This Town Is Known As ‘Surf City USA’—With Dog Surfing, Oceanfront Hotels, and Some of California’s Best Fish Tacos

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

With greater than eight miles of shoreline and constantly sturdy breaks, it’s lengthy been a magnet for surfers from around the globe. Nonetheless, town’s enchantment goes past the water—it additionally has a walkable downtown, an enthralling namesake pier, and plentiful waterfront bars and eating places. Days listed here 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 typically will get ignored by the crowds flocking to Los Angeles and even close by Newport Seashore.

Here is what you want to know earlier than planning a visit to Huntington Seashore, California.

Greatest Resorts & Resorts 

Paséa Lodge & Spa

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

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Seashore Resort

The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Seashore Resort places you inside easy accessibility of Surf Metropolis’s high retailers and sights, together with the well-known Huntington Seashore Pier and Primary Road, 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 full of life, social environment. The resort’s breezy widespread areas embrace an open-air patio with fireplace pits, good for gathering with buddies or enjoyable after a day on the seashore. Rooms and suites replicate an analogous coastal-cool aesthetic, and facilities—resembling a nightly wine-and-cheese social hour, weekly yoga courses, and bike leases—abound. 

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

Situated subsequent door to Paséa Lodge & Spa, this expansive resort stands out for its Spanish-inspired structure and prime oceanfront location. Once they’re not out exploring, visitors can typically 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 remedy rooms, therapeutic soaking tubs, and a serene outside courtyard. The property additionally has a number of swimming pools, lush courtyards, and a wide range of upscale lodging, many with non-public balconies or ocean views.

The Waterfront Seashore Resort

With 437 rooms and suites unfold throughout two huge towers, The Waterfront Seashore Resort is a full-service oceanfront escape harking back to the grand resorts you would possibly discover in Mexico or the Caribbean. Company 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.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

“For outside lovers, we even have the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, which provide stunning strolling trails and unbelievable bird-watching,” says Kellie Hallworth, a born-and-raised Huntington Seashore native. “I really 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 practically 1,450-acre ecological reserve is a tranquil escape from the excitement of the seashore and surrounding downtown, with well-marked trails winding previous coastal dunes, tidal flats, and marshes.

Hit the seashore.

That is the apparent 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 faculties, together with HB Surf Faculty and Banzai Surf Faculty, 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 essentially the most iconic attraction related to Huntington Seashore.” Past the eight-mile-plus palm-fringed major stretch, you’ll want to try the well-known, leash-optional Canine Seashore, 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 Worldwide Browsing Museum, recommends stopping by to take a look at displays just like the world’s largest surfboard and be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of Surf Metropolis USA. The museum shows classic boards, photographs, and memorabilia honoring previous and current browsing legends. Simply outdoors, stroll alongside the Browsing Stroll of Fame on Primary Road, the place plaques have fun icons who’ve made their mark right here.

Take a scenic boat journey.

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 houses. A number of different firms, like Huntington Harbour Yacht Membership, have comparable cruises, with choices like sundown sails, wine tastings, and vacation lights excursions within the winter.

Buy groceries.

Each MacAllister and Hallworth advocate visiting Pacific Metropolis, a full of life outside retail and eating advanced conveniently positioned 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, Primary Road is lined with impartial boutiques, surf shops, and informal cafés that seize town’s laid-back spirit.

For a completely totally different vibe, go to Previous 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, fireplace 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 “unbelievable margaritas and Mexican meals,” Hallworth heads straight to Sandbar. It is particularly buzzy come completely satisfied hour, when people flock right here for the under-$8 appetizers and half-off pictures and beers. The full of life patio and upbeat crowd make it an incredible spot to relax after a day on the seashore.

Jolie 

Jolie is one in every of 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 beneath 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 environment,” says Hallworth. With $10 cocktails throughout completely satisfied hour, cabanas and plush lounge seating, and reside DJ units, it’s the right place to relax and soak within the views—and go people-watching. 

Greatest 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 (assume poke tacos and crispy coconut shrimp), tropical cocktails (the mai tai is nicely well worth the hype), and unbeatable pier views. Because it will get crowded, particularly round sundown, arrive early to snag a main spot.

Sugar Shack Café

A Huntington Seashore establishment since 1967, the family-owned Sugar Shack Café on Primary Road is beloved for its basic diner-style menu, pleasant service, and old-school Surf Metropolis appeal. “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 buddies and locals, and catching up on the information.” The all-day breakfast—which options classics like omelets alongside California-inspired favorites resembling breakfast burritos—lures locals and vacationers alike.

Sushi on Hearth

Sushi on Hearth is MacAllister’s “go-to for nice meals,” primarily contemporary sashimi and artistic sushi rolls. Standouts embrace 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 resembling cioppino (a San Francisco–model 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 infinite 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 title suggests.

Greatest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to Huntington Seashore is from Might by way of September. Summer time marks the return of the U.S. Open of Browsing, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Present, and the Purina Professional Plan Unimaginable Canine Problem Surf Canine competitors, which usually takes place in June. Off the sand, Primary Road and Pacific Metropolis pulse with the hum of reside music and late-night crowds.

Easy methods to 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 couple of 20-minute drive away, relying on site visitors. Vacationers coming from farther afield can even 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 automotive or hop in a ride-hailing service resembling Uber to make your means 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. 

Easy methods to Get Round

Whereas a automotive is really helpful 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 just some {dollars} a journey. Uber and Lyft are extensively obtainable, however in the event you’re planning to discover past Huntington—say, a scenic drive down the PCH—renting a automotive is your greatest guess.