Huntington Beach Weekend

Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, Calif., is a quintessential beach community in southern California’s Orange County. Some of the city’s best beaches include Huntington State Beach and Dog Beach where you and your four-legged pal can roam free.

Don’t miss the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve an important wetland that’s one of the United State’s best birding spots, where you can view great blue heron, brown and white pelicans, and snowy egrets.

Chimayo at the Beach is often cited as one of Huntington Beach's best restaurants. The restaurant offers a full bar, superb coastal delicacies and local cuisine. There are fire pits and gorgeous views to astound even the most jaded diner.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy was established in 1990 in order to preserve the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. It includes the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and is run completely by volunteers. The organization supports itself through donations and fundraising efforts. The Conservancy spans more than 2,000 acres and provides a home for more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can walk through the wetlands on a 1.5 mile loop trail. No dogs, bikes or horses are allowed. Admission is free for using the trail, and you can also get a free guided group tour. Call to make appointment.

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort is situated in the beautiful seaside community of Huntington Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and miles of white-sand beaches. With stunning California scenery and a dramatic indoor waterfall, the Hilton hotel offers a casually elegant destination for a family vacation, business meeting, or romantic getaway. This hotel is close to several major California airports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County (John Wayne). Located in the heart of Southern California, there are many attractions nearby, including Disneyland®, Knott's Berry Farm, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Laguna and Newport Beaches.Hilton resort guests are invited to order room service or visit the award-winning Palm Court Restaurant, located within the hotel. Relax with a wide variety of cocktails, beer, and wine from the Lobby Bar or the West Coast Club. Throughout the summer, Surf Hero Deli and Beach Cabana are open, offering a perfect place to grab a bite to eat. A lush, tropical swimming pool is heated year-round to provide a spot to bask in the sun and look out over the Pacific Ocean. Additional recreational amenities include a sand volleyball court, basketball court, lighted tennis court, bicycle rentals, and fully-equipped fitness center.All 290 hotel rooms include private, furnished balconies, most with breathtaking views of the pristine Southern California coastline.

Huntington State Beach is one of the best beaches in southern California. It is popular with both locals and tourists alike. It has barbecue pits that are popular year-round but especially in summer. It is good for familes and children because the waves are not that big and there are several lifeguards on duty. There are all kinds of snack shops and places where you can rent bodyboards and other beach gear.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy was established in 1990 in order to preserve the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. It includes the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and is run completely by volunteers. The organization supports itself through donations and fundraising efforts. The Conservancy spans more than 2,000 acres and provides a home for more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can walk through the wetlands on a 1.5 mile loop trail. No dogs, bikes or horses are allowed. Admission is free for using the trail, and you can also get a free guided group tour. Call to make appointment.

Located on the pier in Huntington Beach, this venue is considered to be one of the best breweries in southern California. The theme inside is surf-related and the brew tanks, visible to diners, add to the charm of the place. There is a great ocean view from every table in the house. There are two open-air patios. From pasta to tacos to steak, you are sure to find a winning dish. Try the Blackened Mahi Mahi or the popular Hickory Burger. In addition to beer, the restaurant has a full bar.

Huntington Beach does indeed live up to its "Surf City" title as the most surfed beach in the west. Appropriately enough, this is a shrine to all those who have mastered the long board. Surfboards, surfing films, surfing music and plenty of memorabilia can be found here. The main attractions, however, are the items related to the great Duke Kahanamoku. This Olympic swimmer popularized surfing back in the 1920s, and both a bronze bust and one of his original hardwood boards can be found in the museum. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students and free for children six years and younger.