If you’ve only got one day to spend in Huntington Beach and want to make the most of it, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway, thinking about renting an apartment in Huntington Beach, CA, renting a house, or even exploring the idea of buying a home in Huntington Beach, ApartmentGuide has got you covered with the perfect plan.
Here’s how it works: This article is packed with local recommendations, offering a variety of restaurants, activities, and parks. Pick one option from each category to craft your ideal one-day itinerary in Huntington Beach. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix and match more than one! Think of it as a personalized guide to exploring the city and finding out what it’s like to live in Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach offers a wide variety of unique experiences, making it tough to choose just one. Whether it's the thrill of escape rooms or the lively atmosphere of Main Street, you’re sure to find something you'll love. Explore the options below and make the most of your time here by choosing one – or several!
Vans Skatepark: “Another favorite spot of mine in HB is the Vans Skatepark; as a former skateboarder, I love returning to watch the riders in action or even grab my board and join in.” – Adeel Asif of INC Coffee Roasters.
Main Street: “For a true slice of Huntington Beach life, Main Street is where it’s at. Packed with local surf shops, cafes, and spots for a casual bite, it’s the heart of town. You’ll find everything from live music to street vendors, especially during Tuesday Surf City Nights – an awesome local street fair. This is where the community really comes alive!” – the team at Sur Coffee.
Quinn's Apothecary Pharmacy: “For health and wellness, we always rely on Quinn’s Apothecary Pharmacy. It’s a locally owned gem that goes above and beyond typical pharmacies, offering a great selection of natural remedies and holistic care alongside your usual prescriptions. They’re super attentive, and it’s clear they genuinely care about your well-being, which is why we trust them for our health needs.” – the team at UNLOCKED.
UNLOCKED: Escape Room: “Huntington Beach has plenty of escape rooms to choose from, but we’d love to personally invite you to UNLOCKED: Escape Room just a short drive away in Costa Mesa. We offer six unique and immersive escape experiences for all skill levels. Whether you’re new to escape rooms or looking for unique themes like magic or arcades, we've got something exciting for you!” – the team at UNLOCKED.
Huntington Surf and Sport: “For a classic Huntington Beach experience, check out Huntington Surf and Sport. Inside, you'll find Java Point, a coffee shop with fantastic breakfast options and coffee. After fueling up, rent a surfboard from the shop and hit the waves at the iconic HB Pier, one of the world's most famous surf spots.” – the team at Riip Beer Co.
The Waterfront Beach Resort: “The Waterfront Hilton is the best hotel. It’s been here since the beginning, before the rest. It has a great restaurant, Cabo Wabo, owned by that rock star dude, Sammy Hagar.” – Donnae, wedding photographer with NaesFotos.
Club Fitness Addiction: “Club Fitness Addiction is my favorite local gym. It is never over crowded. The vibe is way chill and the people are so friendly. Two stories and all the equipment, spin, barre, pilates and cold plunge you could ask for!” – Donnae, wedding photographer with NaesFotos.
Old World: “Check out Old World HB for a fun Oktoberfest experience featuring dachshund races, fresh pretzels, and dancing with a live band. You can test your strength out with traditional German Stein-Holding competition. Old World offers tons of cultural events throughout the year, so be sure to check their event calendar so you don’t miss out.” – Alex Kemp, owner of Kemp Photography, a headshot photography service in the Huntington Beach area.
Legacy Escape Rooms: Come visit us at Legacy Escape Rooms for a live adventure escape room game! Our four escape room themes are fun and immersive for the whole family or a great date night. The experience is sure to bring many laughs and have everyone thinking outside the box!” – Julie of Legacy Escape Rooms.
Pasea Hotel & Spa: “Roller skating on top of Pasea Hotel while enjoying the ocean breeze is lots of fun for the kiddos to enjoy!” – Julie of Legacy Escape Rooms.
Get a sound bath: "Get a sound bath on the beach. I'm bias – but Luv Collective offers private sound baths you can reserve for groups and can do them at your Airbnb, on the beach, or wherever you choose. Such a nice way to relax, ground, and soak in the sunshine while enjoying a personalized meditation." – Lilia, founder of Luv Collective.
Huntington Beach is a coastal gem, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with miles of pristine beaches, scenic parks, and breathtaking ocean views that make it a true paradise for nature lovers. Pick one or more options from below to explore!
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: “Want to get some fresh air and exercise? I absolutely love coming here for an easy, nice hike. It’s great for the kids and everyone! You get to see lots of wildlife – I’ve even seen a snake before!” – Candice Berman, newborn photographer at Candice Berman Photography.
Huntington Beach Pier: “The pier is an essential part of life here. Whether it’s watching the surfers carve through waves or catching a sunset that lights up the sky, the pier is where the magic happens. There’s nothing better than walking to the end and grabbing a classic diner meal at Ruby’s while soaking in panoramic ocean views.” – the team at Sur Coffee.
Huntington Beach Urban Forest: “The Huntington Beach Urban Forest provides you with a quick escape from the city. It’s quiet and filled with tons of picturesque gardens that feature Huntington Beach native plants throughout. Get lost at golden hour to unwind and capture amazing photos.” – Alex Kemp, owner of Kemp Photography, a headshot photography service in the Huntington Beach area.
Walk the Huntington Beach shoreline: “One of my favorite things to do, especially at daybreak, is to take a long walk along the shoreline here in Huntington Beach. If you hit it at the right time, seashell collecting is awesome. From there you can’t go wrong having breakfast at one of our many restaurants! After that there are many beach activities that someone can do: surfing; biking the beach trail; beach volleyball.” – Pat Burns, council member and mayor pro tempore with the City of Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach has an awesome food scene, with everything from fresh seafood to global flavors, plus tons of cool spots to grab a bite by the beach. Check below for restaurants and bars locals rave about.
TeaArias: “When it comes to boba, TeaArias is one of our favorite options. Their drinks are consistently delicious, and we love the vibe of their cozy seating area. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a beach day, and the variety of drinks on their menu makes it easy to find a new favorite every time we go.” – the team at UNLOCKED.
ZeroZero39 Pizzeria: “Zero Zero pizza is organic and Italian. If you’re lucky when you go in you will be served by one of the owners. The food is made with love, and it’s absolutely delicious.” – Donnae, wedding photographer with NaesFotos.
The Brant Kitchen & Bar: “If you're after a spot with a great view, The Brant Kitchen & Bar at Pacific City is the place to be. It offers stunning ocean views and a laid-back vibe, perfect for enjoying craft cocktails or beer. Whether you're craving a burger, wings, or a juicy steak, their menu has something for everyone, making it a must-visit.” – the team at Riip Beer Co.
Bella Terra: “If you are looking just for a place to hang out with multiple options in one easy location that's not the beach, the Bella Terra shopping center is one of our top choices. There’s always something to do, whether we’re in the mood for a quick, casual bite at Dog Haus with their gourmet hot dogs and sausages, or we’re treating ourselves to an all-you-can-eat feast at Fogo De Chao’s Brazilian barbeque, which is perfect for special occasions. Plus, with outdoor special holiday events and shopping, it’s a great spot to spend the day.” – the team at UNLOCKED.
Kathy May’s Lakeview Cafe: “For a nostalgic breakfast experience, I can’t get enough of Lakeview Cafe in Huntington Beach Central Park. It's the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing morning by the water, savoring fresh pancakes and eggs.” – Adeel Asif of INC Coffee Roasters.
Las Barcas: “This is our all-time favorite Mexican food joint. This place makes everything super fresh, it is small business owned, and I haven’t ever had anything I do not like. If you try it, make sure to try the chicken flautas – they are out of this world!” – Candice Berman, newborn photographer at Candice Berman Photography.
Bear Flag Fish Co.: “Enjoy fresh fish burritos and poke and chips while enjoying the ocean view at Bear Flag Fish Co. at Pacific City.” – Julie of Legacy Escape Rooms.
Malibu Farm Lido: "Drive 10 minutes over to Newport Beach and grab food at Malibu Farm Lido. It overlooks the water, the food is made with such good ingredients, and everyone walking around is gorgeous and fun people-watching! I've come for both brunch and dinner and always had such a nice time. Afterward, you can walk around all the shops and boutiques nearby." – Lilia, founder of Luv Collective.
Huntington Beach is home to a growing number of laid-back breweries and wineries, where you can enjoy craft beers, local wines, and chill vibes — perfect for kicking back after a day at the beach. Pick one or more from below:
Four Sons Brewing: “We have a thriving micro-brewery scene. One of the best breweries, Four Sons, is just up the street from the Urban Forest. Head in for a lively night with plenty of games and a newly added kitchen offering top-notch food like gooey cheese curds with marinara or a spicy Philly cheesesteak. Four Sons also offers a private space to rent for your next party.” – Alex Kemp, owner of Kemp Photography, a headshot photography service in the Huntington Beach area.
Main St. Wine Company: “Main St. Wine Company is hands down the best wine bar in Orange County and boasts the finest craft beer selection in downtown Huntington Beach. My wife loves the extensive wine options, while I go for the impressive craft beers. Don't miss their Thursday night pop-ups featuring Eat Your Wave Smash Burgers – they're the best around!” – the team at Riip Beer Co.
Riip Beer Co.: “Come visit us at Riip Beer Co., a brewery like no other, located in Huntington Beach, CA where we’ve taken our award-winning brewery, combined it with your classic 90's pizza joint, dialed it up to 10, and sprinkled it with some serious magic. We're not just about pizza (though, spoiler alert: our beer, pizza & vibe will change your life). We’ve got arcade games, epic food, and beer that’s brewed right here, in-house. That’s right — we’re an award-winning brewery, and we’re not afraid to flex it.” – the team at Riip Beer Co.
Semi Tropic Wines: "Semi Tropic Wines is a really cute natural wine shop nearby in Costa Mesa. I'd recommend this casual spot for a little date night or catching up with a friend. Sit outside and enjoy charcuterie and a glass of vino. My husband and I really enjoyed our last time here!" – Lilia, founder of Luv Collective.
Huntington Beach has a great coffee scene, with plenty of cozy cafes and trendy spots serving up everything from artisan brews to classic favorites, perfect for a caffeine fix by the coast. Peruse your options below:
Sur Coffee: “A must-visit for the perfect cup of coffee, especially after a morning beach stroll. It’s not just our fresh roasted beans that stand out, it’s the friendly, laid-back coastal vibe that makes it the ideal spot to relax and soak in the local culture. You’ll feel like part of the Huntington Beach community from the moment you walk in.” – the team at Sur Coffee.
Long Black Coffee: “This small coffee shop has a beautiful aesthetic, but what really makes it the best is their croissants and their einspanner coffee. If you love a local, small business owned coffee shop, this is the place!” – Candice Berman, newborn photographer at Candice Berman Photography.
INC Coffee Roasters: “I highly recommend INC Coffee Roasters as one of Huntington Beach's standout coffee shops. Known for its commitment to inclusivity, INC not only serves exceptional coffee but also employs individuals of all abilities, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Our famous white miso latte is a must-try, expertly blending miso and caramel to create a deliciously unique salted caramel and umami flavor profile.” – Adeel Asif of INC Coffee Roasters.
If one day in Huntington Beach has got you thinking about a future here, check out the following overview from Julie Toledo, public affairs officer with the City of Huntington Beach. From what biking trails to take to reasons locals love living in Huntington Beach, Julie has got you covered.
“There is something for everyone in Huntington Beach, California! Including:
- Surfing: Known as ‘Surf City, USA,’ Huntington Beach is famous for its waves and surf culture. You can take lessons or rent equipment at local shops.
- Beaches: Enjoy nearly 10 miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and bonfires.
- Biking and walking trails: The beachfront boardwalk is perfect for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks with beautiful ocean views.
- Parks and nature: Explore parks like Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Central Park for birdwatching and hiking.
- Shopping and dining: Visit Main Street and Pacific City for boutique shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Events: Participate in local events like the U.S. Open of Surfing, Beach Cruisin’ Car Show, the annual Independence Day Celebration, Pacific Airshow, and various events throughout the year.
- Water sports: Try paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing off the pier or in the nearby ocean waters.
People love living here for:
- Mild climate: With year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, outdoor activities can be enjoyed throughout the year.
- Community vibe: The city has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community.
- Lifestyle: Access to outdoor activities, healthy living, and a vibrant beach culture can enhance your lifestyle.
- Accessibility: It’s well-connected to other Southern California attractions, including Disneyland, Los Angeles, and Orange County’s other beach towns.
- Diverse community: Experience a mix of cultures, which enriches the local community and events.”