and each contestant is given a T-shirt. Young people of 18 years of age and under are invited to participate in the King of the Beach Surf Contest. Trophies go to the best three competitors in all the categories.