Huntington Beach proudly calls itself “Surf City USA,” and after spending 48 hours soaking up its sunshine and coastal energy, it’s easy to see why surfing got its mainland start here. Surf culture here isn’t just a pastime — it’s a way of life.

The rhythm of Huntington Beach moves with the tides. Early morning runners trace the shoreline, surfers paddle out before sunrise, and cyclists glide along the Strand beside Pacific Coast Highway. The vibe is relaxed but undeniably active.

In our short stay, we embraced it fully. We walked along the oceanfront Strand, took a two-hour e-bike ride down the coast to Newport Beach and back, practiced Yoga on the Beach one morning, and Tucker logged a long run along the beach both mornings we were there. With near-perfect weather and miles of coastline, Huntington Beach practically invites you outdoors.

Getting There

For travelers coming from Texas, the easiest gateway is John Wayne Airport in nearby Santa Ana.

Even if your itinerary requires a connection, this smaller airport is refreshingly easy to navigate compared to larger Southern California hubs (LAX, looking at you). Best of all, it’s just a short drive to Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and the rest of Orange County’s coastal towns.

Surf History Runs Deep

Surfing has been central to Huntington Beach’s identity for generations. The city will celebrate 50 years of professional surfing in 2026, a milestone for the sport that has long called this coastline home.

The legendary Duke Kahanamoku, widely known as the Godfather of Surfing, helped popularize the sport globally — and his legacy remains woven into the town’s culture.

Video by Marika Flatt

Just a block off the beach, the International Surfing Museum tells that story beautifully. The building itself has an unexpected past — it once housed a punk club called Safari Sam’s, where bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction played early shows.

Inside, you’ll find hand-shaped surfboards, including one over a century old discovered in a garage in Compton. A future exhibit will celebrate five decades of the World Surf League.

And you can see the actual “world’s largest” surfboard hanging outside on which Huntington Beach once set a world record with 66 surfers riding at once.

Outdoor Energy Everywhere

More than 500 public fire pits line the sand, perfect for sunset gatherings and bonfires once the day’s adventures wind down.

Local events like the Surf City Marathon, which even serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, attract runners from around the world.

For our own coastal adventure, we rented electric bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals and cruised the coastline to Newport Beach and back — a perfect two-hour ride with ocean views nearly the entire way.

Where to Eat in Huntington Beach

Duke’s Beach Bar

Video by Marika Flatt

Named after surf legend Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s Huntington Beach sits right by the pier with one of the best oceanfront views in town.

Our visit featured standout dishes including macadamia nut hummus, a hearty Beach Boy breakfast burrito, and beautifully prepared fresh fish. Pair it with the Highway to Pale beer from Flashpoint Brewing Company, and you’ve got the perfect seaside meal.

LSXO

Tucked away in Pacific City, LSXO (which stands for little sister xo(xo) feels like a culinary speakeasy. The intimate Japanese-inspired restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide and serves creative shareable dishes in a cozy setting that feels both exclusive and relaxed.

Broad Street Oyster Company

At the end of the Huntington Beach Pier sits Broad Street Oyster Company, where the view alone is worth the stop.

Naturally, seafood rules here — lobster rolls, fresh salads topped with seafood, and classic fish and chips all taste even better when you’re dining above the waves.

Jolie

Video by Marika Flatt

My favorite dining experience in Huntington Beach was dinner at Jolie, a stylish second-floor restaurant overlooking the pier.

We grabbed a table on the outdoor patio just in time for sunset. With a glass of wine and a craft beer in hand, we started with a creamy spinach-artichoke dip before moving on to shrimp linguine and pistachio encrusted halibut. Watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange over the Pacific made it one of those perfect travel moments.

Coffee Stops Worth Knowing

1 Oz Coffee sits just half a block from the beach and serves excellent cappuccinos and lattes. Their breakfast sandwiches — served on waffles instead of traditional bread — are reason enough to stop in.

At Pacific City, the cleverly named IYKYK Coffee (short for If You Know, You Know) offers some of the most creative coffee drinks in town. The shop is famous for bagels filled with piped cream cheese — including a memorable pepperoni pizza bagel with tomato cream cheese and bits of pepperoni inside.

Heads in Beds

Our home base was the beautiful Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, which sits directly across from the beach and within easy walking distance of the pier and restaurants.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the views overlooking the Pacific are hard to beat.

Inside the resort, Pacific Waters Spa was pure bliss. One of the most unique treatments is LumaNova red light therapy, a 10- or 15-minute session ($60) designed to target wellness benefits like inflammation reduction, fat burn, or anti-aging — without UV exposure.

Another standout treatment was the Biologique lymphatic massage, a specialized therapy focused on draining lymph nodes and improving circulation throughout the body (50 min/$300).

But my personal favorite part of the spa was the outdoor grotto, featuring three hot tubs surrounded by lush landscaping. Inside amenities include a steam room, sauna, hot tub and a relaxation lounge.

Dinner at the resort’s Watertable was equally memorable. Our server Bulent guided us through a meal that included grilled salmon, Chilean sea bass, delicious sides, and fantastic bread service. And the “6 Degrees of Chocolate” is absolutely worth saving room for. Score a table on the outdoor patio, where you can still hear the live music coming from inside.

A Quick Side Trip to Costa Mesa

Just a few minutes inland, Costa Mesa reminded me of a smaller Dallas — urban, creative, and full of arts and culture.

At Mercado Gonzalez, a vibrant marketplace created by the family behind Northgate Market, visitors experience authentic Mexican culture through food, music, and cooking classes. You can watch fresh tortillas being made from ground corn, enjoy a tamale stand, sip a frozen margarita while shopping, and listen to live music most evenings.

Coffee lovers should visit Moongoat Coffee, a café designed like a greenhouse filled with plants and natural light. Grab a biscuit breakfast sandwich or bagel sandwich and a specialty coffee drink— you’ll see plenty of locals working on laptops or playing ping-pong on the back patio.

Video by Marika Flatt

For another breakfast option, Outpost Kitchen serves delicious avocado toast and hearty breakfast burritos on a sunny patio — the perfect start to a day exploring the area.

Video by Marika Flatt

We stayed at the stylish Westin South Coast Plaza, where the unique Move Well Suite on the 15th floor functions as a fully equipped gym, adjoining both a king room and a double queen room. With free weights, yoga equipment, a Peloton bike, and a Lululemon Mirror, it’s a fitness lover’s dream– uber convenient.

Dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse was another highlight. With mood lighting, live music, and an impressive wine list (from approachable bottles to splurge-worthy selections), it’s an elegant night out. The Chilean sea bass, broccolini, and mushroom-truffle gnocchi were outstanding. Our fantastic waiter, Kevin, made the experience memorable!

Why Orange County

Long range planning? HB and Costa are great options for the LA Summer Olympics in 2028. Texans instinctively understand Huntington Beach’s welcoming vibe and outdoor lifestyle, which is why Surf City USA continues to capture hearts — one wave at a time. If you want to see more, catch highlights on our recent Studio 512 segment.

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 Cover Photo Courtesy Visit HB

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.