Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is a seaside city in Orange County, California that is famous for its beaches, surfing, and laidback lifestyle. The city has inspired many riddles over the years that test your knowledge of this iconic SoCal destination. Below are 49 riddles about Huntington Beach along with the answers.
Riddles about Huntington Beach’s Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a major ocean current that brings cool water south along the West Coast of North America. Huntington Beach sits along my edge. What am I?
Answer: The California Current
Riddle 2
I’m an island located off the coast of Huntington Beach. Surrounded by the Pacific, I’m home to seabirds, seals and unspoiled beaches only reachable by boat. What island am I?
Answer: Catalina Island
Riddle 3
Two small communities nestled between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, I’m home to some of SoCal’s most exclusive real estate. Who am I?
Answer: Corona del Mar
Riddle 4
Located at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, I separate Huntington Beach from Newport Beach. Sailboats pass through my jettied entrance which leads to a saltwater marsh. What am I?
Answer: Newport Harbor
Riddles about Huntington Beach History & Culture
Riddle 5
I’m the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the Huntington Beach area. Our name means “People of the Willow Houses.” Who are we?
Answer: The Tongva tribe
Riddle 6
We were the founders of Huntington Beach in the early 1900s, purchasing land to create a seaside destination. Our development company still has a street named after it. Who are we?
Answer: The Huntington Beach Company
Riddle 7
I’m the WPA era building near the pier currently home to the International Surfing Museum. Built in the 1930s, I’m on the National Register of Historic Places. What am I?
Answer: The Huntington Beach Lifeguard Station
Riddle 8
This famous actor and his brothers opened one of the first surf shops in Huntington Beach back in the 1950s. Decades later, his son Christian would also become an actor. Who is he?
Answer: Buddy Hackett
Riddles about Huntington Beach’s Beaches
Riddle 9
With 10 miles of sandy shoreline, I’m Huntington Beach’s most famous stretch of coast. Running from Beach Blvd to Seapoint St, I’m often packed on hot summer days. What beach am I?
Answer: Huntington City Beach
Riddle 10
Parallel to the main beach but lesser known, I’m a quieter Huntington Beach shoreline located south of Seapoint St. Families often picnic on my sand. What beach am I?
Answer: Bolsa Chica State Beach
Riddle 11
Located north of Beach Blvd across from the Wetlands, I’m known for bonfire pits and calm waves perfect for surf lessons. What Huntington Beach do I describe?
Answer: Huntington State Beach
Riddle 12
Small but coveted, I’m a beach inlet located down a residential street. Homes on my shore go for millions. What’s my name?
Answer: Sunset Beach
Riddles about Huntington Beach’s Surfing
Riddle 13
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach has held the official surfing championship here since 1959. What’s the name of this iconic surf competition?
Answer: The U.S. Open of Surfing
Riddle 14
Before standalone surfboard companies, swimming co’s like mine built surfboards. I was founded in Huntington Beach in the 1920s and my swimsuits were worn by movie stars. What company am I?
Answer: Jantzen
Riddle 15
Credited with pioneering modern high-performance surfboards, I opened my first Huntington Beach surf shop in 1957. Decades later, my brand is now global. Who am I?
Answer: Hobie Alter
Riddle 16
This famous surf break located at the pier has a powerful and hollow right wave favored by experienced surfers. What is it’s name?
Answer: The Wedge
Riddles about Huntington Beach’s Climate
Riddle 17
Warm summers and mild winters give Huntington Beach this kind of Mediterranean climate. What term describes this weather pattern?
Answer: Subtropical
Riddle 18
Coming off the Pacific Ocean, these natural weather phenomenon give Huntington Beach its cool breezes and famous foggy mornings.
Answer: Low clouds/marine layer
Riddle 19
This layer of the sun’s radiation is partially blocked by Huntington Beach’s frequent low clouds and marine layer.
Answer: UVB rays
Riddle 20
The peak summertime temperatures in Huntington Beach average in the low this many degrees Fahrenheit.
Answer: 70s
Riddles about Huntington Beach’s Landmarks
Riddle 21
Built in 1904, I’m the city’s most recognizable landmark located at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Popular for fishing and views, what am I?
Answer: Huntington Beach Pier
Riddle 22
Painted bright colors and found along Main Street, I’m a collection of concrete buildings built in the early 1900s. Popular with tourists, what am I called?
Answer: The International Surfing Museum
Riddle 23
Located north of the pier, I’m one of the few remaining coastal wetlands in Southern California, home to birds, coyotes and endangered species. What am I?
Answer: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Riddle 24
Nestled off Goldenwest, I’m a 3 mile lagoon popular for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. What’s my name?
Answer: Huntington Harbour
Riddles about Huntington Beach Culture & Events
Riddle 25
Taking place along the pier every Tuesday, I’m a weekly street fair with food, arts and crafts vendors. What’s my name?
Answer: Surf City Nights
Riddle 26
For two weeks every summer, I transform downtown Huntington Beach into a festival zone with live music, carnival rides and food booths. What event am I?
Answer: The U.S. Open of Surfing
Riddle 27
During this major holiday weekend, thousands flock to Huntington Beach for parades, a pier festival and fireworks over the ocean.
Answer: Fourth of July
Riddle 28
Taking place each February, I’m one of California’s largest half-marathons winding along the coast from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. What’s my name?
Answer: The Surf City Marathon
Riddles about Huntington Beach Celebrities
Riddle 29
This actor was a lifeguard in Huntington Beach before playing Mitch Buchannon on TV’s Baywatch. Who is he?
Answer: David Hasselhoff
Riddle 30
This tennis legend and Huntington Beach resident won Wimbledon 5 times and owns a tennis club bearing her name. Who is she?
Answer: Maria Sharapova
Riddle 31
This punk skateboarder grew up surfing in Huntington Beach before founding the skateboard brand Vans. Who is he?
Answer: Paul Van Doren
Riddle 32
This actor attended high school in Huntington Beach before starring in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Name him.
Answer: Sean Penn
Riddles about Huntington Beach Film & TV
Riddle 33
In this Janet Jackson music video, she rides a motorcycle past landmarks like the pier and Main Street. What’s the video’s name?
Answer: “California Love”
Riddle 34
Jessica Simpson rides a Chevrolet convertible along the coast in this music video featuring cameos from Hugh Hefner and Pablo Picasso lookalikes.
Answer: “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'”
Riddle 35
The police station in this hit Fox TV show about cops living in beach communities is actually the Huntington Beach station. What show is it?
Answer: The O.C.
Riddle 36
This MTV reality show about upper class Newport Beach teenagers often featured trips “up the coast” to Huntington Beach. What show was it?
Answer: Laguna Beach
Riddles about Huntington Beach Activities
Riddle 37
With its year round warm weather, Huntington Beach offers the perfect conditions for these engineless aircrafts flown by the ocean.
Answer: Hang gliding
Riddle 38
The bike path running along the beach allows Huntington Beach visitors to rent these vehicles to cruise the flat coastline.
Answer: Beach cruisers
Riddle 39
The harbor offers miles of channels perfect for paddling these small boats either standing or sitting.
Answer: Kayaks and paddleboards
Riddle 40
The Bolsa Chica wetlands has trails perfect for observing wildlife with one of these optical aids.
Answer: Binoculars or telescope
Riddles about Huntington Beach Dining
Riddle 41
This chain known for tropical drinks and a surfer theme has multiple locations in Huntington Beach. What is it called?
Answer: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Riddle 42
You can often find chilled seafood towers and ocean views at restaurants like this near the water. What term describes these places?
Answer: Seaside dining or waterfront dining
Riddle 43
For a taste of the city’s surf culture, look for breakfast spots serving dishes like this with fresh fruit.
Answer: Acai bowls
Riddle 44
This warm, chocolatey Mexican drink available at places like Sugar Shack is popular to sip while strolling the pier.
Answer: Hot cocoa or hot chocolate
Riddles about Huntington Beach for Kids
Riddle 45
Kids love exploring the tidepools located at the north end of this beach to find sea stars, anemones and crabs.
Answer: Huntington State Beach
Riddle 46
Located near Central Park, kids love jumping and sliding at this colorful playground designed to look like a giant pirate ship.
Answer: Rainbow Harbor Playground
Riddle 47
Younger kids have a blast at this arcade and entertainment center at Bella Terra Mall with games, rides and laser tag.
Answer: Dave & Buster’s
Riddle 48
For interactive science fun, take kids to this Huntington Beach museum with live animal exhibits and a simulated earthquake ride.
Answer: Discovery Cube Orange County
Riddle 49
Kids can hunt for treasure like Pirate Pete at this themed restaurant with live parrots and arcade games.
Answer: Captain Jack’s Restaurant
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles about Huntington Beach’s geography, culture, attractions and more? Exploring this iconic beach city is always an adventure, with new discoveries waiting around every corner. The next time you’re strolling Huntington’s pier or beaches, see what other riddles you can create about Surf City USA!
