Huntington Beach has always attracted vacationers and beach lovers who seek excitement, the challenge of swimming or surfing a turbulent sea, or simply basking in the glory of sunny day on the soft sand beaches.
So popular is the city, it is said to attract 15 million visitors annually. Appealing to a drive audience with its 9 miles of beaches and easy access with lots of parking, the city has hosted events that have pushed the limits of sports enthusiasm and the tempers of beach goers, as well. One such event was a riot in which some people lit a police car on fire on the beach. There have been several riots throughout HBs history, and near riots.