MAKE A SPLASH

STEPHANIE HELGUERA

There are so many ways to enjoy the calm waters of Huntington Harbour and surrounding Sunset Beach. Charter a private boat for a fishing excursion, cruise along in a Du y boat, venture out with a friend by kayak, or give stand-up paddleboarding a go—the open water awaits you!

DUFFY BOATS

First, let us explain why they call it a Du y boat. Invented by a curious teenager living in Newport Beach, Marshall “Du y” Du ield combined a golf cart battery with a day boat to create the quiet cruiser. Today, the electric rentals can be seen all over Huntington Beach, and they are the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening with a large group of friends and loved ones.

Check out Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals (16732 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 562.592.7877), the go-to place for renting electric Du y boats that can accommodate up to 12 passengers for two hours at a time.

BOATING & FISHING CHARTERS

Family-owned and operated Prince Charters (3821 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, princechartersllc.com) o ers private charters on classic wooden boats and luxury yachts. Captain Doug helms the ship here—he’s been boating for over 40 years and is also a captain in the U.S. Coast Guard. His grandfather Dr. Gilbert Prince, an ordained minister, first launched the business in 1965, and Captain Doug carries on his family’s legacy.

Wagner Charters (3821 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, wagnercharters.com) is a family-run business by Captain Bob and his son/first mate Robert, o ering fishing and boat charters to Catalina. Captain Bob has had quite the accomplished life–he’s a veteran of the U.S. Air Force with a master’s credential from the U.S. Coast Guard, and he loves sharing his 40 years of experience fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Their boat is a 27-foot Edgewater Express with a head, microwave, and bunk below deck (should you become weary from catching fish and need a nap)!

PADDLEBOARDING AND KAYAKS

Feeling more adventurous? Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are other popular ways to navigate Huntington Harbour. Go at your own pace while enjoying picturesque views of stunning OC homes and lavish yachts. Here are the best places to rent your preferred mode of water transportation:

OC Paddlesports (16862 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 714.654.2142) is a family-owned business, located right on the water with all new equipment ready to send you on your way. Single, double, and even triple kayas are available, as well as paddleboards if you prefer standing up. Insider tip: bring a picnic and paddle to nearby Seabridge or Trinidad Parks.

OEX Sunset Beach (16910 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 562.592.0800, OEXsunsetbeach.com) o ers first-timers at kayaking or paddleboarding a demo to show you how it’s done. They even allow you to bring your dog for the ride!

Sunset Rentals (16860 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 562.592.5537) is a convenient place to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, as you can leave straight from the shop into the blissful harbor waters.

DESI ARAGON

PETER’S LANDING

After or before your water adventure, head to Peter's Landing (16400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, peterslandinghb. com), a redeveloped community center overlooking Huntington Harbour with waterfront dining and shopping experiences and within walking distance to the famous Anderson Street surf break. Have a meal at Golden Road Brewing (goldenroad.la) in the large communal space, then test your skills at corn hole and bocce ball. Or dine at Pelican Isle (pelicanislehb.com), an informal surf and turf restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The reinvigorated center’s new storefronts, walking paths, marina railings, and landscaping will provide a whole new feel for visitors.