Visiting any new city can be both very daunting and exciting, especially if you are here just for one day. To make your vacation easier and less overwhelming, we have put together a comprehensive one day itinerary for you. From vintage shopping malls, iconic landmarks, exciting attractions to thrilling water sports, verdant parks and fine dining restaurants, this beautiful Surf City has plethora of things for you to indulge in. Even though it is difficult to explore the entire city in just one day, here are a few things that one must absolutely do when they are in Huntington Beach city:
Breakfast at 08:00 am
Start your day early in the morning with a nice, heart breakfast at one of the most popular breakfast joints of Huntington Beach. The Sugar Sack Cafe (213 1/2 Main Street) has been serving the locals since 1967 and has now gained a loyal band of customers. Known for its traditional American breakfast, it is a must-visit in the city. Bread Crumb Ohana Cafe (19079 Beach Blvd) is another popular diner, located next to Huntington Beach. It is known for its delicious sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and unique island dishes.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve at 10:00 am
There is nothing like soaking in the morning sun while exploring the verdant surroundings of Huntington Beach city. Established in 1979, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a beautiful place in the city that was built with an aim of protecting the wetlands and its endangered species. It is an excellent place for bird watching and nature lovers will find themselves at home over here. Spread over 1200 acres, the reserve is home to more than 200 species. Tours are regularly conducted here and make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Address: 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 1 (714) 846 1114
Timings: 07:00 am to 07:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Website:
www.bolsachica.orgDistance from Downtown Huntington Beach: 5.5 miles or 9 minutes drive
International Surfing Museum at 12:00 pm
If you are a surfing fanatic, then this is the place for you. Established in 1990, International Surfing Museum is home to a number of important surf artifacts, including those owned by renowned surfers such as Duke Kahanamoku. It is definitely a must-visit in the city, even if you do not know how to surf. The museum is also known for its annual events like Surfin’ Sundays Summer Concert Series, featuring bands and artists from all over the world. It is also the home base for Huntington Beach Art Walk that takes place on third Thursday of each month.
Address: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Phone: 1 714 960 3483
Timings: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday to Tuesday), 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm (Wednesday to Friday), 11:00 am to 07:00 pm (Saturday)
Website:
www.surfingmuseum.org/Distance from Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: 5.3 miles or 8 minutes drive
Lunch at 01:00 pm
After roaming about in the museum, head to Zimzala Restaurant (500 Pacific Coast Highway) in Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel for a delicious lunch of some unique cooking. If you are craving for authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Avila's El Ranchito (18 Main Street), a casual family owned restaurant chain. For delicious Japanese fusion cuisine, head to Sushi on Fire (301 Main St #103). Another popular restaurant nearby is the Tuscan-themed Cucina Alessa (520 Main Street), known for its homemade pastas, pizzas and other Italian food.
Huntington Beach Art Center at 03:00 pm
Situated in Downtown Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach Art Center is a popular modern art gallery, which is renowned for its several amazing exhibits conducted by both local and international artists. They even have special events like classical and jazz performances, seminars, lectures, film screenings and the celebrated children’s art camp.
Address: 538 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Phone: 1 714 374 1650
Timings: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm (Friday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Saturday), Sunday and Monday Closed
Website:
www.huntingtonbeachartcenter.org/Distance from Cucina Alessa: 420 feet or 2 minutes walk
Newland House Museum at 04:00 pm
Situated next to Newland Shopping Center, Newland House Museum is set inside one of the oldest residential houses in Huntington Beach city. The house was originally constructed during the year 1898, but the museum was there even before that. The house was originally built on a 500 acre farm, which was known for its agricultural produce like lima beans, pepper, celery and sugar beets. Even though it has been moved now, the former house is still decorated with stunning artifacts and furnishings from that period.
Address: 19820 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Phone: 1 714 962 5777
Timings: Noon to 4:00 pm (First and Third Weekend of Every Month)
Distance from Huntington Beach Art Center: 1.6 miles or 4 minutes drive
Huntington Beach Central Park at 05:00 pm
Time for some fun! Huntington Beach Central Park is one of the most famous outdoor spots in Huntington Beach city, especially during summers and spring. Spread over 350 acres, the park is known for its lush greenery, brimming lakes, tall trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. It is a great place to visit with family and friends alike.
The park also houses some of the main attractions of Huntington Beach like Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, Disc Golf Course, Shipley Nature Center and a sports complex. Other than that, the park is also home to other activities like baseball, soccer, batting, a peaceful area surrounded by native California plants and an Adventure Playground for kids. It even has a Dog Park for you four legged best friend.
Address: 18000 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States
Phone: 1 714 536 5486
Timings: 05:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Website:
http://www.surfcityusa.com/Distance from Newland House Museum: 3.3 miles or 7 minutes drive
Huntington City Beach and Huntington Beach Pier at 07:00 pm
One of the most popular beaches in the city, Huntington City Beach is the beach to visit if you just have one day in the city. The famous US Open of Surfing event also takes place over here due to its excellent quality of waves. Beach amenities over here include food stalls, fire rings, surf shops, volleyball courts, restrooms, dining halls, biking trails and more. Also, because of its proximity to the iconic landmark Huntington Beach Pier, this beach receives more than eleven million visitors every year.
At 1860 feet, Huntington Beach Pier is the longest pier in the entire West Coast. Moreover, it has a lot of significance in the city. This is because the pier and the city came into existence together back in 1904. Besides relaxing by the pier and enjoying the ocean waves and the sunset, there are a number of activities one can indulge in over here including kite flying, fishing, dining and shopping.
Address: Between Beach Boulevard and Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, California
Phone: 1 714 536 5281
Timings: 05:00 am to 10:00 pm
Website:
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/Distance from Huntington Beach Central Park: 4.1 miles or 7 minutes drive
Dinner at 08:00 pm
Huntington Beach Pier has some really great restaurants where you can dine in. Ruby's Diner (1 Main Street) is located just on the pier and offers 360 degree view of the ocean and city along with delicious seafood and premium steaks. If you want something different, then head to 25 Degrees (412 Walnut Avenue) for unique hamburgers, cocktails and adult milkshakes. Duke’s (317 Pacific Coast Highway) is another popular surf-themed restaurant, known for its refreshing taste of the ocean.
Explore Huntington Beach’s Nightlife at 10:00 pm
Hurricanes Bar & Grill (200 Main St #201) is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city, which is known for its pulsating music, live entertainment, hottest DJ’s and a rooftop patio with eye-catching views of the sunset and the ocean. If you are looking for something different, then head towards Johnny's Saloon (17428 Beach Blvd), which is one of the few PBR bars in USA.
A Complete Map Guide of 24 Hours in Huntington Beach
