Travel Guide: Huntington Beach
Written By Carrie Genzlinger
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite things to do in HB and nearby towns!
Every day, I made time to take a walk along the awesome multi-use trail by the pier.You’ll share the trail with roller skaters, runners, and bikers and you can even rent an e- bike right along the side of the trail. The ocean views are amazing, and it’s so fun to watch the surfers riding waves or people playing volleyball. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins in the waves and at low tide, you can find shells and sand dollars along the waterline.
Learning to surf has been at the top of my bucket list for a while now, and where better to try surfing than Surf City, USA?! I signed up for lessons with Learn to Surf, and let me tell you, it was the best experience. The instructors were so nice (and patient)! Withtheir expert guidance, I learned the basics and was catching waves by the end of the lesson. If you’re looking to hang ten and make memories that'll last a lifetime, this is the place to do it!
One of the highlights of the trip was going on a whale watching excursion with Capt Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari at Dana Point. Not only did I spot quite a few Fin Whales breaching in the distance, but there were common dolphins riding along side the boat. The underwater viewing pod gets you right up close to the dolphins! An awesome surprise at the end of the ride - the crew hands out Mrs. Dave’s famous brownies to the passengers on their way off the boat! Pro tip: Bring your camera and binoculars for the best chance of spotting the whales and dolphins up close.
Laguna Beach is the perfect place to spend the day exploring art galleries, shopping in cute boutiques and indulging in THE BEST gelato at Gelato Paradiso, and oh-so-yummy tacos at Wild Taco. The highlight? Watching the sunset at Heisler Park - talk about panoramic views! And you won’t believe the colors that light up the sky.
One other can’t miss thing to do is checking out the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park. It was my favorite place for a beach day - the wildflowers blooming on the cliffs at your back with amazing ocean views in front of you. And the beach is so long, you never feel like you’re sitting on top of fellow sunbathers.
Tuesdays are a highlight of the week thanks to the Farmers Market in Huntington Beach. Stroll through the stalls sampling fresh produce and discovering artisanal goodies from local vendors. In my opinion, the best way to end a Tuesday is to fill up your tote bag with farmers market treats and head to the beach for a sunset picnic. Don’t forget to bring along some firewood and finish off the evening with s’mores around the beach bonfire pits.
Ola Mexican Kitchen quickly became my go-to spot for happy hour margaritas with a view. Situated right on the beach, it offered the perfect vantage point for sipping cocktails and soaking in the coastal ambiance. And let’s not forget the guac – it was out of this world! My favorite marg: El Dragon: Watermelon and Jalapeno!
I love to shop. Like I could shop all day, every day. And the shopping in the OC can’t be beat. I couldn’t resist indulging in some retail therapy at Lido Marina Village Balboa Island in nearby Newport Beach. From designer finds at The RealReal to artisanal fragrances at Le Labo, coastal looks at Faherty Brand, and more – it’s an awesome place to get your luxe on. There are some seriously cool boutiques in HB, Laguna, and Newport, and I made sure to explore them all. Some faves: for boho chic vibes at shockingly good prices, head to Stitch and Feather. If you want to see the cutest artisanal home goods, check out Tuvalu. And get your souvenirs from collections from local artisans and small businesses at Open Market OC.
Trying out new yoga and pilates classes was a great way to stay in shape. Break a sweat with hot yoga at The Original Hot Yoga HB or take one of the Pilates Jump Classes at HB Sweat, I always left feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on whatever adventures the day had in store.
Day Trips:
Joshua Tree National Park is about 2 hours from HB and boy is it worth the drive! From the surreal rock formations of Heart Rock, Skull Rock, and Face Rock to the vast expanses of desert landscape, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard-worthy scene. It was a refreshing change of pace that left me feeling inspired and invigorated.
Just a short ferry ride away from Huntington Beach, Catalina Island is like stepping into a Mediterranean paradise. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to zip lining down the mountain, or spotting bison on a jeep safari, it was the perfect escape.
So there you have it – my month-long escapade in Surf City, USA. If you’re looking for the ultimate beach getaway with plenty of adventure and relaxation, look no further than Huntington Beach. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! 🌊 🏄♀️⛱️
