Unlock Huntington Beach's Best-Kept Adventure Secrets
Time Out LA
Of all Newport Beach’s man-made islands, Balboa Island is by far the folksiest. It also happens to feel more like a quaint East Coast harborfront village than the rest of Newport’s distinctly Southern Californian settlements. Wilma’s Patio is a breakfast time staple, or you can skip straight to dessert and get your hands on a frozen banana (both Sugar N Spice and Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop claim to be the originators of the chocolate-covered treat). Outside of the mom-and-pop shops on Marine Avenue, a 1.6-mile boardwalk traces the small island’s perimeter of vacation homes. On the southwest side of the island, you’ll find find a handful of operators offering 8-to-12-person Duffy boat rentals to (booze) cruise around Newport Bay—a fantastic way to extend your visit to right around sunset. If there’s one downside, it’s the traffic getting onto the island. The small bridge at Marine Avenue is the most direct way in, but it routinely backs up on weekends and during the summer. Alternatively, you can take the pint-sized auto ferry from Balboa Peninsula, which might be the preferable option if you plan on riding the Ferris wheel or taking a whale watching tour by the Balboa Fun Zone.
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Secret Los Angeles
Old Towne Orange Easily Orange County’s most charming downtown, Old Towne Orange sports a few blocks of Mission and Classical Revival buildings centered around Plaza Park, a tree-filled island at the center of a traffic circle. You’re always within stumbling distance of a gastropub or a breakfast spot here, like the Filling Station Cafe, a cozy diner with nods towards its origin as an old gas station. The main draw, though—assuming you’re into such things—just might be the dozen or so antique stores along Glassell Street, including the Orange Circle Antique Mall, a jam-packed indoor market (open daily) with more than 125 small vendors. Elsewhere in town, you can see local works of 20th-century painting at the Hilbert Museum of California Art. And for any Huell Howser fans, you can find a piece of California’s gold at the Chapman University campus, which houses the late travel show host’s archives (accessible on weekdays only). If you don’t feel like driving down the 5, just take Metrolink to the Orange stop on the west side of town.
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Secret Los Angeles
This Century-Old “Pirate Tower” Is Just An Hour Outside Of Los Angeles The Victoria Beach Pirate Tower is a fascinating relic in Laguna Beach that looks transported from another world. It’s not often that us Californians get to experience an ancient, old-world relic, and local adventurers are often thrilled to stumble across this hidden gem evoking a swashbuckling fairytale. This is the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, a 60-foot-tall concrete tower with a conical roof that you’ll find butting up against a rocky cliff face. For the more imaginative among us, it looks like something out of a fantasy film; and for the more practically-minded, it makes for a dramatic photograph with a backdrop of crashing waves and brilliant sunsets. You’ll find the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach, California, a small coastal city in Orange County.
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Los Angeles Fun Events
Visit Italy in Los Angeles! 🇮🇹 From now until July 8th Vespucci is docked at the San Pedro Harbor! Come visit Italy while in Los Angeles! The Amerigo Vespucci Ship and the Villaggio Italia are on their world tour! 🌎 Built in 1930, the Amerigo Vespucci is a historic Italian navy training ship, often referred to as the “most beautiful ship in the world” 🗺️ Los Angeles is the first to include the Villagio Italia. After Los Angeles, the Vespucci and Villaggio Italia will visit Tokyo, Japan (Aug. 25-30) Darwin, Australia (October 4-7) Singapore (October 24-28) Mumbai, India (November 28-December 2) Abu Dhabi UAE (December 17-19) Doha, Qatar (December 22-25) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (January 20-24) ✨ Enjoy the day with a tour of this beautiful ship, walk through the Expo Pavillion to see some unique products created in Italy, head to the Immersive Hall to experience Italy through immersive art and finish off the day with a tasty lunch at Ristorante Italia! 🇮🇹
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California Wayfaring
Save this for your next trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. This place is in my hometown on the Peninsula, and it’s worth a special trip to Portola Valley to eat here. The Alpine Inn is perfect on sunny afternoons. Established in 1852, it’s also the second oldest continually operating tavern in California. Super fun spot to add to your list of places to visit.
Unveiling Hidden Gems in Huntington Beach: Local Exploration Near LA
Huntington Beach, a coastal treasure just a short drive from Los Angeles, offers myriad opportunities for local exploration. Whether you're looking for secret surf spots, tranquil parks, or vibrant street murals, this iconic city has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the hidden gems and trending spots that make Huntington Beach a must-visit for both tourists and residents alike.
Hidden Surf Spots
If you're an avid surfer seeking the less crowded waves, Huntington Beach has some secret spots awaiting your discovery. While the main pier area is always bustling, venture a bit south toward Bolsa Chica State Beach. Here, early mornings often bring consistent swells perfect for intermediate surfers. Another spot worth mentioning is the "Hole," located near the northern end of the beach by the oil derricks. Though less frequented due to its rougher waves, it's a local favorite for those looking to challenge their skills.
Breathtaking Natural Parks
Beyond the coastline, Huntington Beach is home to several parks that offer both relaxation and adventure. Central Park, one of the largest city parks in OC, is a sprawling area known for its picturesque lakes and serene walking trails. For birdwatchers, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a hidden gem that provides a sanctuary for local and migratory birds. Don't miss the beautiful butterfly garden located within Gibbs Park - a small but delightful spot for nature lovers and families. Each of these parks provides an escape from the urban hustle, where you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Trending Dining and Relaxation Spots
Dining in Huntington Beach goes beyond the typical beachside cafes and fish tacos. For a unique dining experience, head over to Pacific City. This trendy shopping and dining complex features top-notch restaurants like the popular Bluegold, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views along with gourmet meals. Another local favorite is Winterburg Tap House - known for its artisanal beers and eclectic menu. For those in search of relaxation, the Aloha Lounge offers an intimate, tiki-inspired setting perfect for unwinding with a tropical drink.
Adventure through Local Murals and Art
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the diverse range of murals scattered throughout Huntington Beach. Start your exploration at Main Street, where vibrant street art reflects the city’s surf culture and laid-back vibe. Don’t miss the Surf City Arts Community Mural located near the International Surfing Museum – a colorful depiction of Huntington Beach’s rich surfing history. Further south along Pacific Coast Highway, you'll find hidden alleyways showcasing intricate art pieces that often go unnoticed by the casual passerby.
Locals’ Favorite Spots
To truly experience Huntington Beach like a local, head to some lesser-known favorites. For a family-friendly activity, the Shipley Nature Center offers educational tours and hands-on exhibits in a serene setting. Locals often visit the Golden Bear Plaza for its farmers’ markets and small community concerts. Another local secret is the hidden swings located in the hilltops of Huntington Central Park – they offer a perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia, with panoramic views of the city below. Meeting long-time residents at these spots can often lead to discovering even more secrets and stories about Huntington Beach.
Exploration in Huntington Beach reveals a wealth of hidden treasures and trending spots that cater to every traveler’s desires, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, family-friendly activities, or local insights. By uncovering these local secrets, you'll not only experience the best of Huntington Beach but also gain real opinions and insights from the Kikihub community, making your visit genuinely memorable.
