Some Ideas for Planning Your Surf City USA® Vacation
Whether you arrive for a short stay or an entire week, there's simply not enough time to do everything. To make the most of your visit, we have a few suggestions you may want to consider. Of course, you can relax at the beach or poolside the entire time, too. The choice is yours!
Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Begin with breakfast at the Sugar Shack Cafe, then cruise down the 8˝-mile Huntington Beach Ocean Strand to view the beautiful coastline. You can walk, jog, bicycle or even rollerblade the entire length of the city; equipment is readily available for rent nearby. For lunch, enjoy Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier before relaxing the afternoon away sunbathing, swimming or even surfing in the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean. At sunset, savor a meal at Duke's Huntington Beach or Fred's Mexican Café before ending the evening with a walk on the sand.
Day 2: Pack a light breakfast and spend the day with Mother Nature at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve or Shipley Nature Center where you can see dozens of different species of birds in their natural habitat. Walk the nature trails and explore the wildlife Huntington Beach has to offer. Stop for lunch at Park Bench Café in Huntington Central Park and then spend the rest of the afternoon playing 18 holes on the Huntington Beach Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course. Visit Old World Village that evening to browse authentic European-style shops. Treat yourself to a dinner of German knockwurst or go across the street for a Japanese feast at Kabuki in the newly renovated Bella Terra Huntington Beach shopping center.
Day 3: Rise and shine for an early morning surfing lesson from Toes on the Nose. Spend the afternoon shopping downtown on Main Street and don't forget to visit the International Surfing Museum and Huntington Beach Art Center. You can grab a nice lunch at one of the many trendy cafes downtown, and then spoil yourself with a spa treatment at Pacific Waters Spa, part of the renowned Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Come dusk, stake claim to a fire ring for an unforgettable evening barbecue at the beach. Don't forget the s'mores!
Five-Day Itinerary
Includes the Three-Day Itinerary, plus:
Day 4: Head to the Downtown IHOP for a stack of fresh pancakes before you drive to Peter's Landing Marina, where you can spend the day exploring the canals of Huntington Harbour. Rent a kayak, electric boat or even a Venetian gondola from the vendors there. Have lunch at Cavallino's for some fine Italian cuisine, then travel back in time with a visit to the Newland House Museum, a 19th century dwelling that was once home to one of Huntington Beach's pioneering families. For dinner, get a seat with a view of the ocean and the spectacular Huntington Beach Pier at Spark Woodfire Grill, then drop in for a movie at the Century Cinemas located at Bella Terra Huntington Beach.
Day 5: Plan on spending the entire day at Disneyland Resort. Begin with a character breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen, then hit both theme parks-Disneyland® and Disneyland's California Adventure®-enjoying the parades, shows, fireworks and magic.
Seven-Day Itinerary
Includes the Five-Day Itinerary, plus:
Day 6: Venture to South Coast Plaza. Browse through a collection of designer boutiques, such as Gucci and Valentino, as well as national retailers including Nordstrom and Pottery Barn. Next head to Balboa Island for a spin on the Ferris wheel, bumper cars or merry-go-round; or enjoy a chocolate-dipped Balboa Ice Cream Bar coated in rainbow sprinkles. Return to Huntington Beach in time to watch the sunset. Then take in some live entertainment at Perqs, featuring a great lineup of rock and blues bands.
Day 7: Enjoy a brunch at Pasta's located in Hotel Huntington Beach. Spend the morning in nearby Long Beach exploring the majestic Queen Mary ocean liner and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Return to Surf City USA in the afternoon to enjoy some final moments on the beach. Get in some last-minute shopping at Bella Terra Shopping Center or 5 Points Plaza, both boasting a fabulous selection of shops and boutiques. Enjoy dinner at Luggatti's Italian Grill. End the evening with a signature martini at Chimayo at the Beach.