Huntington Beach, California, Travel Guide

There’s no scarcity of seashore cities in Southern California, however not many have simply the proper stability of surf tradition and native power fairly like Huntington Seashore.

With greater than eight miles of shoreline and persistently sturdy breaks, it’s lengthy been a magnet for surfers from all over the world. Nevertheless, town’s enchantment goes past the water—it additionally has a walkable downtown, a captivating namesake pier, and plentiful waterfront bars and eating places. Days listed below are greatest spent absorbing the solar, studying to catch waves, or exploring the waterways of the Huntington Harbour space by boat. Add in signature occasions just like the U.S. Open of Browsing, and it’s clear why Huntington Seashore stands out as a basic California trip spot—one which, in my view, too usually will get ignored by the crowds flocking to Los Angeles and even close by Newport Seashore.

This is what it is advisable know earlier than planning a visit to Huntington Seashore, California.

Finest Resorts & Resorts 

Paséa Resort & Spa

This trendy hotel has a few of the metropolis’s greatest views from its Treehouse on PCH rooftop, the place visitors can sip craft cocktails in type. Even non-guests will discover it value a go to for the panoramic ocean views alone. Take pleasure in year-round enjoyable within the solar by the glowing pool, settle into an opulent cabana, indulge on the Balinese-inspired spa, or make the most of complimentary seashore service. The coastal-chic rooms and suites—every with partial or full ocean views—supply the right retreat for unwinding after a day of absorbing the Southern California sunshine.

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Seashore Resort

The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort places you inside quick access of Surf Metropolis’s high retailers and points of interest, together with the well-known Huntington Seashore Pier and Predominant Avenue, which is lined with a few of the space’s greatest eating places and bars. That stated, you don’t want to depart the property to get pleasure from a correct meal; the on-site Pacific Hideaway Restaurant serves globally influenced dishes in a energetic, social ambiance. The resort’s breezy widespread areas embody an open-air patio with hearth pits, excellent for gathering with pals or enjoyable after a day on the seashore. Rooms and suites replicate an analogous coastal-cool aesthetic, and facilities—corresponding to a nightly wine-and-cheese social hour, weekly yoga lessons, and bike leases—abound. 

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

Positioned subsequent door to Paséa Resort & Spa, this expansive resort stands out for its Spanish-inspired structure and prime oceanfront location. Once they’re not out exploring, visitors can usually be discovered lounging in one of many property’s plush cabanas or unwinding on the 20,000-square-foot Pacific Waters Spa, which has tranquil therapy rooms, therapeutic soaking tubs, and a serene out of doors courtyard. The property additionally has a number of swimming pools, lush courtyards, and a wide range of upscale lodging, many with personal balconies or ocean views.

The Waterfront Seashore Resort

With 437 rooms and suites unfold throughout two large towers, The Waterfront Beach Resort is a full-service oceanfront escape paying homage to the grand resorts you may discover in Mexico or the Caribbean. Visitors can simply get pleasure from their keep with out ever leaving the property, due to facilities like a tranquil spa, a handful of bars and eating places, and two glowing swimming pools—one that includes waterslides for a family-friendly vibe.

Finest Issues to Do

Discover the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

“For out of doors lovers, we even have the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, which supply stunning strolling trails and unbelievable bird-watching,” says Kellie Hallworth, a born-and-raised Huntington Seashore native. “I like taking night strolls right here to unwind from busy days, and I’ve seen coyotes, bald eagles, owls, bunnies, turtles, and a lot extra.” The almost 1,450-acre ecological reserve is a tranquil escape from the thrill of the seashore and surrounding downtown, with well-marked trails winding previous coastal dunes, tidal flats, and marshes.

Hit the seashore.

That is the plain reply, however past lounging on the sand, the true magic occurs within the water—Huntington Seashore is Surf Metropolis USA, in spite of everything. You’ll discover loads of surf colleges, together with HB Surf School and Banzai Surf School, which have classes and leases for each talent degree. Pre- or post-dip, take a stroll alongside the Huntington Seashore Pier, which, as Hallworth shares, “might be probably the most iconic attraction related to Huntington Seashore.” Past the eight-mile-plus palm-fringed essential stretch, make sure to take a look at the well-known, leash-optional Dog Beach, a beloved spot the place locals and guests let their pups run free alongside the shore—a rarity in Southern California.

Study Huntington Seashore’s surf historical past.

Denise MacAllister, a lifelong Huntington Seashore native who works on the metropolis’s famend International Surfing Museum, recommends stopping by to take a look at displays just like the world’s largest surfboard and be taught concerning the historical past and tradition of Surf Metropolis USA. The museum shows classic boards, images, and memorabilia honoring previous and current browsing legends. Simply outdoors, stroll alongside the Surfing Walk of Fame on Predominant Avenue, the place plaques rejoice icons who’ve made their mark right here.

Take a scenic boat experience.

Huntington Seashore is greatest skilled on the water. Whereas I’m not a surfer, I cherished my outing with Prince Charters, which took us by way of Huntington Harbour, a scenic community of canals lined with luxurious properties. A number of different corporations, like Huntington Harbour Yacht Club, have related cruises, with choices like sundown sails, wine tastings, and vacation lights excursions within the winter.

Buy groceries.

Each MacAllister and Hallworth suggest visiting Pacific City, a energetic out of doors retail and eating complicated conveniently situated throughout the road from the seashore. Right here, you’ll discover fashionable retailers, native manufacturers, and eating places, all with sweeping ocean views. In the meantime, only a brief stroll away, Predominant Avenue is lined with unbiased boutiques, surf shops, and informal cafés that seize town’s laid-back spirit.

For a very completely different vibe, go to Old World Village, which Hallworth describes as “a hidden gem, with artwork, retailers, espresso, and extra, that provides you a little bit of a change of surroundings from the seashores.” The charming, German-inspired enclave seems prefer it’s been plucked straight from a storybook, full with cobblestone walkways, half-timbered buildings, and comfy courtyards.

Nightlife 

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

Set atop the Twin Dolphin Tower at The Waterfront Seashore Resort, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge has panoramic ocean views, hearth pits, and a compact menu of cocktails, wines, and shareable bites. Come right here to catch the sundown and keep cozy as soon as the night chill units in.

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

For “incredible margaritas and Mexican meals,” Hallworth heads straight to Sandbar. It is particularly buzzy come comfortable hour, when of us flock right here for the under-$8 appetizers and half-off pictures and beers. The energetic patio and upbeat crowd make it an amazing spot to sit back after a day on the seashore.

Jolie 

Jolie is one among Hallworth’s favourite bars for its wonderful sundown views and top-notch service, which she describes as “a few of the greatest in all of Huntington Seashore.” Its beachfront setting makes it the right spot to calm down with a drink and watch the solar dip under the horizon.

Treehouse on PCH

The aforementioned Treehouse on PCH deserves its personal spot on this checklist due to its enjoyable treehouse theme and “tremendous cool ambiance,” says Hallworth. With $10 cocktails throughout comfortable hour, cabanas and plush lounge seating, and dwell DJ units, it’s the right place to sit back and soak within the views—and go people-watching. 

Finest Eating places 

Duke’s Huntington Seashore

Each Hallworth and MacAllister rave about Duke’s for its unbelievable atmosphere, scrumptious meals, and central location simply steps from the sand. Named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku—and a part of the identical beloved restaurant group discovered all through Hawaii—the oceanfront spot channels a laid-back island vibe with Hawaiian-inspired, seafood-focused fare (suppose poke tacos and crispy coconut shrimp), tropical cocktails (the mai tai is properly definitely worth the hype), and unbeatable pier views. Because it will get crowded, particularly round sundown, arrive early to snag a chief spot.

Sugar Shack Café

A Huntington Seashore establishment since 1967, the family-owned Sugar Shack Café on Predominant Avenue is beloved for its basic diner-style menu, pleasant service, and old-school Surf Metropolis allure. “A few of my fondest recollections are consuming breakfast on the Sugar Shack with my household,” says MacAllister. “We all the time ate early and loved the nice meals, chatting with pals and locals, and catching up on the information.” The all-day breakfast—which options classics like omelets alongside California-inspired favorites corresponding to breakfast burritos—lures locals and vacationers alike.

Sushi on Fireplace

Sushi on Fire is MacAllister’s “go-to for nice meals,” primarily contemporary sashimi and inventive sushi rolls. Standouts embody the aptly named Seashore Boy roll (a seafood-packed extravaganza that includes shrimp tempura, snow crab, tuna, and extra, with avocado and the restaurant’s signature candy and spicy sauce) and the California Tempura roll (a deep-fried California roll topped with eel sauce).

Bear Flag Fish Co.

Half fish market, half restaurant, this seafood spot delivers a few of the freshest catches on the town. Along with market-fresh fish like ahi poke by the pound, in addition they serve up dishes corresponding to cioppino (a San Francisco–type seafood stew brimming with fish, clams, and shrimp) and fish tacos—a private favourite.

Mama’s Consolation Meals & Cocktails

This all-day spot has one thing for everybody, from waffles and countless variations of Eggs Benedict to seafood favorites like fish and chips and the poke tower. Among the many restaurant’s signature dishes are prime rib, meatloaf, fried rooster, fettuccine Alfredo, and mac and cheese—the menu is as eclectic and comforting as its identify suggests.

Finest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Huntington Seashore is from Could by way of September. Summer time marks the return of the U.S. Open of Surfing, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Show, and the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Surf Dog competition, which generally takes place in June. Off the sand, Predominant Avenue and Pacific Metropolis pulse with the hum of dwell music and late-night crowds.

Get There

Attending to Huntington Seashore is a breeze. The closest and most handy gateway is to fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California, which is a few 20-minute drive away, relying on visitors. Vacationers coming from farther afield also can fly into Lengthy Seashore Municipal Airport (LGB) or Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX), roughly 30 and 60 minutes away, respectively. When you land, hire a automobile or hop in a ride-hailing service corresponding to Uber to make your manner down the coast; a big stretch of the Pacific Coast Freeway runs proper by way of Huntington Seashore, making it an ideal cease on any Southern California street journey. 

Get Round

Whereas a automobile is really useful for exploring neighboring seashore cities, Huntington Seashore itself is straightforward to navigate. The OC Bus system runs routes alongside Seashore Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Freeway, connecting you to close by spots like Newport Seashore and Costa Mesa for only a few {dollars} a experience. Uber and Lyft are broadly obtainable, however should you’re planning to discover past Huntington—say, a scenic drive down the PCH—renting a automobile is your greatest wager.