Guide: Finding Parking At U.S. Open Of Surfing In Huntington Beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Nearly half a million fans will converge on Huntington Beach for the U.S. Open of Surfing this week.
There are a few things you should know before driving to the world's largest surfing competition.
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First, street and beach lot parking are going to be extremely competitive around the Huntington Beach Pier, but there are several lots and shuttles that should make your visit smoother.
There are three parking structures: the Main Promenade lot (on Main St. between Walnut and Olive streets) has 830 spots, there are 413 spaces at The Strand lot (155 5th St.) and there is additional parking at the Pierside Pavilion (entrance on Walnut Ave. between Main and 3rd streets).
The daily maximum parking rate at the Main Promenade and The Strand lots is $20. The daily max is $35 on Aug. 1-2 at Pierside Pavilion with complimentary valet services. Click here for hourly rates at these lots.
If you're not on a time crunch, then consider parking for free at Huntington Beach City Hall and taking the free Surf City Downtown Shuttle into Downtown Huntington Beach. The shuttle runs on weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. It leaves City Hall every half hour, with stops at Huntington Beach High School, Edison High School, Main Street and Orange Avenue, and at The Strand on 5th Street.
If you happen to snag a metered parking spot downtown expect to pay $1.50 per hour, with a two-hour maximum enforced 6 a.m. through midnight.
Parking at the beach lots means you can't leave and re-enter without paying the full parking fee.
Those who want to take their bicycle can use free, secured bike valet parking at Pedego Electric Bicycles, located at the corner of 5th Street and Olive Avenue. The bike valet operates on weekends from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
It's recommended visitors bring sunscreen, water, a camera, footwear and sunglasses. Officials say they won't be allowing alcohol, pets or beach toys of any kind inside the event. Oh, and say you should leave a bad attitude at the door.