Destination Hyatt 2010 : Page 394
90 DESTINATION HYATT Christopher Villano
Surf City Evolution
Luxury Spanish-style condominiums and high-end shopping and entertainment complexes have replaced the oil rigs and truck farms that once lined the east side of Pacific Coast Highway through Huntington Beach.
The western view along this 8.5 mile stretch of “PCH” is simply endless sand and sea; enlivened by the still-thriving authentic surf culture—born in the 1950s-60s—that made this area world-famous as Surf City USA.
Local surf legends can be found having a laid-back breakfast at the Sugar Shack on Main Street. The next generation of surfing—software engineers and social workers—rehash the day’s waves each evening at Savannah at the Beach. In between, they are out on their boards on both sides of the pier, riding some of the most consistent waves on the West Coast and competing in the 50 surf competitions held here each year.
“HB,” as the locals call it, takes pride in its uniform of flip-flops, board shorts and hoodies. Yet, even as the city revels in its casual vibe, it has been upping the ante, adding microbrews, high-end dining and trendy nightclubs to its surf bars and sidewalk cafes.
It’s no coincidence in a culture so closely bound to the environment that Huntington Beach is ahead of the eco-curve. Its restored wetlands and parks welcome almost half the country’s bird species on their semi-annual migratory visits, as well as the birders who follow them. Smoke-free beaches, energy and water-saving measures and beach preservation add to the city’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination, preserving paradise for future birds and beachgoers.
Orange County is full of an eclectic mix of attractions. With one of the most beautiful coasts in the world, this is the place for water activities like whale watching, fishing excursions or a day trip to nearby Catalina Island. History lives here, too , in the newly restored Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Or just take a drive south to Newport and Laguna beaches, each with jewel-like coves, white sand beaches and worldclass shopping and dining.
Attractions Huntington Beach Pier. Originally built in 1904 and reconstructed several times since, today’s pier is California’s best built and longest municipal concrete structure.
It provides the perfect spot to catch the U.S. Open of Surfing, AVP Pro Volleyball Tournament or extreme sports competitions.
This enormous pier extends about a third of a mile out into the ocean and serves as a backdrop or destination both night and day for spectators and strollers who may be headed for one of the two fine dining restaurants just alongside the foot of the pier or Ruby’s Diner at the far end of the pier.
The pier is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily and can be entered at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.
Downtown Huntington Beach.
Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.
The three blocks along Huntington Beach’s Main Street are known as a lively place with a casual beach town vibe. You’ll find an eclectic variety of restaurants in downtown, from casual to gourmet to exotic.
Rooftop bars with ocean views are places to party and relax. Shopping for surf wear and equipment is unsurpassed at famous surf shops, while trendy boutiques are filled with fashion finds. The Surfers Hall of Fame and Surfing Walk of Fame honor the sport’s heroes in the pavement on opposite sides of Main Street near Pacific Coast Highway.
International Surfing Museum.
411 Olive Ave. 714-960-3483. Check out the surfing paraphernalia—boards, photos, trophies and other memorabilia—contained in this cool little museum. Historic posters of Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s father of surfing and a visitor to Huntington Beach, share space with Jan and Dean’s gold record from the 1960s. There’s also biographical information on the surfing legends whose names line the Surfing Walk of Fame on Main Street.
Surf City Nights. Every Tuesday night from 5 to 9 pm, the Surf City Nights Downtown Street Fair takes over Main Street. Tourists and local families mingle among the food and craft vendors, farmers’ market, and street performers.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
Conservancy Office, 3842 Warner Ave. 714- 846-1114. This protected wetland features a bridge and a 1.5-mile dirt trail where you can take a self-guided tour or join a docentled group to watch some of the more than 200 species of migratory birds that rest or stay here on part of the Pacific Flyway. There are even special breeding islands for endangered species. Located along Pacific Coast Highway at the north end of Huntington Beach, between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue. Parking is across PCH from the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach, and at the corner of Warner.
Newland House Muse um. 19820 Beach Blvd. 714-962-5777. Take a journey through Huntington’s history during your visit to this restored and authentically furnished 1898 Victorian farmhouse. Even the rose garden opens a window into the past— it’s planted with heirloom varieties popular in the early 20th century.
Newport Beach. Both luxury leisure and big-time business happen in Newport Beach, the financial and boating capital of Orange County. The city’s geography and attractions are quite diverse, from the winged and water nature preserve in its Back Bay to Pacific Ocean cruises. Newport Harbor holds more than 9,000 boats, making it the world’s largest small-boat harbor.
There are seven small islands in the bay, including tiny Balboa Island (pop. 2,200).
Corona del Mar is really part of Newport Beach, although it has its own character And gorgeous state beach. Newport Pier, located midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the tip of Newport’s peninsula, is a haven for surfers and tourists alike.
A smooth concrete path runs adjacent to the beach and is popular with everyone from vacationers out on a romantic stroll to fast-paced joggers. Surfers wait for waves near the pier as the place buzzes with beach activities, shopping and dining.
Every kind of food can be found here, from pizza by the slice to surf-and-turf options at romantic restaurants with spectacular views of the sunset.
Balboa Peninsula. The Balboa Pavilion, a Victorian boathouse built in the early 1900s, is at the heart of Newport’s peninsula area. Today, the pavilion holds the iconic Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom.
This spot is also grand central station for cruises and fishing trips. Here you can book trips to Catalina Island, take a yacht tour or a dinner cruise, go whale watching or rent equipment for all manner of water sports.
For beach action, there’s Balboa Pier. This pier area has limited parking, but one of the best on-the-beach parks and hillside views in Newport. The “Wedge,” located where the harbor and surf meet at the tip of the peninsula, is a famous spot for amateur and professional bodysurf enthusiasts. The historic Balboa Fun Zone has been incorporated into the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.
While the Fun Zone’s Ferris wheel and carousel remain, other rides were removed to make way for the museum, which now offers educational programs for kids and tourists who want to learn about Newport’s sailing and boating history.
Balboa Island. Nestled in Newport Harbor, Balboa Island can only be reached from a short bridge off Jamboree Road near Pacific Coast Highway or via a threecar ferry ride from Newport’s Balboa Peninsula. This retreat is chock-full of dockside mansions, lovely little beach cottages, casual cafés, trendy bistros and beautiful boutiques. Many come to walk or skate around the island’s 2.5 miles of concrete for a unique view of the harbor, multi-million- dollar homes and sleek luxury yachts.
Roger’s Gardens. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949-640-
5800. Most people don’t think of a nursery as a tourist destination, but Roger’s Gardens in Newport’s Corona del Mar is truly exceptional. This award-winning garden sits on seven hilltop acres. The innovative way Roger’s Gardens displays its creative indoor and outdoor living areas draws people looking for design ideas as well as shoppers looking for everything from holiday decorations to fine art, Italian pottery and gourmet foods.
Sherman Library & Gardens. 2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-673-2261. This jewel of a botanical garden sits right on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport’s Corona del Mar village. Stroll through the more than two acres of lush gardens with flowing fountains, bright flowers and animal-inspired sculptures. There’s also a tea garden, fern grotto, cactus garden and tropical conservatory.
Laguna Beach. Just south of Newport Beach is the California coast’s finest art center. Try to hit it in July and August, when the city hosts three summer-long art festivals, including the world-famous Pageant of the Masters show, where live models don costumes and re-create living tableaus of famous paintings and sculptures.
Laguna Beach is still a great bet any other time of the year, as this once-quaint artists’ colony now boasts a resort reputation, with nearly 100 galleries and scores of collectible and antique shops, jewelry stores, and fine craft shops. Come here to see some of Southern California’s most scenic beaches.
The Disney Resort. 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. 714-781-4565. A mere halfhour drive from the Hyatt resort, you can visit The Disney Resort with its two theme parks—the original Disneyland and the more recent California Adventure. There’s also Downtown Disney, a free entertainment and restaurant district next to the theme parks. Disney’s California Adventure, dedicated entirely to California’s many marvels, has quickly gained a place in the Hearts of tourists with more extreme rides like the California Screamin’ coaster, Tower of Terror and the Grizzly River Run whitewater experience.
Knot’s Berry Farm and Soak City. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 714- 220-5200. Don’t let the name fool you: Knott’s Berry Farm is a full-scale amusement park, complete with some extreme rides, a re-creation of an Old West town and family-friendly shows. Soak City, the adjacent water park, evokes a surfing theme that can be enjoyed throughout its 20 water attractions open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Crystal Cathedral. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. 714-971-4013. Designed by Philip Johnson, this marvel of architecture is truly a glass house. Built for the Reformed Church of America, this enormous structure (it seats 3,000) is open to the public and hosts spectacular Easter and Christmas pageants.
Bowers Muse um of Cultural Art. 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana.
714-567-3600. The Bowers Museum is known for its world-class traveling exhibits.
You’ll also find some impressive permanent collections of pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Central and South America, as well as Native American art. Don’t miss the California Legacies galleries, which lead you through the state’s transformation from a collection of agricultural communities to today’s impressive roster of cosmopolitan cities. Also visit the Bowers Kidseum just a few blocks away.
Mision San Juan Capistrano.
Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-234-1300. Known the world over as the nesting ground for thousands of swallows that migrate 6,000 miles to and from Argentina, all that is left of the original San Juan Capistrano mission is a small church. This is where the founder of the mission chain, Father Junípero Serra, worshipped long ago. The original Great Stone Church was all but destroyed in the 1812 earthquake, but Father Serra’s chapel, along with exhibits of historic artifacts, remain among newer flowering courtyards.
Camino Capistrano and the Los Rios district surrounding the mission are great places to shop and dine.
Queen Mary. 1126 Queen’s Highway, Long Beach. 562-435-3511. This classic ocean liner is now permanently docked in Long Beach Harbor as a hotel and a tourist attraction. Various tours will introduce you to the ship’s military history, Art Deco design and architecture or the ghosts of the Queen Mary. Shop and stay for dinner. That’s a Russian submarine moored next to it—it’s the Scorpion, also available for tours.
Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. 562-590-
3100. It feels like you’re under the Pacific looking in at the colorful marine and plant life at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific. More than 12,000 creatures can be observed through the aquarium’s giant see-through glass architecture. Eerie floating jellyfish, playful sea otters, and graceful sea horses that look like greenhouse plants are but a few of the fascinating underwater denizens. At the outdoor Shark Lagoon, little hands can feel real sharks and other touchable sea life.
Legoland. Cannon Road East Exit (off I-5 freeway) Carlsbad. 760-918-5346. Kids under 12 will revel in this magical world built from Legos and rides built just for them. A special room with the latest Lego pieces lets them build to their little hearts’ content.
San Diego Wild Animal Park. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. 760- 747-8702. This unique wildlife preserve allows the animals to run free while you, on the other hand, are confined to a tram that takes you through the re-created African and Asian habitats. The 1,800-acre park boasts some 3,500 beasts of every stripe and spot, representing more than 400 species, including magnificent birds of prey such as eagles and condors. The park is an offshoot of the San Diego Zoo, located farther south.
Universal Studios and CityWalk.
Off US101 at Lankershim Boulevard, Universal City, Los Angeles. 800-864-8377. This blockbuster theme park—still an actual movie and TV studio—takes you on big-screen and Small-screen rides. Special-effects shows, water playgrounds, fun zones and shows provide entertainment for the whole family.
The tram ride takes you past the original Psycho House, the Bates Motel, the War of the Worlds set and working sets like Wisteria Lane from “Desperate Housewives.” Universal CityWalk is a hip entertainment, shopping and restaurant complex at the entrance to the theme park.
Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles. Like many of its residents, this
L. A. attraction has received a much-needed face-lift. Landmark buildings have been restored, and the Hollywood & Highland entertainment and shopping complex brings in visitors from around the world.
Stop by the famous Forecourt of the Stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theater to compare your handprints and footprints with those of your favorite celebrities. Read movie star names on Hollywood Boulevard’s starstudded sideWalk of Fame, and pick up some souvenirs or a costume for next Halloween.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Here is the stuff of shopping legends: boutiques, shops, and the most sought-after jewelers. Stroll along and pop into your favorite designer’s lair or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. The Beverly Hills estates of the rich and famous are just a short drive away.
SPORTS Surfing is a lifestyle here, not just a sport.
Surfers from all over pack up their boards early in the morning and head to Huntington because of the steady wave action and large sandy beach. Swimmers and those into water sports of all types also come to play.
Local surf equipment and lesson outfitters, including the Hyatt resort’s Toes on the Nose Adventures, are pleased to show beginners the ropes in Huntington Beach, which has been described as one of the best beaches in the United States for newcomers to learn.
Surfing is a serious international sporting affair in Huntington Beach as well, with more top-notch, world-class amateur and professional surfing competitions here each year, and it is home to the U.S. Open of Surfing.
Huntington Beach is also home to several major surfing organizations, including the U.S. branch of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), which is based in Australia. Surfline.com, the world’s most visited surfing website, has its headquarters in the same ocean-view office building.
Surfers aren’t the only ones to take advantage of Huntington’s recreation. From sunup to sundown, people utilize Huntington’s Ocean Strand for exercise. Dog walkers, joggers, bicyclists and skaters all congregate along this scenic recreational path for the day’s fresh air and a panoramic view.
The Huntington Ocean Strand has plentiful bathrooms, drinking fountains and showers.
Some of the beach concessionaires are unique places to find snack foods, burgers, pizza, drinks, clothing and accessories.
Most of these shops also rent sports equipment such as beach cruiser bicycles, in-line skates and other pedal-driven vehicles, for one or more riders.
Beach volleyball courts are located only at the base of Huntington Beach Pier. Serious players practice here as this is also the place for AVP Beach Volleyball tournaments and other world-class beach volleyball tourneys.
For ball rentals and snacks, visit Dwight’s on the Beach.
Many don’t know Huntington Beach is famous in the world of Disc Golf. The Huntington Beach Disc Golf course in the city’s lovely Central Park has been called “the most beautiful disc golf course in Southern California” by AOL CityGuide. Disc Golf is actually a fusion of Frisbee and golf. Born in the hippie era of the 1960s, the game is both relaxed and rather inexpensive to play. While this game’s terminology, scores and rules are similar to golf, the above-ground baskets to catch the flying Frisbee reminds one more of basketball.
DINING The nationwide appetite for swanky steakhouses, fusion seafood spots and restaurant/ late-night lounges is evident in Orange County’s many new openings in the past Few years. However, Orange County’s reputation as a casual dining destination still stands. You can find everything from an inexpensive and tasty fish taco to an $80 surf-and-turf plate.
In recent years, Orange County’s top chefs have definitely brought the farm-to-table philosophy to fine dining. Menus built on seasonal ingredients have inspired some chefs to create dishes from fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses and olive oils from farms in Orange County or nearby North San Diego and the Inland Empire.
In Huntington Beach you’ll find options for dining beachfront, fireside, on the rooftop, or on the pier. From snack bars and pubs serving “surf food” to microbreweries, sushi bars, and the best in seasonal local California cuisine, great food is served with stunning views.
Some of the best and most trendy restaurants are in Newport Beach. Locals frequent classic steak and seafood houses, along with neighborhood bistros, cafés and coffeehouses at Cannery Village, Balboa Island, Fashion Island, Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove Promenade.
Laguna Beach was once known for its healthful food and eco-friendly lifestyle.
With many luxury resorts and restaurants springing up along its shores, Laguna Beach’s dining scene has been elevated.
Innovative eats can also be found farther south in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
Costa Mesa’s South Coast Metro district is a center for food and nightlife. Here, in one of Orange County’s most cosmopolitan regions, visitors find fine eats, strong drinks and hip scenes in and around South Coast Plaza and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. For alternative shopping and dining, The Lab is the heart of urban funk, while The Camp features a more earthy and organic experience.
In the other direction, Downtown Disney and the streets surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center are also full of dining and entertainment options. Other notable dining destinations in Orange County include Downtown Fullerton, Old Towne Orange, The Block at Orange and The Irvine Spectrum.
SHOPPING Shopping for clothing and accessories in Orange County is as sophisticated as any cosmopolitan city.
The retail village at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is a perfect place to find Southern California’s most trendy flip-flops, bikinis and board shorts. You can also find surfboards and equipment at Toes on the Nose, whimsical art at the Gallery HB, and gourmet food and beverages at Surf City Grocers.
You’ll find an impressive display of surf wear and other needed beach and getaway items for the whole family at Surf City Trading Company. Men, women and children come here to buy local designer brands in sun and beachwear.
Downtown Huntington Beach is shopping nirvana for those in the know. These three blocks of well-worn sunny sidewalks are filled with funky and fashionable boutiques, mostly women’s new and vintage clothing and accessories.
Two famous surf shops, Jack’s Surfboards and Huntington Surf & Sport (HSS), sit across from each other and rule the whole scene from the famed and scenic intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Both stores carry large varieties of designer surf wear, accessories and equipment.
Newport Beach is now internationally known for its shopping. Fashion Island is the city’s upscale outdoor mall anchored by department stores Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. Newport’s many villages are also chock-full of eclectic and expensive boutiques.
Original art is the thing to shop for in Laguna Beach, which lies just south of both Huntington and Newport beaches. More than 20 art galleries can be visited in Laguna’s downtown district alone, along with trendy shops for locally designed clothing, accessories, home decor and funky trinkets. Head out Laguna Canyon Road to find rustic studios where artists create larger than life sculptures, hand-blown glass works, custom furnishings and more.
One new shopping haven of note in Laguna is the Old Pottery Place. Known for six decades as The Pottery Shack, this set of “cobbled” buildings has been completely renovated, yet still retains its beach cottage-meets- Craftsman feel. The Old Pottery Place is the site of Sapphire Laguna, a fine dining restaurant, and its neighboring Sapphire Pantry, along with an art gallery featuring famed Laguna glassblower John Barber.
Orange County’s South Coast Plaza is a world-class shopping mall just eight miles southeast of Huntington Beach. Top designers, including Michael Kors, Valentino, Armani and Chanel, are represented here, as well as Macy’s, Nordstrom, other trendy designer boutiques and fine restaurants.
It’s a regular stop on the tour bus route for international visitors.
Antiques enthusiasts will want to head over to Old Towne Orange, where you’ll find everything from Art Deco furniture to vintage doorknobs and architectural elements on display behind original downtown storefronts.
Kayte Deioma is an internationally published travel writer and photographer based in Long Beach, CA. She regularly blogs about all things Southern California as the LA Travel Guide on About.com.
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