Getaway Guide: Huntington Beach

What do you envision when you think of classic California? Wide-open beaches? Streets lined with palm trees? Surfers, bikers, and rollerbladers mingling about? How about picture-perfect sunsets by the shore? Well, if you want to give this idyllic place a name, you might as well call it Huntington Beach. A quaint coastal enclave along Southern California’s coast, the City of Huntington Beach is the ideal two-day getaway to enjoy a close-to-home vacation. Give this slice of paradise a go this weekend and enjoy quintessential California like you’ve never before. We’ve got the perfect Huntington Beach itinerary planned for you. 

Day 1

Arriving

A mere 40-minute drive from Los Angeles gets you to the beautiful City of Huntington Beach that’s known for luxurious coastal resorts, mild climates, beautiful beaches, and excellent surfing. The first step to reveling in all that is checking into a Huntington Beach hotel.

The surf-inspired Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is a popular boutique resort among visitors, and so are the high-end Hyatt Regency Huntington Resort and Spa and the oceanfront oasis of Pasea Hotel and Spa. All three Huntington Beach hotels are steps away from the beach and offer world-class amenities that’ll elevate your vacation experience. Check in, leave your belongings, and take a walk along the edge of the waters—you’re in for a weekend’s worth of fun things to do in Huntington Beach.

Afternoon

After getting all settled in, it’s time to get out and see what the fuss is all about regarding the food in Huntington Beach. Hint: it’s worth the hype. With a lively mix of locally and internationally inspired flavors, Surf City’s foodie scene is a treat to explore.

Downtown Huntington Beach, which includes well-known areas like Main Street, Bella Terra, and The Strand is a gastronomical wonderland offering both casual and upscale dining spots. Bear Flag Fish Co. serves great fresh-caught seafood, Wet Dog Tavern makes mean burgers, and Tanner’s is a wonderful rooftop spot for a lunch with a view.

After your delicious feast, take advantage of Huntington Beach’s bikeability. With the sun shining over your head, the sound of the waves crashing in the distance, and pedals under your feet, you can go just about anywhere in Huntington Beach. The PCH, Huntington Beach Pier, The Strand, you name it; you can probably cycle there.

Evening

Huntington Beach is known for sunsets and beaches for bonfires; why not combine both for a magical end to your day? There are over 500 fire rings at Huntington’s beaches, around 100 of which are right at Huntington City Beach. Simply grab firewood, blankets, invite good company, and you’ll be sure to have a good time. 

If you’re staying at the Hyatt, take advantage of their bonfire package, which includes everything you need, from a personal fire pit to s’mores and hot chocolate. We can’t imagine a better way to wrap the day up than watching the sun go down with your favorite people around a Huntington Beach bonfire—can you? 

Day 2

Morning 

Get an early start to your day in Huntington Beach by waking up around sunrise and getting active. Whatever your choice of exercise is, you’ll find the best amenities to accommodate you in Huntington Beach. Hiking, swimming, biking, skateboarding, sailing, and riding the waves are all options you can explore. Looking to try something new? There are over 20 Airbnb experiences offered in the area, from beginner surf lessons with a local pro to even a scavenger hunt around town—the array of fun things to do in Huntington Beach is unlike any other.

Afternoon

By the time the sun is up and shining and you’re done with your active morning, you’re probably super hungry and ready to head into town. Your first stop should be at Huntington Beach’s Pacific City, the newest retail and entertainment center in town. Grab a seat at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean and enjoy a delicious meal before you move on to the next activity.

If you’ve been too caught up in your daily grind to practice self-care, now’s the perfect chance to pamper yourself. While treating yourself can mean something as simple as meditating by the beach, book yourself a session at Huntington Beach’s top spas to take it to the next level. The Aarna Spa at the Pasea Hotel is an amazing option. This 5,800-square-foot Balinese-inspired spa sets a new standard for relaxation and will leave you feeling refreshed to a new degree. Another awesome option is Drift a Waterfront Spa, one of the newest hotel spas in Huntington Beach and a wonderful place to unwind before another active evening.

Evening

Are you serious about your shopping adventures in Huntington Beach? Make use of your free time to explore at your own pace. Here’s the proper rundown. For the perfect trinket or souvenir to take home with you, a stroll along Main Street and the Huntington Beach Pier is a must. If you’re excited about surf shops and a good blend of trendy and vintage boutiques, consider snooping around Huntington Beach’s Pacific City and The Strand. And lastly, if you want to shop where the locals go, check out 5 Points Plaza. 

All of these retail hubs have their own unique blend of shops and offer a distinct vibe you can’t dismiss. Besides awesome shopping, each neighborhood in the city offers plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy such as hiking, bowling, going to a theater, and more.

After a day of working out, exploring, tasting, shopping, and rejuvenating, you’re probably more excited to see your Huntington Beach hotel bed than you’ve ever been before. The bad news is that your weekend getaway is almost over. But on the flip side, Huntington Beach is close enough to warrant another getaway the minute your heart wishes. So, as cliche, as it sounds, your goodbye to Huntington Beach is more of a “See you soon.”