Huntington Beach: Surf City, here we come

Huntington Beach is more than just Surf City USA. It’s also a virtual beach cruiser USA, particularly along the boardwalk near the pier where bicycles are available for rent.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

The AVP Tour’s recent stop in Huntington Beach wasn’t the only outbreak of beach volleyball; it’s a favorite pastime for residents and weekend visitors alike.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

The Huntington Beach Pier is a popular destination, particularly so on May 3, 2008, during the AVP Tour’s most recent annual visit.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Lining up against the pier’s railings, locals can only catch a glimpse of the beach volleyball action over Cuervo’s promotional volleyball, apparently inflated to match the size of a bad tequila hangover.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Volleyball fans cheer and do the wave during the final match in which Jake Gibb and Sean Rosenthal defeated John Hyden and Brad Keenan during the 2008 AVP Crocs Tour Gold Crown Championships in Huntington Beach on May 4, 2008.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Strollers and families glide past the bikini billboards in the windows of Jacks on Main Street in Huntington Beach. Several new resorts and developments have broken ground in the area.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A quartet of young men seek shelter from the rays and beer at Crabby’s Boat House, a bar, restaurant and reputed surfer hangout on Walnut Avenue just off Main Street.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

A barefoot surfer walking past Perqs Nite Club & Sports Bar on Main Street helps enforce the Surf City USA trademark.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

A knee boarder rides a wave as gusty Santa Ana winds blow the tops off of six to 8-foot breakers south of the Huntington Beach pier.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Jessica and Cliff Capps of Long Beach,and their son, Tyler Capps, 3, enjoy conversation with friends and cooking hot dogs and marshmallows at sunset at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Early morning hours are preferred by many people wanting to get a jump on the day at Huntington Beach.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A bird dives into the water in search of its breakfast amid a glowing sunrise over Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Huntington Beach’s 2007 Independence Day festivities ended with a bang and a colorful display of light over the municipal pier. Authorities from the town’s visitors bureau confirm that a similar fireworks show is being planned for July 4, 2008.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)