Experience Surf City USA in Huntington Beach

(Images by Ruksana Hussain)

Get your chocolate fix at Bella Sophia Chocolates.

A beach lover’s paradise with 10 miles of open coastline, 100 years of surf history, endless summer weather and inviting blue waves, Huntington Beach is a city with endless possibilities for visitors to enjoy and indulge in the beauty of the area. From sunset bonfires and kayaking with family to hiking and sea fishing, your time with nature is unlimited. If you are traveling into the city, then remember that three major airports are just within a 45-minute drive!

STAY

Many well-known hotel brands call HB home but the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa brings its own charm. The hotel occupies pride of place with direct views of the water. You also get direct access to the beach thanks to a walkover bridge that can be accessed any time of night or day. Aside from fantastic restaurants on-site, this Spanish-style property

Learn all about the local surf history.

also has a lovely pool area (which gets busy very quickly so remember to snatch that coveted spot early in the day), fabulous spa (highly recommend keeping aside a day to enjoy the serenity inside), and cozy nooks for reading or enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Watertable, the restaurant here, is a sophisticated venue, both in terms of design and cuisine, and presents award-winning fare.

PLAY

HB has a walkable downtown with sidewalks and bike paths along Pacific Coast Highway so a leisurely stroll or bike ride to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and everything in between is recommended. The city also has an all-electric and free transit service called the Circuit that services the downtown area, including hotels, and you can request a ride using the mobile app. Head over to Pacific City right on the highway for an oceanfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Drop by Bella Sophia Chocolates at Pacific

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach and Resort provides the perfect beach getaway for all.

City for a chocolate tasting that will make you never want to leave. The couple owning the business have gorgeous chocolate creations all handmade by them at their local chocolaterie and beautifully displayed at their venue within the mall. They tend to run out of their stunning creations fairly quickly especially during special holidays so remember to get your orders in early. The HB Art Center and Surfing Museum are both great spots to visit when in the city. Several self-guided walking tour options are available to immerse yourself in the area’s history.

DINE

For brekkie, head straight to Sweet Elle Café where the indoor/outdoor seating provides a casual and comfortable space to enjoy tacos, sandwiches, and pies. Or stop by AOSA coffee for some acai bowls and accompanying beverages. Lunch at Beale’s Texas BBQ located at Peter’s Landing on Sunset Beach, which opened during the pandemic and serves ribs, tips, brisket, and everything BBQ you can think of, or stay by the beach and step into Duke’s Huntington Beach, which pays homage to the father of international surfing and his reputation for

Delectable delights at Watertable restaurant.

hospitality. Recommended off the menu here are the poke tacos, hula pies and a signature mai tai. Dine in Bluegold located inside Pacific City and presenting lovely views of the ocean. The menu includes its famed milk rolls, deluxe shellfish tower, cioppino and caldo, paella and pizzas, and many more menu options any time of year. And when you’d like to spend more time in nature then the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a great spot for a walk, run or jog, where you can sight many local bird and plant species and enjoy the fresh morning air. Set aside a good half day or more to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area’s natural public lands and enjoy the many diverse habitats you will find along the path here.

Read more on www.travelerandtourist.com Nature Edition Mar-Apr 2022