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Celebrate the 2023 Holidays in Huntington Beach, CA!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:00:33 GMT

The holidays are back, and Huntington Beach, CA, is alive with the holiday spirit. Our city may be best known for its waves and surfing, but there’s plenty to do on the land once the temperature dips down.

At Surf House , we want you to make the most of the city we love to call home. That’s why we’ve assembled this list of the best ways to celebrate the 2023 holidays in Huntington Beach, CA! You’ll find activities, shows and performances, shopping destinations, and opportunities to share, with a quick reminder on how to play it safe.

Activities

Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble : Thanksgiving is coming up fast, and so is a recent Huntington Beach tradition: the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble! Held Thanksgiving morning, the race is the perfect way to work up your appetite for all the delights that await at home. This year, you’ll have your choice of wobbling 1K, 5K, or 10K, with various start times throughout the morning. The route will take you past the water, by the pier, and down Main Street.

As we go into the season of giving, it’s only appropriate that the Turkey Wobble raise money for charity. The proceeds from this event will help provide clean water to developing countries around the world. Price of entry ranges from $20 (for children 12 and under) to $30–$40 (everyone else). Strollers are also welcome, so the entire family really can participate!

Holiday Cookie Crawl : Cookies aren’t just for Santa Claus. On December 16, head on over to Pacific City for a delicious time! From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the shopping center is holding its Cookie Crawl event, during which retailers and restaurants will have free cookies for guests to enjoy. Just look for the “stop here” sign indicating that a business is participating in the event. Register ahead of time to get a bag to carry all your delicious cookies.

Christmas Eve Breakfast @ The Beach : Whether you’re a long-time resident or new in town, now’s the perfect time to take part in a Huntington Beach tradition over 30 years in the making: Christmas Eve Breakfast at Hurricanes Bar & Grill. On December 24 at 8 a.m., stop by for free scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, potatoes, and a buttermilk biscuit—all for free! While you eat, take in one of the six NFL games playing on the big-screen TVs. It’s the perfect start to the last day before Christmas!

Shows and Performances

A Christmas Carol : Just minutes away, the Long Beach Playhouse is “one of the oldest continually running Community Theaters in the western United States.” That means that when you see one of their shows, everything—from the acting and costumes to the sets and lights—is the work of real members of the Long Beach and surrounding community. Join the annual tradition by catching A Christmas Carol , the local take on the timeless classic. The show runs December 9–23, so bring the whole family to watch Scrooge’s unforgettable night.

Disney on Ice presents Encanto and Frozen : The Honda Center in nearby Anaheim is once again hosting Disney on Ice, running December 14–18. The latest installment in Disney’s series of ice-skating extravaganzas features songs and characters from two of Disney’s most popular films of the last four years. If your kids aren’t already singing those films’ songs nonstop, they sure will be on the car ride home!

Shopping

Swedish Christmas Fair : Eager to get going on your Christmas experience? We know the feeling! So it’s a good thing that the Swedish Women’s Education Association’s annual Swedish Christmas Fair is on Sunday, November 19. The fair features Swedish food, crafts, and more. There are two sessions, and admission costs $5 per person, but children under eight years of age get in free!

A VanTastic Christmas : Who doesn’t love a vintage car show? Or a pop-up market? A VanTastic Christmas—taking place at Inretrospect on December 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—is both of those things. Come for the car show—in which vintage vans will dress up all in their holiday best—and peruse the market for the perfect meal or gift, with tons of food vendors and stands to fill a morning and leave you wanting more.

Old World Christmas Market : Nothing beats a Christmas market, and this one runs every day for an entire month, from November 25 to December 24, opening at 9 a.m. at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. It’s the perfect place to spend a day, filling your belly with something warm while looking for the perfect gift or decoration in the many stands lining the paths. Many stands will even feature European imports, making it ripe with rare finds. You’ll also get to enjoy live music, so make sure to come by at least once. Given how long it runs, we won’t blame you for becoming a regular!

Huntington Beach Thirteenth Countdown to Christmas : Looking for the perfect ornaments to add to the tree this year? Look no further than the Huntington Beach Thirteenth Countdown to Christmas at Timeless Treasures Boutique. This unique shopping experience runs every day, December 7–17, and is the perfect place to find quality, handmade items, including seasonal decor and accessories, gourmet food, candy, clothing, jewelry, and more! That window is smaller than two weeks, so make sure to mark your calendar and check out the vendors while you can.

Opportunities to Share

Light a Light of Love : The Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Center is an emergency crisis intervention program focused on family reunification and ending the cycle of homelessness among youth ages 11–17. Now’s the perfect time to get involved in this worthy cause by sponsoring a snowflake. These electrical manifestations of the holiday spirit will be lit in a special ceremony on December 3 in Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street and Pier Plaza. The evening will also include a children’s parade and live entertainment, and all of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Youth Center.

All For A Good Claus : Pacific City and the Fire Department of Huntington Beach are once again taking part in the Spark of Love Toy Drive. On December 16, 2 to 4 p.m., you can bring donations to Pacific City, where children can board a real fire truck, have a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, and enjoy a holiday performance by the Orange County Song & Dance Company.

Santa Claus WITH a Cause : Looking to get your blood pumping as the weather gets cooler? Santa Claus WITH a Cause is the perfect opportunity to do that while also giving back to the community. Taking place in nearby Huntington Beach on December 16, this 5K/10K race donates all of its proceeds “to gift those who otherwise would not experience a Christmas and sincerely need staple goods to survive.” Runners are invited to put on their ugliest Christmas sweaters, join in the run, then stick around for a post-race get-together while enjoying hot chocolate, entering a raffle, and knowing that they’ve helped a good cause.

Safe Celebration

As you get into the spirit of the season, remember to exercise caution. After all, a small oversight can quickly turn the happiest time of the year into the saddest: Every year, around 7,400 fires are started by household candles. When using candles in your home, place them in safe locations, never leave them unattended, and always put them out before going to bed.

This time of year sees another influx of fire hazards enter our homes: Christmas trees. Keep your tree performing at its best by watering it regularly, and make sure to turn off the lights whenever you step out of the house or turn in for the night.

With so much to do and see, the 2023 holidays in Huntington Beach, CA, won’t be time we’ll soon forget. Fill your days with these activities, shows and performances, shopping destinations, and opportunities to share, and you’re sure to have a time that’s merry and bright. From all of us here at Surf House, happy holidays!

Moving to Huntington Beach? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:46:13 GMT

Also known as Surf City, Huntington Beach is about as close to the ideal California beach town as you can get. With great surfing and miles of sandy shoreline, Huntington Beach is a great place to live, especially if you like surfing and spending time at the beach.

This guide will cover all you need to know about moving to Huntington Beach, from the weather to the local culture and everything in between.

Weather in Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is a coastal city in Southern California. Its proximity to the ocean means that the weather changes tend to be more gentle compared to inland areas. Most of the year, the city experiences very comfortable weather. The average high temperature in the peak of summer is 79 degrees, with an average low of 65 degrees. In winter, the average high is 66 degrees, with an average low of 48 degrees.

In the warmer months, Huntington Beach enjoys clear skies 90 percent of the time. In the winter months, the weather is more likely to be overcast, but the possibility of clear skies is still around 60 percent. The weather is one of the big reasons people love living in Huntington Beach.

Restaurants in Huntington Beach, CA

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Located right on the beach, Duke’s is named after the famous Hawaiian Swimmer and Surfer Duke Kahanamoku, who brought surfing to California in 1925. Duke’s features a barefoot bar, weekend brunch, and Taco Tuesday. It’s a local favorite due to the quality food and laid-back atmosphere.

The Black Trumpet Bistro

This upscale bistro is the perfect place to grab drinks with friends or share an intimate meal with a partner. Their menu and wine selection have something for everyone, no matter your preference or dietary restrictions. They have a social hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday–Friday.

Watertable

Winner of Open Table’s Diner’s Choice Award for the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the United States, Watertable provides more than great American fare and top-class cocktails—it’s about the experience. The restaurant’s sophisticated venue enhances the overall experience of your meal.

Shopping in Huntington Beach, CA

Pacific City

This massive indoor/outdoor shopping mall is home to dozens of restaurants, clothing stores, boutiques, and a variety of other shops. If you want to spend the afternoon shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or stocking up on your favorite project, you’ll love Pacific City Shopping Center .

Huntington Harbour Place

Huntington Harbour contains a mix of restaurants, professional services, and retail stores. Unlike a traditional mall, Huntington Harbour Place contains a large number of services, such as nail salons, spas, dental clinics, real estate offices, and more. You can buy groceries from the Trader Joe’s located in Harbour Place and get dinner at one of many great restaurants also located within.

Bella Terra

Bella Terra is a beautiful shopping center with all the stores you know and love, like Trader Joe’s, Kohl’s, REI, Costco, Whole Foods, and Old Navy. Another reason to visit Bella Terra is to treat yourself to new lashes, nails, or makeup at one of its salons and spas.

Outdoor Recreation in Huntington Beach, CA

Surfing

Huntington Beach is one of the top surf towns on the West Coast, earning the nickname Surf City, USA. Thanks to a combination of great waves and surfing history, Huntington Beach is a world-famous location for surfing competitions, surfing schools, shops, and camps. Whether you’re new to the area and looking to try surfing for the first time or a lifelong surfer looking for great waves, Huntington Beach is the perfect place for you.

Go Fishing with a Charter

There are several great fishing charters that operate out of Huntington Beach. If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood or want to try out something a little different, consider taking a trip to the open ocean for some deep-sea fishing. Most charters include all the tackle and bait you’ll need to catch fish, but be sure to bring sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and any food and drink you might need. Some charters require you to get your own fishing license. Others might have the license included in the price.

Horseback Riding in Huntington Central Park

Did you know that there’s a 350-acre park and equestrian center in Huntington Beach? Huntington Central Park is one of the largest parks in all of Orange County and contains miles of trails that are perfect for horseback riding. There are a number of companies, like Horse Play Rentals , that offer tours, trail rides, romantic picnics, and more. If you’re interested in investing more time into learning horseback riding, there are also riding schools that will teach you everything you need to know to be confident on the back of a horse.

Beaches in Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is known for its amazing beaches. When looking for a spot to enjoy the sand and waves, you’ll have seven different beaches to choose from.

Huntington Dog Beach

Not all beaches welcome dogs, but residents of Huntington Beach are lucky enough to have a great dog-friendly beach where they can run and play with their four-legged best friends. This beach has dog water stations and waste bags for the convenience of pets and owners.

Location: E. Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Parking: Several lots available up the bluff with metered parking
Hours: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Bolsa Chica Beach is a picturesque coastal destination known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Stretching along the Pacific Coast Highway, this pristine beach features sandy shores, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.

Beyond its scenic charm, Bolsa Chica Beach is known for being close to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which provides a habitat for numerous bird species and marine life. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, bird-watching, and the opportunity to witness the area’s diverse coastal ecosystem while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Location: 18331 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Parking: Designated parking lots with day-use fees required
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m., gates close at 9 p.m.

Huntington City Beach

Huntington City Beach is located along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California. It’s a quintessential Southern California beach destination. This vibrant and lively stretch of coastline is renowned for its sun-soaked sands, perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and beach sports. Known for its consistent waves, it’s a hotspot for surfers and the site of a popular annual surf competition: the US Open of Surfing.

Beyond the waves and golden sands, Huntington City Beach boasts a bustling beachfront promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is a focal point, offering panoramic ocean views and a chance to witness local fishermen in action.

Location: E. Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA
Parking: Designated parking lot with day-use fees required
Hours: 5 a.m.–10 p.m., gates close at 9 p.m.

Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its wide sandy shoreline, surf-friendly waves, and convenient facilities. It’s a family-friendly spot with opportunities for sunbathing, beach sports, and wildlife observation, perfect for a day of seaside relaxation or water sports in Southern California.

Location: E. Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Parking: Designated parking lot with required day-use fees
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m., gates close at 9 p.m.

JG Island Beach

JG Island Beach is the southern end of Huntington State Beach at the north side of the Santa Ana River Channel. This relatively unknown spot is next to the popular state park and is frequented by surfers and bird-watchers alike.

Location: E. Pacific Coast Highway and Brookhurst Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Parking: Huntington State Beach Parking Lot, day-use fees required
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m., gates close at 9 p.m.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, California, is a peaceful coastal community celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets. The wide sandy shoreline is perfect for sunbathing and popular among surfers. Along Pacific Avenue, you’ll find charming shops and eateries, adding to the town’s relaxed ambiance. Sunset Beach offers a serene coastal escape along the Pacific Coast Highway, away from the hustle and bustle.

Location: 19th Street and South Pacific Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Parking: Free street parking along Pacific Avenue
Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is favored by surfers and beach enthusiasts for its relatively uncrowded waves and serene atmosphere. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city life, making it perfect for leisurely strolls along the water’s edge or watching the sunset in a tranquil setting.

The community around Surfside Beach consists of charming beachfront homes, each with its unique character, adding to the beach’s overall charm.

Location: Anderson Street and Surfside Avenue, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Parking: Free parking along Pacific Avenue
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Local Attractions in Huntington Beach, CA

Visit the Reptile Zoo

With over 100 different species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids, the Reptile Zoo is the perfect place to visit if you or a loved one has an interest in things that slither and crawl. The Reptile Zoo has an after-school program and hosts birthday parties and events, making it a perfect option for kids who are exploring the natural world.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Visitors to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve can explore its network of walking trails and scenic overlooks, offering opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature photography. The reserve is particularly famous for being a critical stopover point for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

International Surfing Museum

There’s no better place to explore the history of surfing than Huntington Beach. This museum is a tribute to the sport and culture of surfing, celebrating the rich history and influence of this iconic water sport. This museum serves as a mecca for surf enthusiasts and offers a captivating journey through the evolution of surfing.

Inside the International Surfing Museum, you’ll find a variety of different surfboards, memorabilia, and artifacts that chronicle the history of surfing, from its ancient Polynesian roots to its modern-day global popularity. The museum also pays homage to influential surfers, surfboard shapers, and pioneers who have contributed to the sport’s growth.

Cost of Living in Huntington Beach, CA

Much like all of coastal California, the cost of living is high. However, Huntington Beach is more expensive than most other coastal cities in California. The average home costs around $1.2 million, and rent can be expensive as well. Depending on where you’re comfortable living, most apartments will be around $2,000–$3,000 per month. The more luxurious locations and homes can go for much more.

The price of groceries and other products is also higher than the national average. However, healthcare and utility costs are a bit lower than the national average.

Learn more about the cost of living in Huntington Beach, CA.

Jobs

Compared to places like Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, Huntington Beach isn’t home to many large employers or tech companies. Outside of schools, healthcare, and working for the city, most jobs in Huntington Beach are in retail and hospitality. Tourism is hugely important to Huntington Beach and accounts for many of the local jobs.

Learn more about available jobs in Huntington Beach, CA.

Education

Huntington Beach has a great public school system. From elementary schools to high schools, nearly every school has a great rating, making Huntington Beach a great place for families with school-age children.

For adults, Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach. It’s a two-year public university that offers a variety of undergraduate degrees for an affordable price. Just to the north in Long Beach is California State University Long Beach , which is a large university offering a huge variety of different degrees.

Culture

Huntington Beach is the quintessential Socal town. Even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll be fully immersed in the surfing culture. Huntington Beach is laid back and mellow compared to larger cities nearby. Most residents enjoy beachside sports, recreation, and social activities, which gives the city a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, especially along the coast near the shops and restaurants.

Art

For those who are passionate and creative, Huntington Beach is a great place to live. There are multiple art galleries throughout the city as well as the Huntington Beach Art Center , which provides frequent exhibits, family art events, and much more.

We love living in Huntington Beach! With the great shops, restaurants, schools, and more, you’ll love it too. If you’re looking to move to Huntington Beach, CA, consider Surf House Apartments. We’re a luxury apartment community located in the heart of Huntington Beach. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour!