Surf City USA's Biggest Week of the Year
Every summer, Huntington Beach earns its "Surf City USA" nickname in the most spectacular way possible. The Lexus US Open of Surfing takes over the iconic Huntington Beach Pier from July 25 through August 2, 2026 — nine straight days of world-class surfing, live music, food, and pure SoCal beach culture. And the best part? General admission to watch the surf competition is completely free.
As someone who has helped dozens of clients find homes in Huntington Beach and the surrounding coastal communities, I can tell you this event is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with living in Orange County. I've watched clients attend this festival once as visitors and come back a year later as homeowners. There's something about standing on that sand, watching the world's best surfers drop into perfect Southern California waves, that makes you want to never leave.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to make Surf City your permanent home, here's your complete guide to getting the most out of the 2026 US Open of Surfing.
About the Competition
The US Open of Surfing is one of the most prestigious events on the World Surf League calendar, serving as Stop #2 of the WSL Challenger Series and the first stop on the Longboard Tour. That means the athletes competing here are legitimately among the best surfers on the planet — many are fighting to qualify for the Championship Tour or earn WSL ranking points that shape their entire career.
What You'll See in the Water
The action happens on the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier, where the waves break consistently and the beach amphitheater setup gives spectators an excellent view. During competition days, you'll see:
- Shortboard competitions: The primary event featuring explosive aerial maneuvers, barrel rides, and technical surfing at the highest level
- Longboard competitions: A more classic, graceful discipline that showcases nose-riding, cross-stepping, and stylish flow
- Skate and BMX events: The festival grounds typically include action sports demonstrations beyond the water
- Athlete meet-and-greets: Check the event schedule — the WSL often hosts fan zones where you can get close to the competitors
Competition heats run throughout the day, typically starting in the morning and running into late afternoon depending on surf conditions. The WSL will announce the daily heat schedule each morning based on the swell forecast, so keep an eye on the official usopenofsurfing.com website for real-time updates.
Live Concert Lineup
This year the festival is adding premium concert nights to the beach experience. For three evenings, a music stage right by the ocean will host headline performances — tickets are required for these shows but the setting is absolutely unmatched.
- Saturday, July 25: G. Love and Special Sauce with Orange County native Matt Costa — a perfect Southern California opener
- Friday, July 31: Real Estate takes the stage for what should be a dreamy indie rock night on the sand
- Saturday, August 1: Local Natives and Arcy Drive close out the festival on a high note
Concert tickets start at $69 for general admission and $119 for VIP. If you want all three shows, the festival pass is $199 GA or $349 VIP — a solid deal if you're making a full weekend of it. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the US Open of Surfing website.
Practical Tips for Attending
I always tell friends visiting the US Open for the first time: plan ahead and you'll have a great day. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Getting There
Parking around the pier fills up fast, especially on weekend days. Plan to pay around $15 for parking and arrive early — the lots near Pacific City and downtown fill before 10 a.m. on peak days. A few alternatives worth considering:
- Bike valet: The free Surf City USA Bike Valet on 5th Street in downtown HB is open both weekends and keeps your bike secure while you enjoy the event — a great option if you live nearby or want to ride in from a parking spot farther out
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop-offs work well — just account for pickup wait times on busy evenings
- Public transit: OCTA bus routes serve Main Street Huntington Beach if you're coming from Irvine or Costa Mesa
What to Pack
The beach scene at this event is sunny, crowded, and fun — but preparation matters:
- Sunscreen and a hat: The beach offers very little shade during competition viewing, and the mid-day sun is intense in late July
- Beach umbrella: These are permitted and well worth hauling down — claim your spot early on peak days
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated; there are water refill stations on site
- Light jacket: Marine layer rolls in during evenings, and concert nights by the ocean can get cool
- Cash and card: Food vendors and some merchandise stalls vary on payment options
Food and Nearby Dining
The festival grounds have food vendors and beach bars right on site, so you can grab bites without leaving the action. But if you want to explore more, downtown Huntington Beach has an incredible restaurant scene just steps away:
- Pacific City — the outdoor lifestyle center just south of the pier has dozens of dining options ranging from casual tacos to craft cocktails with an ocean view
- Main Street Huntington Beach — lined with surf shops, bars, and restaurants that capture the classic HB vibe. Duke's Huntington Beach is a perennial favorite for its Hawaiian-inspired seafood and waterfront patio
- Sugar Shack Cafe — a beloved HB breakfast institution, perfect for fueling up before a full day of competition watching
Why This Week Makes Living in HB So Special
One of the questions I get most often from buyers considering Huntington Beach is: "What's the community actually like day-to-day?" My honest answer is that HB has a genuine, lived-in beach culture that most coastal cities just imitate. The US Open of Surfing is the best single week to see that culture at its peak.
Locals pour onto Main Street and the pier area. Surf families who've lived here for decades share the sand with people visiting from around the world. The city hums with an energy that's hard to find anywhere else in Southern California. When my clients who bought homes in HB come back to visit during Open week, they always tell me the same thing: this is exactly why they moved here.
What the HB Real Estate Market Looks Like Right Now
If the US Open has you thinking about making Huntington Beach your permanent home, here's a quick snapshot of the market. Home prices in Huntington Beach have remained strong in 2026, with single-family homes in most neighborhoods ranging from approximately $1.1M to $2.5M depending on proximity to the beach, lot size, and condition. Condos and townhomes offer more accessible entry points starting around $600K–$900K in areas like Southeast HB and the Seacliff community.
Inventory has been slightly more favorable for buyers this year compared to the ultra-competitive 2022–2023 market, with average days on market in the 25–40 day range for well-priced properties. That means motivated buyers are getting deals done, but pricing still matters — overpriced listings are sitting.
If the idea of walking to the pier on a July morning and watching world-class surfers warm up sounds appealing, I'd love to talk about what a move to HB could look like for you.
Make the Most of Open Week
The US Open of Surfing is one of those Orange County experiences that sticks with you. It's free, it's vibrant, and it captures everything that makes living near the coast in Southern California feel like a genuine privilege. Whether you catch one morning of surf heats or make it a multi-day festival experience with the concert nights, you're in for something memorable.
And if you find yourself standing on the sand watching a surfer thread a perfect barrel at the pier, looking around at the mountains in the distance and the downtown skyline behind you, thinking "I could live here" — reach out. That's exactly the moment I love talking about.
Call or text me at 949-285-9519 or visit andrew-homes.com to start a conversation about finding your home in Huntington Beach or anywhere along the Orange County coast.