Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a city located in Orange County, California, United States. It is known for its long 9.5-mile stretch of sandy beach, mild climate, excellent surfing, and beach culture. The city is named after American businessman Henry E. Huntington.

History

Huntington Beach was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who were later displaced by Spanish soldiers. In 1784, the area became part of the Rancho Los Nietos land grant. The city was incorporated on February 17, 1909, under its first mayor, Ed Manning. Its original developer was the Huntington Beach Company, a real-estate development firm owned by Henry Huntington.

Geography

Huntington Beach is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, and has been long known for its long stretch of beautiful beach, its warm Mediterranean climate, and its surfing. The city has a total area of 31.9 square miles, with 26.7 square miles of it being land and 5.1 square miles of it (16.10%) being water.

Economy

The economy of Huntington Beach is based on tourism, the oil extraction industry, and it is home to the headquarters of several corporations such as Quiksilver, Boeing, and C&D Aerospace. The city's top employers include the Huntington Beach City School District, Huntington Beach Hospital, and the City of Huntington Beach.

Culture

Huntington Beach is known for its beach culture. The city supports a large number of industries related to the ocean and beach lifestyle, including a strong surfing culture. Some popular cultural events in the city include the U.S. Open of Surfing, the Huntington Beach Film Festival, and the Fourth of July Parade.

Education

Huntington Beach is served by several school districts. Huntington Beach City School District, Huntington Beach Union High School District, and Ocean View School District are among the city's public school districts. The city also has several private schools.

Transportation

Huntington Beach is accessible via several major highways, with the San Diego Freeway (I-405) and the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) being the most significant. Public transportation is provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority.

See also

• List of cities and towns in California
• Surfing in the United States