Food & Beverage

Kimpton Shorebreak Resort “Chef’s Table” - Returning quarterly in 2023

Returning in 2023 is the Kimpton Shorebreak’s Chef Table concept, a themed food and beverage pairing dinner with limited seating for 25-30 guests. After a successful 2022 season, the event has drawn in locals and offers guests an intimate setting with Executive Chef Gilbert Laurie. Stay tuned for menu and ticket information on Pacific Hideaway’s Instagram.

Culinary Corner at Watertable – weekly Friday-Sunday

Located at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Watertable will be hosting weekly Culinary Corner reservations for guests to experience chef demonstrations and intimate conversations. Reservations are required.

State Beach Concessions

The incredibly popular beachfront dining experiences at Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches are officially open for the 2023 season featuring VIP packages, new menu items, fresh cocktails, live music and family-friendly events.

• SeaLegs at the Beach (Bolsa Chica State Beach)
  • New menu items include pulled pork sandwich, BBQ sausage bites, churro waffles and a Kings Hawaiian Monte Cristo sandwich
  • Weekly Saturday Doggie Dog Brunch with special menu items for your pups
  • Saturday afternoon concerts sealegsatthebeach.com
  • Sunday brunch with The Beatles and Reggae afternoons until sunset
  • Fire pit VIP experiences
• The Huntington Beach House (Huntington State Beach)
  • New menu items include chimichurri steak kabobs, bang bang shrimp baskets and birria ramen. New brunch menu includes a variety of breakfast bowls, Fruity Pebbles French toast sticks and a breakfast grilled cheese sandwich
  • Sundays have new bottomless mimosas and house music for endless party vibes
• Sahara’s Sandbar & Pizza (Huntington State Beach)
  • Opening with a new full liquor license and enhanced drink menu. New menu items include Stromboli, calzones, meatballs-on-a-stick & made-to-order milkshakes
  • Biggie Brunch on Sundays with 90s and 2000’s throwback hip hop
  • As always, $1 per pizza is donated to Families Forward

New Restaurant Openings

Calico Fish House – opened February 2023

Calico Fish House is an oceanfront diner celebrating all things salt and water – a study of local produce, meat, seafood, and shellfish. Opening in Huntington Beach’s historic neighborhood of Sunset Beach, the flavors in the dishes stem from specialty brines and seasonings with sustainability as a priority. The menu combines the “best of” Chef Andrew Gruel’s dishes from the past two decades of cooking all over America - from burgers, chops and oysters to the perfect fish sandwich.

• Andrew Gruel is an American chef and television personality, based in Orange County, California. He appeared as a judge on Food Network's Food Truck Face Off and as a host of FYI's Say It to My Face!, and is the founder, CEO and executive chef of Slapfish, a seafood restaurant franchise based out of Huntington Beach, California; Big Parm, a pizza restaurant in Tustin, California; and Two Birds, a chicken restaurant in Irvine, California

Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Beach Club & Bar – opened April 2023

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar will bring a taste of Cabo San Lucas to Huntington Beach when the first Cabo Wabo Beach Club & Bar debuts at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel in March 2023. The new location will offer an elevated flavorful menu of coastal Mexican cuisine and span more than 11,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining, lounge seating, bars, and a private dining room for meetings and other exclusive gatherings. Designed by Ideation Design Group, Cabo Wabo Beach Club will bring coastal designs with vibrant elements and rock & roll features peppered throughout, including a noteworthy outdoor flaming guitar fire pit. See here for more information.

The Brant – opens May 2023

Located at Pacific City (level 2, next door to The Bungalow), The Brant Kitchen & Bar will offer elevated California fare with views of the Pacific Ocean and provide guests another late-night option for craft cocktails and nightlife.

SHOR – opens June 2023

Located on the bike path directly across from the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, SHOR will open as a concession stand and extension of the Hyatt’s services. Available for resort guests, SHOR will offer beach chairs, umbrellas, and elevated food options for beachgoers. In addition, SHOR will have its full liquor license, allowing guests the option to enjoy beverages on the sand.

Tacos Los Cholos Huntington Beach – opens summer 2023

Born out of the love for great tacos, Tacos Los Cholos started as a small pop-up business and made a presence at local events. Fast forward, it’s now a wildly known Orange County taqueria with two brick and mortar locations in Anaheim, Fullerton, and a third location opening in Downtown Huntington Beach on 5th Street, across the street from the Pier.

California Fork and Spoon – opens spring 2024

Local restaurateur Alicia Cox, owner and founder of The Prjkt Restaurant Group, has been changing the coastal landscape in Huntington Beach after she transformed the beach concessions in Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach. Each concession has a distinct concept that’s unique to its location and offer events, live music, comedy shows, and more during the summer months. The following concessions are currently open: SeaLegs at the Beach, SeaSalt Burger, Pacific Kitchen, Beach City Provisions, The Huntington Beach House, Sandbox, and Sahara Sandbar. California Fork & Spoon will be the last to open and will be located on Brookhurst & PCH. Slated to open May 2023, the location will offer elevated California fare to beachgoers.

Surf City USA® Barrel Trail 

The Surf City USA® Barrel Trail returned in March 2023 highlighting Huntington Beach’s 16 craft breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms as the perfect way to explore the destination. Participating partners include:

• Flashpoint Brewing Company
• Huntington Beach Beer Company
• Riip Beer Company
• Surf City Still Works
• Beachwood Pizza & Beer
• Green Cheek Beer Company
• Riip Beer & Pizza
• Brightwaters Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Four Sons Brewing
• Golden Road Brewing
• 400 Club
• vomFass
• Four Sons Taproom on Main
• HB Taproom & Kitchen (Four Sons Brewing)
• Matter of Craft Bottle Shop, Taproom, & Scratch Kitchen
• Main Street Wine Company

Attractions

25th Anniversary of Surfin’ Sundays (April–October 2023)

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Surfin’ Sundays at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza. Surf rock concerts take place on select Sundays from 11am-6pm throughout April-October, with vendors from 9am-6pm. Proceeds support the concert series and International Surfing Museum.

Huntington Beach Central Park Equestrian Center

The Huntington Beach Equestrian Center is a 25-acre facility that offers boarding for 400+ horses, a full-time operating riding school, and a therapeutic riding center that provides Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for humans. Located in Huntington Beach’s Central Park (4km/2.5mi from the beach), guests can experience Free Rein Tours - a safe, outdoor activity for those with a heart for horses, humans, and wildlife. During the 90-minute guided tour, guests meet rescued and adopted horses and mustangs, learn about the equine therapy program, and explore Huntington Beach’s Urban Forest. Tickets start at $35/adult with reservations available online. Proceeds go towards the care and feeding of the foundation’s rescued horses.

Guided Walking Tours

Huntington Beach is a town filled with history that ranges from an oil boom in the 1920s to over 100 years of surfing. Learn about it firsthand through two guided walking tours:

• Historical Downtown Walking Tour – led by Visit Huntington Beach Visitor Experience Specialists
• Surf City USA Uncovered (Live!) - led by local historian, Chris Epting

These 90-minute guided tours take place twice a month and showcases Huntington Beach’s historic sites including the Huntington Beach Pier, International Surfing Museum, and the Golden Bear music venue. Purchase $5 tickets and learn more at surfcityusa.com.

Accessible Huntington Beach Activities

Read more about beach accessibility in Surf City USA here.

1. Adaptive Surf Program. McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons provides premium surf and stand-up paddle board lessons utilizing professional surfing and paddling experience with quality equipment to ensure success. As a longtime Huntington Beach local, Rocky McKinnon and his team understand the best surf conditions for all levels and prioritizes safety. With a custom built 14-foot chair board for adaptive surfing, his goal is for everyone to receive a successful, enjoyable experience fit for any body type and skill level.

• Adaptive Surfing (1 hour) – Tandem with safety escort ($125); Chair board with safety team ($150)

2. Huntington Beach Therapeutic Riding Center. The Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach was founded in 1990 by a group of community volunteers who wanted to provide services to individuals with disabilities in Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT). Therapeutic riding, horseback riding combined with physical therapy, is one form of EAAT and is a beautiful way to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting Huntington Beach.

3. Huntington Beach All-Inclusive Playground. Huntington Beach's 4,660-square-foot all-inclusive beach playground can be accessed from existing pathways from parking areas and the beach path. The playground concept, created by Dave Bang Associates, Inc., was designed to be all- inclusive, with the play units designed to provide accessibility and promote interactive play among children of all abilities. The entire playground is surfaced with rubber surfacing as approved by the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing complete accessibility. It is equipped with features that allow wheelchair access on special swing sets.

4. Able Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while supporting the autism community. Able Roasters is the first coffee shop employing individuals with Autism and other disabilities while roasting fresh organic coffee. They serve quality organic beans imported directly from small farmers across the globe and roasted daily.

5. Huntington Beach Mobi-Mat. On May 5, the City of Huntington Beach unveiled its first Mobi-Mat, a new beach pathway that allows easier access for visitors to the shore. Made from recycled polyester, it keeps devices such as wheelchairs from sinking into the sand.

6. Hyatt Regency HB - Accessible Bonfires. The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa have partnered with Access Trax to offer accessible bonfires for groups. Reservations can be made through the Hyatt’s concierge team.

Upcoming Signature Events

May 2023

Kowabunga VW Bus Car Show (May 13)

The Kowabunga Van Klan of Huntington Beach is back for another great show at the Huntington Beach Pier. This car show will showcase hundreds of the finest classic Volkswagen vans in the area.

Sunset Beach Art Festival (May 13 -14)

Support community artisans at the 54th annual Sunset Beach Art Festival with a walk down Sunset Beach's famous greenbelt. Discover unique vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and explore activities for the kids.

Association of Volleyball Players (AVP) Huntington Beach Open (May 19 – 21)

Since 2000, Huntington Beach has been a staple on the AVP Beach Volleyball Tour schedule, and with good reason. The wide beaches, pristine volleyball courts, and extensive selection of hotels, shopping, and dining make us a favorite for athletes and spectators alike. Come watch professional men’s and women’s volleyball players compete at the Huntington Beach Pier. Event is free to attend.

June 2023

Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance (June 3 - 4)

The 37th annual Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance car show will now take place on June 3 & 4, 2023 at Huntington Beach Central Library! The show will feature Hot Rods and Customs on Saturday and a salute to Chevrolet Corvettes and the Jaguar line of automobiles on Sunday. Tickets can purchase entry at the gate and are required upon entry.

HB Sand Soccer Tournament (June 3 - 4)

Over 250 youth teams from Southern California and Nevada will be playing in the only 7 vs. 7 Sand Soccer Tournament in the world. Open to all soccer players ages u-8 to u-19, boys and girls, with a focus on fun. Events will take place at Huntington State Beach, south of Beach Boulevard.

2023 Orange County Crown Grass Volleyball Tournament (June 17 – 18)

The Orange County Crown Grass Volleyball Tournament is presented by Bad Boys Open VB and SLUNKS in association with p1440 and AVB Network. This premier tournament is coming to the Huntington Sports Complex featuring volleyball, vendor booths, food and much more!

Strut Beach Club's OC Pride Beach Party (June 25)

Taking place at Sahara Sandbar & Pizza at Huntington State Beach, celebrate Pride with live music from 12pm – late. No cover charges. Beach parking is $15/day.

July 2023

Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration (June 30 – July 4)

Launched in 1904, the first Huntington Beach 4th of July celebration commemorated the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach and Los Angeles. 118 years later, the annual tradition annually attracts more than 500,000 attendees with over 5 days of programming that includes a Surf City 5K run, block party, retail and food vendors, beachfront carnival, cornhole tournament, parade, and evening fireworks over the HB Pier.

A Walk on Water Surf Therapy Huntington Beach (July 15)

Since launching in 2012, A Walk On Water (AWOW) has served thousands of children with unique needs, and their families through transformative Surf Therapy. AWOW Surf Therapy is uniquely built on the concept of including the entire family in a connection to the healing powers of the ocean and our natural world. RSVPs are required for families looking to participate.

U.S. Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico (July 29 – August 6)

The US Open of Surfing is the world's largest surf competition. The annual event includes world-class surfing and product demos and samples from your favorite action sport industry brands. The event is free to the public with a large event footprint south of the Huntington Beach Pier.

August 2023

Surfing Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony (August 3)

Like the Walk of Fame for Hollywood stars, a stretch of sidewalk located next to Jack's Surfboards pays tribute to the immortals of surfing. The Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame induction committee includes approximately 80 international surf industry notables who submit their choice for six categories: Surf Culture, Local Hero, Surf Pioneer, Surf Champion, Woman of the Year and Honor Roll. The Surfing Walk of Fame induction ceremony is held annually in conjunction with the US Open of Surfing competition. Past inductees include Sean Collins, Eddie Aikau, Greg Noll, Andy Irons, Tom Curren, Dick Dale and Hobie Alter.

Surfers’ Hall of Fame (August 4)

The Surfers’ Hall of Fame Committee is honored and blessed to announce Ítalo Ferreira, Laylan Connelly and Fernado Aguerre as the three inductees in the upcoming 2023 ceremony to be held in Huntington Beach on Friday, August 4th, 9:00am, at Huntington Surf & Sport (corner of Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway). The nation’s first imprint collection of legendary surfers, the Surfers’ Hall of Fame celebrated its first induction in 1997 inside of specialty retailer HSS where several slabs still remain. Four years later with the blessing of the City Council and a stunning bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku serving as a backdrop, the ceremony moved outside to the corner of PCH and Main, less than 100 feet from the famed Huntington Beach Pier, site of the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing.

September 2023

A Great Day in the Stoke (September 16)

A Great Day in the Stoke is the “largest gathering of black surfers” and will be returning to Huntington Beach for its second year. The event welcomes the Black community and allies to the beach and shows support for the growing BIPOC surf community. The surf competition is accompanied by free surf lessons, beach yoga, surfboard demos and more.

Surf City 10 (September 17)

The perfect California running experience – for everyone. This fall, Huntington Beach is once again home to one of the most beautiful running races in California – start and finish from Huntington Beach’s Pier Plaza. Run along the PCH and take in sandy beaches, palm tree-studded hills, and more. Whatever your distance, 10 miles, 10k, or 5k, celebrate post-race Surf City style! Don’t miss out on California’s perfect 10.

October 2023

Cars N Copters (October 15)

The Cars N Copters on the Coast Event in Downtown Huntington Beach features unique hypercars such as Koenigseggs, Bugattis, Paganis, Mclarens, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, and many more. This show is free for spectators and is a family-friendly event anticipating over 400 cars of a variety of makes and models, in addition to several local authorities and privately-owned helicopters.

Fall Corgi Beach Day (October 28)

Corgi Beach Day is a biannual event that takes place at Huntington Dog Beach in the spring and fall. The largest bash of its kind, the event celebrates all things corgis; the cute little dogs are known for their great personalities, adorable coats, and friendly smiles. Corgi owners and dog enthusiasts commune from all over to pawty at the beach and enjoy themed contests and activities, photo stations, dog-centric vendor village, corgi kissing booth, gourmet food truck pavilion, and much more! All dogs (and humans) are welcome to attend this free, family-friendly event.

2023 World Flying Disc Federation World Beach Ultimate Championships (October 28 – November 4)

WBUC 2023 will be the most spectacular showcase our sport has ever seen. We can’t wait to show Southern California the full of beauty, athleticism, and the spirit of Beach Ultimate.

November 2023

2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championship (November 5 – 11)

In line with the mission to develop the sport of Surfing in all of its forms across the globe, the International Surfing Association has taken an active role in the development and advancement of Para Surfing to create a global platform for universal access to the sport and enable Para Surfers the opportunity to achieve sporting excellence and inspire others. The ISA World Para Surfing Championship gathers the world’s best para surfers to compete and display their talents in a Paralympic-style, World Championship competition. Huntington Beach will host the 2023 event.

California Wine Festival Huntington Beach (November 10 – 11)

Wine, food, music, sea, and sun. These elements create the quintessential wine tasting experience at the California Wine Festival – Huntington Beach. Paséa Hotel & Spa hosts California’s best wineries pouring hundreds of vintage red and white wines, complemented by dozens of the region’s top chefs and specialty food purveyors serving gourmet appetizers along with live music and an ocean view. The event will run for two days with options of VIP or GA tickets.

December 2023

Light a Light of Love (December 3)

Join Waymakers and the Huntington Beach Community at the annual Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting at Pier Plaza. This annual celebration benefits the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, an emergency crisis and intervention program for abused, homeless, and struggling children ages 11 to 17 focusing on family reunification. Come witness the parade down Main Street before the lighting of 80 donated snowflakes on the Huntington Beach Pier.

Holiday Activations in Huntington Beach (Dates TBD)

• Surf City Winter Wonderland – Located at the Huntington Beach Pier, the Surf City Winter - Wonderland ice skating rink overlooks the ocean and is perfect for family outings.
• The Ice Rink at Paséa Hotel & Spa - The annual ocean front ice rink at Paséa Hotel & Spa will return this holiday season. This secluded skating experience is complete with holiday cocktails and bites, theme nights (Mariah Carey’s greatest holiday hits, anyone?), evenings honoring first responders, luxury firepit experiences, group skate sessions, performances and more. Skate and chill where the sand meets the snow.
• Pier Summit Ski Lodge at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort - Transport back to a 1980’s Christmas at this themed pop-up bar at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort. The Pier Summit Ski Lodge is serving up a selection of affectionately named craft cocktails, themed Jazzercise classes, and live music sets to really take guests back to a time when neon décor and one- piece ski outfits were a way of life. 2023 dates will be announced in October.

For more information, please visit surfcityusa.com.