Just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Huntington Beach has a small town vibe with resort town benefits: Chic hotels and restaurants, great shopping and beach as far as the eye can see. Known as “Surf City, USA,” it draws families who come here to reconnect, and hipsters who come to unwind. Catch the wave and enjoy endless stretches of sand and surf. You’ll never want to leave.

Sleep: Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel
This boutique hotel is a true gem, with a friendly, neighbourly vibe. The lobby and dining room/bar are always buzzing, but fellow guests (including furry friends) are cordial and considerate. Beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, blankets and cruisers are on the house—as long as you arrive early enough to score one before they’re all gone. Once the sun sets, enjoy S’mores by the fire and courtyard games—fun runs ’round the clock here.

Photo: Duke’s Huntington Beach

Eat: Duke’s
You can’t beat Duke’s when it comes to the beachfront location and proximity to the Pier Plaza Art Afaire, which takes place every Friday and select weekends throughout the year, when you can browse for handmade jewellery and original works of art. The macadamia nut encrusted fish at Duke’s stands out as memorable, but the waterfront view is the real star of the show.

Do: Surf lessons at the Hyatt
Huntington Beach is packed with surf shops and beachwear boutiques so you can shop for cut-off jeans, ponchos and Havaianas to your heart’s content, but don’t let that keep you from getting surf lessons with the Hyatt’s Toes on the Nose Surf Shop. Huntington Beach is known as Surf City for a reason—and it’s time you found out.

By Catalina Margulis