Looking for the perfect winter getaway? A place with a beachy vibe that lasts all through the dreary doldrums of December (January and February, too)? Then look no further than Huntington Beach, California—also known as Surf City USA. This lovely coastal city is less than an hour away from Los Angeles, so it makes a great day trip when visiting LA; though it is certainly a top-notch tourist destination all its own.
But Huntington Beach isn’t just about surfing—it’s about the laidback, cool vibes that permeate the city from its almost 10 mile stretch of sandy beach beauty to the heart of the city itself, the Huntington Beach Pier; itself one of the longest piers on the entire West Coast. However, for those who really want to experience all Huntington Beach has to offer, the nightlife is where it's at— as HB is chock full of fun bars and lounges, many of which are within walking distance of the downtown area and the oceanfront. Below are some of the best spots for travelers to check out when visiting the vibrant and bustling Surf City USA.
Surfs Up At Surf City Alehouse
Get into the surf spirit of HB with a visit to Surf City Alehouse. The perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon brew or a fun, friendly, bustling bar atmosphere after dark, Surf City also has plenty of cool outdoor spaces where visitors can soak up plenty of sunny, beachy vibes—and don’t forget about those amazing Southern CA views!
- Location: 301 Main Street, Suite 101
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 12 PM-12 AM, Friday 12 PM-2 AM, Saturday 10 AM-2 AM, Sunday 10 AM-12 PM
- Food: Yes
- What To Try: Kona Brewing ‘Big Wave,’ Dragonberry Mojito, Surfs Up Lemonade
- Outdoor Seating: Yes, two patios and a Biergarten courtyard
Have A Late Night Hangout At HQ Gastropub
Global cuisine; fun, lively vibes; and a cozy, hip space that’s open and inviting—all of this and more can be found at the cool HB spot known as HQ Gastropub. Perfect for a late-night hang and a delish meal or for chilling during happy hour, this happening pub/restaurant is definitely as the name suggests—High Quality.
- Location: 155 5th Street, Suite F-183
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday 12 PM-12 AM, Friday & Saturday 12 PM-1 AM, Happy Hour 3 PM-6 PM daily
- Food: Yes
- What To Try: HQ Habanero Mule, Coconut Grove, HQ’s Purple Rain IPA
- Outdoor Seating: Yes, outdoor Beer Garden
Enjoy The Best Views At Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge
The highest coastal rooftop lounge in Orange County, the Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge is located on the 9th floor of the Twin Dolphin Tower. Come for the specialty cocktails and stay for the amazing panoramic views offered at this sophisticated Southern CA spot.
- Location: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway
- Hours: Wednesday through Friday 4 PM-10 PM, Saturday & Sunday 2 PM-10 PM (weather permitting). Live music Thursday and Sunday 5 PM-8 PM
- Food: Yes, small plates for sharing and desserts
- What To Try: Surf Hero IPA with Pineapple Splash, The Rooftop Refresher, Belle Glos ‘Balade’ Pinot Noir
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
Beachside BBQ And Country Music At Old Crow Smokehouse
Authentic BBQ in Huntington Beach? Why not! At Old Crow Smokehouse, the vibes are country and the atmosphere is fun, friendly, and laidback—so be sure to put on your dancing shoes for an unforgettable night of good times at this honky tonk beachside BBQ joint.
- Location: 21022 Pacific Coast Highway
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 12 PM-9 PM, Friday & Saturday 12 PM-1 AM
- Food: Yes, be sure to try the ribs!
- What To Try: Blackberry Crow cocktail, Old Crow Honey Blonde draft, The Prized Pig
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
The Biergarten At Old World HB Is German Fun At Its Finest
An authentic German restaurant in the heart of Huntington Beach, The Biergarten at Old World HB is located inside the Old World Village and is a great place to grab a brew and a bite from their menu featuring all the traditional German faves like schnitzels, sauerbraten, German pretzels and more. There’s also live entertainment on the weekends at this bustling Biergarten—and don’t forget to visit in the fall for their World Famous Oktoberfest.
- Location: 7561 Center Ave. #49
- Hours: Biergarten open Thursday 5 PM-9 PM, Friday 5 PM-11 PM, Saturday 12 PM-4:30 PM, Sunday 12 PM-9 PM; restaurant hours differ.
- Food: Yes, limited menu in Biergarten
- What To Try: Bischofhof Hefe hefeweizen, Munich Mule, SPATEN Octoberfest
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
Whiskey, Pizza, And Good Times At Johnny’s Saloon
Dive bar lovers unite! Johnny’s Saloon is the perfect punk rock place to take a night out in HB to the next level. Voted one of the Top 50 Whiskey Bars in the U.S., Johnny’s Saloon is an awesome spot to catch some great live music while reveling in its dive bar charm and super cool atmosphere.
- Location: 17428 Beach Boulevard
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 5 PM-2 AM, pizzeria open Wednesday through Sunday 5 PM-10 PM
- Food: Yes
- What To Try: Michters Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon, Dolly Parton (shooter), 12oz. can of PBR (a dive bar classic!)
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
Any trip to scenic Huntington Beach wouldn’t be complete without a night out at one of its many happening bars and lounges that offer everything from crafty cocktails to live music; great food and even better company. Whether it's a dive bar, a PBR, and a slice of pizza, or an elegant rooftop experience with a nice bottle of wine and a spectacular view, Huntington Beach has it all.