1. The Very Inebriated But Oh So Hilarious Howdy Doody Time
Source: Instagram user @readysteadystop
Inside Huntington’s famous punk rock bar, Johnny’s Saloon, a bartender by the name of Howdy Doody puts on a show near the end of every shift. It’s called Howdy Doody Time and unless you’re feeling wild, it’s better to move away from the bar when you hear Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” blare through the speakers.
Howdy Doody strips, slides, and makes the front row into a veritable splash zone; it’s one of the funniest things you’ll ever see.
2. Huntington Beach Has Its Own Little Version Of Germany
Tucked away between Golden West College and the 405 Fwy is Huntington’s own version of Germany. The Old World Village is eight acres of everything Deutschland from a bakery to import store to an Oktoberfest banquet hall. It’s got the bratwurst and beer you’ve been craving and the Dachshund races you didn’t know you wanted!
3. This Is Where A Guy Found The World’s Largest Mako Shark
Ok, maybe not so fast on the surfing, dudes. In 2013, a Texan hauled in a 12-foot-long, shortfin mako shark in Huntington, and the thing was over 1,300 lbs!
Mako sharks are known for being aggressive, swimming at lightening speeds, and jumping up to 20 ft. out of the water. So, you know, mind those shark warning signs when you see ‘em.
4. Huntington Beach Has Three Different Schools Where Ghosts Still Want To Learn
Somehow Huntington ended up with three haunted schools–it must have been a rich learning experience. Ethyl Dwyer Middle School’s name is fitting, as Ms. Dwyer seems to be sticking around, and moaning in the boiler room. Edison High School has several ghosts that are still stuck in the game and roam the athletic fields.
Yet the Huntington Beach High School is home to the most morbid story; a theatre student still hangs around in the auditorium, where he supposedly hung himself years earlier.
5. Huntington Beach Has A Strange History Of Anti-Hypnotism
Up until 2013, the city of Huntington Beach believed if you were practicing hypnotism then you were breaking the law. Code 9.60.030 stated that no person could practice the hocus-pocus art form unless they were a licensed psychologist. Hey, maybe HB just really cared about the legit psychics out there!
6. Get The Best Rub Down In Town At An Impossible-To-Find Day Spa
In the back of a strip mall, in a place where your iPhone will never be able to properly direct you to, is Healing Horizons.
The humble day spa isn’t fancy, but it is affordable, and has the most caring, attentive, and knowledgeable masseuses. Don’t waste your money for the fake frills elsewhere.
7. The Only Dog Beach For Miles Is Right In Huntington Beach
Who doesn’t love a wet pup? Okay, well maybe not in your car or home, but on the beach it’s really cute! And Huntington houses the only dog beach in the entire span of Orange County.
Technically, Fido has to stay on his leash but the unwritten rule states that you can let him roam free as long as he isn’t aggressive. If you’re feeling very confident in your dog’s surfing skills, the dog beach also has an annual surfing dogs competition in September.
8. There Are Some Unidentified Objects... And They’re Flying
UFOs aren’t just recorded by Midwesterners who’ve drunk too much hooch. In 2012 and 2013 beach goers witnessed strange objects in the bright light of day in Surf City. True, one might be a balloon and the other a droid, but it was peculiar enough to make the news in both incidents.
9. A Boat Load Of Movies And Television Shows Are Filmed In Huntington
The blue skies, bumping downtown, and open space make HB an ideal place for location shooting. Ever heard of “SWAT,” “2012,” “Graceland,” “Dexter,” “Cougar Town,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” or “Marmaduke?” Yep, they were all filmed here.
10. When The Tide Is Low, The Surfing Museum Is A Go
This isn’t just some lowly surf museum, it’s the
International Surfing Museum! Along with artwork, relics, and vintage boards, the Surfing Museum also holds community events and free concerts with, what else, surf rock.
11. Huntington Beach Has Its Own Record Label
Surf City has been a breeding ground for garage punk, metal, and hardcore bands. Maybe it’s just all the sunshine that makes people feel like they need to balance it out with some angst. No matter the reason, Revelation Records has been supporting independent artists since the late '80s.
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Huntington Beach in the comments below!
