Surf, Art, and Fun: 4 Days in Huntington Beach

Experience the surf and sand of Huntington Beach without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Huntington Beach in California offers a great destination for travelers on a budget. The city boasts miles of sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing or surfing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, skateboard parks, and vintage shopping districts for affordable activities.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Surf's Up, Baby!

  • Check into the Sun n' Sands Inn, a cozy motel a stone's throw from the beachfront.
  • Rent a surfboard and head to Bolsa Chica State Beach to catch some gnarly waves.
  • After surfing, grab some fish tacos from the legendary Wahoo's Fish Taco, a local favorite.
  • Chill out and watch the sunset with a cold beer at the Pacific City mall rooftop bar.
  • Head to the nearby Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel for some live music and tasty drinks at their swanky restaurant, Pacific Hideaway.
Day 2

Eclectic Culture Tour

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the long-standing Sugar Shack Café.
  • Take a walk through the colorful murals of the Huntington Beach Art Walk.
  • Visit the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center to learn about the history of surfing in the area.
  • Stroll around downtown and check out the quirky boutiques and vintage shops.
  • Don't miss the International Surfing Museum, a small but fascinating tribute to surf culture around the world.
Day 3

Outdoor Fun and Foodie Delights

  • Rent a bike and cruise along the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, soaking up the ocean views.
  • Take a mid-morning break and grab some pastries and coffee from the Sugar 'n Spice Bakery.
  • Head to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and explore the trails, look for birds and wildlife.
  • Drive to the Anaheim Packing District for some serious foodie indulgence and a live DJ set at the MAKE building.
  • Enjoy some happy hour cocktails and oysters at Slapfish, a new-age seafood spot.
Day 4

Beach Day with a Twist

  • Start the day with a refreshing smoothie bowl from Bear Coast Coffee.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Huntington Harbour's canals and waterways.
  • Settle down with a good read on the cushy sand of Dog Beach, one of the only dog-friendly beaches in the area.
  • Grab some Italian comfort food from Capone's Italian Cucina for a late lunch.
  • End the day with some live music, fresh cocktails and stunning sunset views at the rooftop bar of the Waterfront Beach Resort, a luxurious hotel that's worth splurging on.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Ride the Waves: A Beach Day Trip to Huntington

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as Surf City USA, offers budget-friendly activities including free access to its world-famous beaches, surfing lessons at reasonable rates, and picturesque hiking trails at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. For affordable eats, try the local-favorite tacos and burritos from Sancho's Tacos or enjoy a burger and craft beer combo at The American Dream. Accommodation-wise, opt for a budget motel or hostel, such as the Pacific View Inn or the Surf City Hostel, both located just steps away from the beach.

The Ultimate Romantic Day in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples with its sprawling beaches, scenic sunsets, and intimate dining options. Explore the beach trails on bicycles, spend a lazy afternoon lounging under the sun, or embark on a romantic sunset stroll. Relish exceptional culinary delicacies in beachside restaurants while experiencing the captivating views of the Pacific Ocean.

3 Days of Romance in Huntington Beach

A romantic trip to Huntington Beach, United States is the perfect getaway with its picturesque location and warm, sunny weather. Couples can take a stroll on the miles of sandy beaches, enjoy the stunning sunsets or go for a bike ride down the famous boardwalk. With a number of luxurious accommodation options to choose from, Huntington Beach offers the perfect setting for a romantic and memorable trip.

Hang Loose in Huntington: 3 Days of Family Fun

A trip to Huntington Beach, United States is a fantastic choice for a family-friendly getaway. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, perfect waves for surfing, and a vibrant beach culture, there is something to keep everyone entertained. From building sandcastles, trying out water sports, exploring the scenic parks, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunsets, this coastal town offers a memorable vacation experience for the whole family.