Treehouse Lounge atop Paséa Hotel & Spa, PHOTO COURTESY OF PASÉA HOTEL & SPA
With 10 miles of open sandy beaches, an iconic pier and worldly cuisine, Hungtington Beach is a paradise for surfers, families and couples alike. Here are the latest dining hot spots to try plus tried-and-true hotels and drinking destinations.
Where To Eat
221 Main St., sandbar.net
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group’s surf-inspired favorite from Santa Barbara has found a second home in Huntington Beach—just blocks from the coast. Travel to the shores of Mexico with classic dishes that have a modern SoCal twist, such as ribeye steak tacos and fresh ceviche. The breezy openair space blends a tropical aesthetic with ’70s surf culture, decorated with colorful surfboards, vintage prints and local art. Sandbar also boasts an intimate tequila lounge that offers a range of international tequilas and mezcals as well as handcrafted Mexican cocktails.
21022 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., nardoitalian.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: With 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gianni Chiloiro—founder of Doppio Zero, the acclaimed Bay Area restaurant group and pizzerias—has brought a new Southern Italian hot spot to Pacific City. The authentic eatery pays homage to the Chiloiro family’s hometown of Taranto, Italy, with handpainted murals of banana leaves and delicate floral arrangements. Freshly made gnocchi and ravioli are a must-try, along with specialty pizzas wood-fired in an oven imported from Italy.
21100 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., waterfrontresort.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Roasted strawberry ricotta toast and honey grilled chicken salad with fresh peaches are just two of the tasty dishes featured on the new Sunday brunch menu at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine. The relaxed yet elevated restaurant at The Waterfront Beach Resort makes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients the star of creative coastal cuisine inspired by French traditions—and frequently updates its menus throughout the year. For brunch, chef Lewis Butler also puts his unique spin on the classics, like Japanese-inspired karaage chicken and sweet potato waffles topped with rich, maple garlic syrup. Come hungry!
500 Pacific Coast Hwy., pacifichideawayhb.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: This beach-side restaurant is the perfect dinner spot after a day out on the waves. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy an oceanside breakfast or sunset views at dinner, Pacific Hideaway’s Asian-Latin fusion has something for everyone.
7821 Edinger Avenue, eatpuesto.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Spice up your Taco Tuesday with deliciously fancy tacos. While the menu changes daily, customer favorites include the filet mignon taco, passionfruit and mango shrimp ceviche, and a tres leches de cafe cake for dessert.
21601 Pacific Coast Hwy. #B, saharasandbar.com
Why it's Essential To The Neighborhood: The perfect grab-and-go pizzeria sits just a few miles south of the iconic Huntington Beach pier. But it’s not your typical fast food pizza: The dough recipe is made to rise by the salty ocean air and the ingredients used are locally sourced.
Where To Stay
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hyatt.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: For a peaceful getaway, book a spacious room or a deluxe suite with a furnished patio complete with private fire pit. The Hyatt Regency’s newly renovated cabanas by the pool make for a relaxing day in the sun, and for a more adventurous outing, journey out into the ocean on a thrilling whale watching tour. In addition to the luxurious Pacific Waters Spa, the resort is home to five SoCal-inspired restaurants. Dine at Watertable for elegant coastal cuisine or choose Pete’s Sunset Grille for a casual, surf-inspired meal by the beach.
paseahotel.com
Why It's Essential To The Neighborhood: Wake up to dreamy views of the Pacific Ocean and the Huntington Beach Pier when you stay in one of 250 rooms and suites at this seaside oasis. Tanner’s Restaurant has you covered for contemporary coastal cuisine. For a wellness weekend, exercise at the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a private yoga lesson before an indulgent massage at the renowned Aarna Spa. Feel free to bring your furry friend—who can partake in the Paw-Séa experience and socialize in an exclusive dog park or nibble on puppy parfaits from Tanner’s.
waterfrontresort.com
Why It's Essential To The Neighborhood: This picturesque beachfront property is a luxurious home base for exploring Huntington Beach’s landmarks, from the scenic pier to the International Surfing Museum. Relax with the resort’s two pools, waterslides, private cabanas and serene day spa. Stop into The Boardwalk for day-to-night dining, or visit Henry’s Coastal Cuisine for a sophisticated oceanfront dining experience. At the end of the day, return to a contemporary ocean-view room or suite in one of the The Waterfront’s two sleek towers. Guests can also shop at the new Current by Drift boutique, which sells everything from fuzzy Barefoot Dreams robes to L Space swimwear.
500 Pacific Coast Hwy., shorebreakhotel.com
Why It’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Nestled right between Huntington Beach and Main Street is every surfer’s dream resort. Be the first on the waves during the early mornings and first to Huntington's buzzing nightlife on Main Street. New to surfing? The resort offers lessons that will help you catch your first wave!
Where To Relax
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21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., paseahotel.com/
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Offering a wide array of treatments, from sea stone massages to a Revitalizing Salt Scrub Nourishing Body Treatment, Aarna offers a relaxaing and glamour experience. Guests can also enjoy the private outdoor Spa Garden with fire pits and cabanas after their treatments for the perfect end to a relaxing afternoon.
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., waterfrontresort.com/spa
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Enjoy a day of body treatments, massages and facials for the ultimate self-care Sunday experience. This oceanside sanctuary promises an unforgettable day of relaxation, whether it’s after a busy work week or simply as a treat.
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., hyatt.com/en-US/
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Located at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, this retreat enables you to spend a day soaking in lavish baths infused with ginger, sage and CBD. The spa also offers a holistic sea treatment and body rituals for total body and mind relaxation.
Where To Shop
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7777 Edinger Ave., bellaterra-hb.
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Whether you're up for a shopping spree with friends or a romantic date night with your partner, this outdoor mall has something for everyone to enjoy. It makes for the perfect afternoon stroll with quaint boutiques, exquisite dining experiences and garden paseos.
21010 E Pacific Coast Hwy., gopacificcity.
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Located right next to Huntington Beach, Pacific City is the perfect getaway from sand and sun. Hosting a variety of stores and businesses, from Drybar to Brandy Melville, Pacific City has something for everyone's taste.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
thebungalow.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: The second outpost of Brent Bolthouse’s beachy Santa Monica hot spot, The Bungalow Huntington Beach is a laid-back lounge and patio situated above the oceanfront Pacific City. Sample refreshing beverages like Tan Lines, a jalapeño tequila concoction with fresh watermelon, or the pineapple-infused Summer of Love. Unique to this location is a menu of light bites from culinary partner Bear Flag Fish Co. Snack on Hawaiian-style tuna poke or fried fish tacos to complete an idyllic beach day.
paseahotel.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Perched atop Paséa Hotel & Spa, this chic rooftop lounge with panoramic ocean views is the perfect spot to unwind with a delicious drink. Pair appetizers such as spicy shishito peppers or crispy Brussels sprouts with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail, like the Cucumber Delight or Cadillac Margarita. From Thursday to Sunday, you’ll enjoy live sets from top local DJs while you sip.
21100 E Pacific Coast Hwy., waterfrontresort.com/dining/
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Experience O.C.’s highest coastal rooftop bar at the Twin Dolphin Tower for unbeatable sunset views. Signature drinks include the Devil Went Down to Mexico, a handcrafted cocktail made with spicy silver tequila and Casamigos mezcal pama liqueur.
Where To Hit The Town
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17851 E Pacific Coast Hwy., sealegsatthebeach.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Bolsa Chica State Beach draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to its location south of Sunset Beach in Orange County. SeaLegs at the Beach offers cabanas and fire pit experiences, and live entertainment.
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Measuring 1,850 feet, the Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. The hub of Surf City, here you can stroll the wooden path and observe volleyball players, watch a surf competition, try fishing or fly a kite. Live music and delicious food options are also a draw.
Cultural Experiences
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411 Olive Ave., huntingtonbeachsurfingmuseum.org
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: A local history gem is located right by the Huntington Beach Pier. Discover California's surfing history, learn interesting tidbits about the sport and view some of the historic surfboards in the museum collection, all a few steps away from the most famous surf spot of all time.
101 Main St., surfingwalkoffame.
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Take a stroll along some of the most famous surfers of all time, right by one of the most historic surf beaches in the world. The walk of fame showcases iconic pioneers in the surfing community from around the world and lets passersby learn about their history and fame.
538 Main St., huntingtonbeachartcenter.org
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: View local, regional and national artists as they showcase their cultural and contemporary perspectives. Special exhibitions include Emerged, a juried photography exhibition where artists show their personal experiences with the pandemic and the new world.
Hidden Gem
100 Goldenwest St., dogbeach.org
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: No need to leave your pup at home when planning a beach day! Your dog can run around, splash in the water and meet new friends. As the only dog-friendly beach in Huntington, here you can always find locals out on a stroll with their pets from dusk till dawn.
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