Rooftop Sips, Here’s How to Soak Up All the Energy and Culture of Huntington Beach, California
Surf’s up, toes in the sand and a whole day of adventure ahead: that’s the vibe when you set out to find your stoke in Huntington Beach. This sun-drenched stretch of Orange County isn’t just about chasing waves, though you’ll definitely want to catch a few. It’s about everything in between: the spontaneous moments, salty air cravings and easygoing energy that make Surf City USA more than just a beach town.
From early morning pier strolls to golden hour rooftop sips, Huntington Beach serves up the kind of California cool that keeps you coming back for more. You’ll wander into boutique surf shops, stumble upon taco spots with a view, cruise through nature preserves and find yourself cheering on surfers or sharing the shoreline with furry friends. Whether you’re here for the surf, the stories or just the stoke, Huntington Beach has a way of turning ordinary days into extraordinary ones.
There’s nothing like watching the sun rise from the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the second longest concrete pier on the West Coast and the heart of Surf City USA. Built in the early 1900s and steeped in surf culture history, this stretch of boardwalk vibes with tourists and locals alike. Watch as surfers conquer early-morning waves or fishermen cast their lines for the day ahead. You may even spot a pod of dolphins playing in the water beyond the pier.
Sip and See the Sunset
Evenings call for elevated views and cool coastal breezes. Head to Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, perched on the ninth floor of The Waterfront Beach Resort, for rooftop drinks with panoramic Pacific views. This is also the perfect backdrop for golden hour photos or laid‑back celebratory toasts with cocktails like a passion fruit Manhattan or the Devil Went Down to Mexico, a mezcal-based sip.
Savor Fresh, Local Fare
Fuel your day with Huntington Beach’s lineup of laid‑back eats. Grab fresh seafood at Bear Flag Fish Co., pick up tacos at Ola Mexican Kitchen, get a caffeine fix at one of Main Street’s many coffee shops, share small plates at Pacific Hideaway, enjoy ocean‑to‑table cuisine while dining al fresco at Lōrea and don’t leave town without a slice of Hula Pie from Duke’s. These bites and sips are part of Huntington Beach’s soul and will keep you energized for a day on the town.
Shop the Surf + Style Scene
The stoke isn’t just in the waves; it’s also in the threads. Dive into surf culture at Huntington Surf & Sport or grab a surfboard and wetsuit at Jack’s Surfboards to spend your day in the water. Boutique shops await at Pacific City, a shopping mall located right across from the beach along Pacific Coast Highway, while wider lifestyle offerings can be found at the Italian-inspired Bella Terra complex. Another option is 5 Points Plaza, where several small chain stores make it easy to pop in and out between beach sessions. For those who love the thrill of the find, Huntington Beach’s local thrift and vintage shops offer racks of broken-in denim, retro band tees and perfectly faded flannels that feel straight out of a ‘90s surf film. Whether you’re after boards, beach-ready jewelry or trending coastal fashion apparel, the retail lineup across town mirrors Huntington’s carefree energy.
Explore Nature Beyond the Beach
Take a breather from the sand and head to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve or Huntington Central Park to experience another side of Huntington Beach’s scenic landscapes. Wade through the reserve’s wetlands and watch more than 320 species of local birds glide through the air, or cruise along the park’s shaded trails with a rented bicycle to enjoy incredible moments of calm before the next wave.
Celebrate Global Character at Old World Village
A little cultural flavor goes a long way. Old World Village offers old‑school German charm with pretzels and brews, making it a fun way to shift gears in Surf City USA. Discover festive bites and boutique finds in a unique setting that contrasts beautifully with the beachside vibe. There is often entertainment to go along with your snacks, from live music and comedy shows to screenings of sports games.
Let the Waves Inspire You
Surf City USA warmly embraces all. While local surfers can be found in the waves nearly any day of the year, Huntington Beach also boasts everything from adaptive surfing sessions to the Huntington Dog Beach, where visitors can stroll along a sandy expanse where playful pups and their humans run free against the ocean backdrop. Donation-based yoga classes are held on the sand daily, and electric bike rentals are perfect for exploring Huntington’s beach path. By night, warm up around one of the 500+ seaside bonfires as you listen to the waves crash. These joyful waves of energy are the definition of stoke.
Whether you’re crashing at a beachfront resort like Paséa Hotel, The Waterfront Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency or Kimpton Shorebreak (located next to the shops and restaurants of The Strand), Huntington Beach wraps its arms around you with coastal comfort. Each of these puts you in close proximity to downtown, where you can experience iconic places like the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum to see the World’s Largest Surfboard, and enjoy events like the Pacific Airshow or U.S. Open of Surfing with ease. But even after the last bonfire embers fade, there’s always tomorrow’s surf calling.
Originally published in Locale
Text by Ashley Ryan
