With its idyllic stretches of pristine white-sand beaches, unique boutique shops, and sublime eats, Huntington Beach is a town that has certainly come into its own in recent decades.
The city has evolved from a sleepy beach town into a final destination — rather than a stopover between the major metropolises of Los Angeles and San Diego — all while retaining its sweet, laid-back charm.
Just like in California, Kimpton welcomes all of the animals. (Photo Credit: @travelpockets)
Kick off your shoes, take a stroll, and see what unfolds in this not-so-sleepy beach town in Southern California.
Outdoor Oasis
No matter the season in Huntington Beach, you can find inspiration in the world-class surfers dominating the swells, fly a kite, drop a fishing line off Huntington Pier, or take a cruiser for a spin on the paved beach path that runs parallel to the ocean.
Welcome to Huntington Beach, California. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresort)
No matter the season, you will fall in love with this idyllic seaside town. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresort)
Or, if feeling a bit more adventurous, try these one-of-a-kind experiences:
- Roast sausages — followed by marshmallows, of course — at your very own bonfire in one of the hundreds of fire rings along Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach.
- Walk the trails and spot migrating birds in the 1,400-acre Bolsa Chica Conservancy, one of the largest saltwater marshes of California, or wander the eight different habitats featuring lush native plants at Shipley Nature Center.
- Take an intimate tour of Huntington Harbour by gondola — Gondola Adventures offers a variety of cruises, including an antipasto cruise, a pizza cruise (you read that right), and even a winter lights cruise that showcases all of the festive holiday lights shining along the coast.
- For a serious beach party complete with jaw-dropping feats, visit during the largest surfing competition in the world, the week-long US Open of Surfing Championship, which takes place in late July or early August. Visiting earlier in the year? Check out the quirkier Kite Party in March.
No matter the activity, you can rest easy at Kimpton Shorebreak Resort Huntington Beach.
Shop, Stroll, and Sample
Looking for a slightly calmer, quieter beach getaway? We get it — that is why people tend to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves rather than the screeching of sirens, after all.
Can’t pull yourself away? We get it. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresort)
The view from Pacific Hideaway, cocktail in hand. Yes, please. (Photo Credit: @lyssscatherine)
If looking to keep it low-key, try out these activities:
- On Fridays and some weekends, hunt for original artwork and unique handcrafts at the pop-up booths of Pier Plaza Art Afaire. The adjacent Friday Farmer’s Market offers further delights against an unbeatable ocean backdrop.
- For a midweek farmer’s market, funky street fair, and food vendor mecca in one, check out Surf City Nights, which closes Main Street for pedestrian revelry every Tuesday night from 5-9 p.m.
- Browse away (or people watch) at the lively surf and souvenir shops on Main Street and its calmer counterpart, Fifth Street, then take a short walk to the oceanfront Pacific City, a hub of trendy boutiques and alluring foodie bites.
Looking for an even quieter — yet delicious — foodie getaway? Swing by Pacific Hideaway for the best coastal cuisine and craft cocktails.
Friendly Fare Downtown
You would be missing out if you didn’t try to sample all of the best local Southern California cuisine that you could get your hands on when visiting Huntington Beach.
Grab a local beer and Southern California cuisine at Pacific Hideaway. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresort)
Not into beer? No problem. Boozy, custom cocktails abound. (Photo Credit: @jill.akemi)
Southern California cuisine at its finest. (Photo Credit: @jill.akemi)
Here are our favorite spots:
- To experience a classic Huntington Beach surfer eatery, join the hordes of famished surfers breakfasting at the family-run Sugar Shack Cafe.
- For lunch, build your own fresh poke bowl at North Shore Poke, or let Sessions West Coast Deli fashion a mouthwatering sandwich from locally sourced ingredients.
- To dine alongside ocean views in the heart of Huntington Beach, head for Hawaiian surf-themed Duke’s or Sandy’s, which offers beach-inspired beers on tap and tried-and-true California dishes.
- For a more polished take on coastal favorites, head to Pacific Hideaway, a modern American beach tavern whose dishes are inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America — a spot where you can pair delectable dishes with equally vibrant cocktails and local craft beers. Yes, please.
Where to stay: Kimpton Shorebreak Resort Huntington Beach
