Surf's Up: Huntington Beach on a Budget

Surf's up on a budget in Huntington Beach, USA.

21 June 2023

Huntington Beach offers budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can stay in affordable motels and hostels, enjoy cheap eats at local food trucks and fast food joints, and explore the city's beaches and parks for free. Additionally, the area has a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and surfing, that won't break the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Ocean Adventures

  • Start the day with a walk along the Huntington Beach Pier, watching surfers catch waves and seagulls snatch breakfast from fishermen.
  • Rent a bike from Zack's Beach Concessions and cruise along the beachfront bike path, stopping to take a picture with the iconic surfboard-shaped lifeguard tower.
  • Go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in the calm waters of Huntington Harbor, keeping an eye out for sea lions and pelicans.
  • Hit up the local surf shops for some beachy souvenirs and unique finds.
  • Feast on a delicious fish taco and refreshing margarita at Sancho's Tacos, a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Pacific View Inn, a cozy and budget-friendly option with ocean views and beachy decor.
Day 2

Cultural Exploration

  • Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a wetland sanctuary home to over 300 bird species and various marine life.
  • Visit The Huntington Beach Art Center and admire the rotating exhibits of contemporary and traditional art from local and national artists.
  • Take a stroll through the historic Downtown Huntington Beach, checking out the ArtWalk on the third Wednesday of the month and grabbing a coffee from the charming local shops.
  • Learn about surfing history at the International Surfing Museum and see memorabilia from legendary surfers.
  • End the day with a sunset bonfire on the beach, roasting marshmallows and watching the sky turn pink and orange.
  • Where to eat: The Sugar Shack Cafe, a local institution known for delicious breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and banana nut pancakes.
  • Two days in Huntington Beach may not be enough to experience everything this vibrant coastal town offers, but it's a great start for an unforgettable beach vacation.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Huntington Beach by plane is to fly into John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana and then take a taxi or shuttle to your destination.

Car

Driving is a convenient way to get to Huntington Beach. The city is accessible via the I-405 freeway and the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Huntington Beach.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Huntington Beach by boat. The nearest ports are in Los Angeles and Long Beach, but you would need to arrange ground transportation from there.

Bus

The easiest way to get to Huntington Beach by bus is to take the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to Huntington Beach Transit Center.

Destination

Huntington Beach

If you're a surfer, you probably know this place—where the waves are gnarly and the sun is always shining. If you're not a surfer, you probably still know this place—thanks to its endless miles of beaches and an impressive collection of blonde people.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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