Huntington Beach is one of Southern California’s best-known destinations for competitive surfing. Events range from youth and amateur championships to professional competitions that attract surfers and spectators from around the world.
The largest event is the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, held near the Huntington Beach Pier during the summer.
This guide explains how the US Open works, where spectators can watch, what to bring and how to find other surf competitions in Huntington Beach and across Southern California.
US Open of Surfing at a Glance
The latest completed edition was held in 2026.
| Event Detail | 2026 Information |
| Event | Lexus US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico |
| Dates | July 25 to August 2, 2026 |
| Location | South side of the Huntington Beach Pier |
| Admission | Free to the public |
| Professional Divisions | WSL Challenger Series and WSL Longboard Tour |
| Additional Activities | Live music, athlete appearances, screenings, demonstrations and sponsor activities |
| Status | The 2026 event concluded on August 2 |
The 2026 edition included the second stop of the World Surf League Longboard Tour and the fourth stop of the WSL Challenger Series. Future dates and competition formats should be confirmed when the next annual schedule is announced.
Why the US Open Is Huntington Beach’s Signature Surf Competition
The US Open is described by Surf City USA as the world’s largest surf competition. Huntington Beach has hosted the event in different forms since 1959.
It became known as the United States Surfing Championships in 1964, operated under the OP Pro name beginning in 1982 and has been called the US Open of Surfing since 1994.
The competition’s location is an important part of its identity. The event footprint is placed on the sand south of the Huntington Beach Pier, with downtown Huntington Beach directly across Pacific Coast Highway.
This makes the event accessible to spectators who want to combine the competition with restaurants, shopping and other activities near the pier.
What Happens During the US Open of Surfing?
The surf competition is organized into heats. Surfers compete in smaller groups, with the strongest performers advancing through successive rounds toward the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
The exact schedule depends on the number of competitors, surf conditions and the divisions included that year. Early rounds usually provide more opportunities to see a wider field of surfers, while finals weekend attracts the greatest spectator interest.
In 2026, the event combined professional shortboard competition through the WSL Challenger Series with professional longboarding through the WSL Longboard Tour.
Where to Watch the US Open of Surfing
The competition takes place on the south side of Huntington Beach Pier. Spectators generally watch from the sand around the event footprint.
There is little natural shade on the beach. Beach umbrellas are permitted, and the official visitor guidance recommends bringing sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and a jacket.
For a more comfortable day:
- Arrive earlier than the round you most want to watch.
- Check the daily heat schedule before leaving.
- Bring a compact beach chair or towel when permitted.
- Use sun protection even on an overcast morning.
- Keep an extra layer available for cooler coastal conditions.
- Follow event staff instructions around competition and restricted areas.
The pier may provide a broader view of the beach, but access and sightlines can be affected by event operations and crowd levels.
When Is the Best Time to Attend?
Early Competition Rounds
Early rounds are useful for spectators who want to see more surfers and spend a full day exploring the event. Weekday sessions may also be easier to navigate than finals weekend.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals
These rounds offer a balance between high-level competition and a larger remaining field.
Finals
Finals bring the strongest competitive stakes and the event’s largest atmosphere. They can also produce the heaviest crowds, so allow additional time for parking and walking.
Because competition times can shift with conditions, treat the official daily schedule as the final source.
Parking and Transportation
Parking close to the Huntington Beach Pier becomes more difficult during major events. The official visitor guidance recommends arriving early when driving.
For the 2026 US Open, Surf City USA also offered a free bike valet on 5th Street during both event weekends.
Possible transportation approaches include:
Drive and Park Downtown
Use an authorized public lot or garage and allow time to walk to the beach. Do not assume the closest lot will have space.
Ride a Bicycle
When the event provides a bike valet, cycling can help avoid the search for a parking space. Confirm the operating dates and hours before relying on it.
Walk From a Nearby Hotel
Several hotels are located across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach and pier area. This can be convenient for visitors staying overnight.
Use a Rideshare Service
A rideshare may remove the need to park, although traffic restrictions and designated drop-off points can still create delays near the event footprint.
What to Bring to a Huntington Beach Surf Competition
A practical spectator kit may include:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach towel
- Compact chair where permitted
- Beach umbrella
- Light jacket
- Portable phone charger
- Small bag that complies with current event rules
The official US Open guidance for 2026 stated that dogs were not allowed within the event site. It also identified the competition as smoke-free and prohibited drones. These restrictions should be checked again for future editions because event rules can change.
Activities Beyond the Surf Competition
The US Open is larger than the heats taking place in the water.
The 2026 event included live music, screenings, athlete signings, food and drink options, product demonstrations and sponsor activities.
The non-competition schedule changes annually. Review the official program to determine:
- Which activities are free
- Whether any evening event requires a ticket
- When athlete appearances are scheduled
- Where live music is presented
- Whether registration is required for a particular activity
Other Huntington Beach Surf Competitions
NSSA National Championships
The National Scholastic Surfing Association holds major youth and amateur competitions, including national championships.
The 2026 NSSA National Championships ran from June 26 through July 2 on the south side of Huntington Beach Pier. Divisions included men, women, juniors, younger age groups, longboard competitors and air-show categories.
NSSA dates and locations should be reconfirmed each season, but the championships offer spectators a chance to see developing surfers competing before many reach the highest professional levels.
Local and Regional Surf Events
Smaller contests, adaptive surfing events, longboard competitions and community surf festivals take place throughout Southern California.
The Southern California surfing events section can be used to find current listings beyond Huntington Beach.
Another Major Southern California Event: Super Girl Surf Pro
The Super Girl Surf Pro takes place at Oceanside Pier rather than Huntington Beach, but it is one of the most prominent women’s surfing events in Southern California.
In 2026, the event runs from August 21 through August 23 and combines a women’s WSL surf competition with longboarding, live music, sports, classes and a festival village. General surf and festival activities are free, while advance registration is required for entry to the concert amphitheatre.
See the event details for the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro.
How to Plan a Full Day at a Surf Competition
Check the Surf Schedule First
Competition is affected by conditions. Look at the official schedule on the morning of your visit, not only the version saved several days earlier.
Arrive Before the Heat You Want to Watch
Allow time for parking, walking, finding the event footprint and choosing a viewing position.
Plan Food Around Crowd Levels
Restaurants closest to the pier can become busy during major competitions. Consider eating before peak lunch hours or walking farther into downtown.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
Coastal cloud cover can make the sun feel less intense than it is. Reapply sunscreen during a full day on the beach.
Stay for More Than One Round
Watching several heats makes it easier to understand how surfers adjust their strategy as waves and opponents change.
Check the Entertainment Schedule
Live music, demonstrations and athlete appearances may be scheduled between or after competition rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Huntington Beach Surf Competitions
Is the US Open of Surfing free?
Yes. The 2026 US Open surf competition and main public event footprint were free to attend. Certain additional activities can have separate access requirements, so check the annual program.
When was the 2026 US Open of Surfing?
The 2026 competition ran from Saturday, July 25 through Sunday, August 2.
Where is the US Open held?
The event is held on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier.
Can I watch the competition from the beach?
Yes. Spectators watch from the sand around the event footprint. Viewing areas may be adjusted by event organizers for safety and competition operations.
Can I bring a beach umbrella?
Beach umbrellas were permitted under the 2026 visitor guidance. Check the next edition’s rules before attending.
Are dogs allowed at the US Open?
Dogs were not permitted within the official 2026 event site. This restriction may differ from general beach rules outside the event footprint.
Where should I park?
Use public parking in downtown Huntington Beach or near the beach, and arrive early. A free bicycle valet was available on selected days during the 2026 event.
What other surf competition takes place at Huntington Beach Pier?
The NSSA National Championships are another major competition associated with the pier. In 2026, the national event was held from June 26 through July 2.
Where can I find other Southern California surf events?
Review the SoCal entertainment calendar and the site’s Surfing category for newly announced competitions.
Plan for the Next Huntington Beach Surf Competition
The US Open is the largest event on Huntington Beach’s competitive surfing calendar, but it is not the only opportunity to watch surfers at the pier.
Use this guide to understand the location, transportation and viewing experience. Before attending, confirm the annual dates, daily heat schedule and event restrictions through the latest official announcement.
