Huntington Beach, California: Surf, Shop and Dine in Paradise

There is something about the beach culture that has a certain vibe. I couldn’t wait to “get” it. To make the most of my time here, I rented an authentic Woodie, the quintessential surf car, and cruised along the Pacific Coast Highway. With the windows down and my hair blowing in the breeze, I enjoyed incredible views of the ocean and the wide, uninterrupted beach.

Central to Huntington Beach is the pier. Easily accessed from the main part of town, it is a focal point in the area. I found the pier a great place to people-watch. There is always something going on here, whether it’s local surfers enjoying the waves, families playing in the sand, beach volleyball, or watching a beautiful sunset, the pier is the place to see and be seen!

A perfect way to end a beach day is to have a bonfire on the beach. Lucky for me, Huntington Beach has this to offer. There are over 500 concrete fire rings, so grab some friends, old and new, and enjoy making s’mores. You can bring your own fixin’s or one of the beach concessionaires can provide the service for you. What a fabulous way to end the day.

A trip to any destination must include some shopping and dining. I found Pacific City, located on the Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Huntington Beach, to have everything I wanted, with the added bonus of an ocean view!

I was impressed by the design features keeping with the “look” Huntington Beach projects – cool, hip, laid-back luxury. You won’t find much in the way of major retailers; the focus is on unique boutiques, markets and fabulous restaurants. I really liked the abundance of outdoor seating to create a relaxed atmosphere. There is even a huge screen showing scenes of the area that will feature movies in the future.

Finding the place to eat here was my difficulty because there are so many choices! Whatever you are craving, Pacific City will have something for your palate. I particularly enjoyed BBQ at Old Crow Smokehouse. Wow! The sampler plate was delicious and it all came with a gorgeous view of the ocean.

Once my appetite was taken care of, I enjoyed browsing the boutiques and markets. I think my favourite store would have to be the Top Dog Barkery. Huntington Beach is pet-friendly and this store caters to your pooch.

Surf City USA is not all about the beach, but the beach is a big part of the culture here. There are activities for everyone young and old to enjoy. I can’t wait to come back with my family.