3 minute read
SHOP LOCAL
Next Up: SURFING THE SHOPS
Huntington Beach is a retail playground for all types of styles and budgets. From genuine California surf shops and charming neighborhood boutiques to major outdoor shopping centers, you’ll find plenty of fashion statements, vintage finds, antique keepsakes, and unique souvenirs to take home.
MAIN STREET HUNTINGTON BEACH
Since the city was o icially incorporated way back in 1909, Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway has been the hub—the historic heart of Huntington Beach and a great go-to place for local shopping. Over the years, it has evolved from functional outlets like hardware stores and radio repair shops to now must-see surf shops, local boutiques, and cutting-edge modern surf wear. Main Street has always been the place to be, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.
PACIFIC CITY
PACIFIC CITY
Just wait until you see the views while you shop and eat at this modern gem of a place. Pacific City (21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, gopacificcity.com) is a recent addition to Surf City USA and o ers a mix of local retail and entertainment centers. Bursting with cutting-edge stores and fine dining overlooking the ocean, you can easily spend an entire day here, basking in the sun and shopping to your heart’s delight. There’s also a variety of health and beauty spots to help you look and feel your best. A callback to Huntington Beach’s original name prior to 1909, Pacific City now represents a beautiful and bustling coastal experience that attracts people from all over Orange County and beyond.
BELLA TERRA
A major outdoor retail and entertainment center with a coastalcasual style, Bella Terra (7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, bella-terra-hb.com) features more than 75 retail stores and restaurants, plus a state-of-the-art, stadium-style movie theater. A staple in Huntington Beach for many years, Bella Terra only recently evolved into the beautiful complex that it is today. Whether you are looking for unique gift shops, surf and sports apparel, or something for the great outdoors, you’ll find it here.
5 POINTS PLAZA
A favorite since 1961, 5 Points Plaza (18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 5pointsplaza.com) is old school HB with a classic mix of retail and dining—40 establishments in all. Shop at this insider’s locale, featuring both independently owned stores along with bigname shops and restaurants. Generations have been coming to the oldest and most trusted shopping center for decades, and it’s a great way to experience local flavor too.
SUNSET BEACH
Sunset Beach is still one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California. It’s o icially part of Huntington Beach now, and it’s a wonderful place to wander and soak up some vintage beach vibes. Positioned along Pacific Coast Highway south of Seal Beach, you’ll find antique stores with nautical themes, great local establishments that have been popular for decades, and interesting shops that reflect the neighborhood’s folksy, small-town personality. Make some time, at least half a day, to explore this wonderful little stretch of classic California.
NEARBY LUXURY
Venture down Pacific Coast Highway—10 miles south from Huntington Beach—to Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, fashionisland.com), one of the largest openair centers in the U.S. Boasting nearly 200 exquisite stores and restaurants and perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, the views are as amazing as the shopping.
Head inland—10 miles east—to South Coast Plaza (3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, southcoastplaza.com), the largest shopping center on the West Coast and celebrating its 55th anniversary. Most of its 275 retailers—from charming boutiques to major department stores—specialize in luxury o ers such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Buccellati, and Audemars Piguet. (You never know what celebrity you might see here!)
