10 Ways a Trip To Huntington Beach, CA Will Surprise You
Sun, surf, and sand. Beach vibes and a laid-back lifestyle. If you want to put a pin in a city that best represents iconic California, all signs point to Huntington Beach — which rightfully touts itself as Surf City USA.
Yes, you’ll find killer waves and sun-kissed beaches here, along with all of the luxuries Orange County has to offer, only without pretense or attitude (forget what you see on Real Housewives of OC — Huntington Beach folks are the real deal). But that’s just the start. Pack your bathing suits and board shorts, but don’t forget a pair of hiking shoes and a growler — you know, just in case you run into some surprises along the way.
1. Your dog might love it here more than you.
Photo: Melanie Horn for
If all dogs go to heaven, they’re probably going to
The adjacent Huntington Dog Beach Trail clocks in at a round-trip distance of 1.6 miles for those who prefer to keep things moving. For the record, a city ordinance requires dogs to be leashed, and this is the only place where you won’t get a fine (barring some catastrophe, of course). Though, in general, it’s smart to assess how your furry mate responds to the surf, sand, and other dogs before going off-leash.
Bonus: You may run into So Cal Corgi Nation Beach Days or a doggie wedding.
2. The best days start with some sugar.
If there’s one local’s tip you get from reading this piece, it should be to start your day at
Here, breakfast is served all day and with good reason: It’s their specialty. This family-owned joint does all of the AM delicacies one could possibly want, from breakfast burritos (try the Main Street, a tortilla-wrapped combo of eggs, cheese, avocado, mushrooms, onions, and sprouts) to French toast (go for the Peggi’s Variety made with raisin bread). Heck, don’t decide — get both.
Lunch options are available and quite tasty, too, but do yourself a favor and go big with breakfast. Outside on the patio, of course. Sea breeze on the house.
3. There’s simplicity in sightseeing.
Touristy as it may sound, you can’t visit this SoCal spot without a stop at the
For starters, the pace feels slower and simpler walking along the 1,850-foot concrete landing. Grab a shake at
Pro tip: Friday afternoons see an
4. Kids are encouraged to get a little muddy.
Got kids? Then pack an extra set of clothes for the day.
There’s a mudslide prime for skidding, a small pond for rafting, and plenty of raw materials — like plywood — to build one’s very own fort (and to build some skills). You’re going to have to curb your own desire to give it a try. (Note: Despite the fact that Huntington Beach generally experiences temperate weather all year, this particular playground is only open during the summer months, but well worth a stop if you’re here in season.)
5. Yes, you can eat cheesecake at a spa.
Photo:
Because nothing says zen like eating dessert through the hole in a massage table. Fine, fine, fiiine — that’s a joke…but only barely.
And you thought the traditional spa fruit bowl was a treat — drop that banana and go for the good stuff.
6. We’ve immortalized our culture.
Dude. Even if you’re not one to take to the waves yourself, visit the
While here, also check out the museum’s new Surf 2 Skate exhibit. It showcases local SoCal legends and vintage boards of both the surf and skate variety.
7. It’s not all about making waves…
Photo: Visit Huntington Beach
Surf City, sure, but if waves aren’t totally your thing, take advantage of the calmer waters in
You’ll work your core, test your balance, and get a photo-worthy view of both the boats sharing the waterway and those beautiful beach houses. It might not be as zen as spa cheesecake, but it’s certainly close.
Pro tip: If you refuse to settle for anything less than cheesecake-level zen, check out one of Prince Charters’
8. …and we do inland, too.
Photo: Visit Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach proper provides some truly gorgeous scenery, but dig deeper at the
You can either treat a visit to the reserve as an educational experience (find the Bolsa Chica Conservancy by the north lot) or as a moderate hike on the network of trails that loop over four miles. If you’re a bird lover, keep your phone or camera at the ready to snap some pictures of the many feathery creatures that live within the reserve.
9. The beer’s as good as the vino.
Photo:
For a state largely known for its wine, California also brings it in terms of the fine art of craft beer.
Another to watch out for is
10. Everything tastes better on the ocean.
Photo: Visit Huntington Beach
Imagine being on an island, okay? Good? Good. Now imagine someone walks up to you — as you’re watching the ocean advance and retreat on the sand — and asks what you’d like for lunch. You can have anything. Anything. And would you like to pair it with a cold pint, a cold-pressed coffee, or a cold glass of champagne? Sure, all three. Resume your beach views.
That’s pretty much what it’s like at
For drinks, head to
And then
