Rooftop Cocktails, BBQ Bites, and a Bronco Built for Sun-Soaked Detours

If your weekend doesn’t start with sunglasses on, windows down, and “California Love” blasting while cruising down PCH…you’re doing it wrong. Huntington Beach isn’t just a coastal escape—it’s a vibe. It’s the kind of place where one minute you’re sipping a pineapple rum cocktail at Treehouse, and the next you’re line dancing in the sand at SeaSalt’s backyard honky-tonk. This isn’t your average beach town—it’s sun-drenched, slightly wild, and full of unforgettable detours. So grab the keys, hop in your Bronco, and let your adventure officially begin. Huntington Beach day trip

 

Paséa Hotel & Spa

Weekends in Huntington Beach deserve a bold entrance—and nothing turns heads like rolling up oceanside. Pass off your keys to Bronco to the valet, ocean breeze in your hair, and step into Paséa like you own the coastline. This sleek, sea-facing stay has earned its rep as a go-to for both locals and luxe-seekers. The moment you walk through the airy lobby, it’s like your OOO status gets activated. With modern coastal rooms and oceanfront balconies that beg for a mimosa moment, Paséa Hotel & Spa sets the tone.

 

Huntington Beach Pier

After check-in, go for a classic seaside stroll on the Huntington Beach Pier, the heartbeat of downtown. Stretching 1,850 feet into the Pacific, this iconic pier serves both surfers below and camera-ready walkers above. Stop for photos, snag a souvenir from the kitschy shops, and catch the sea breeze in your hair—it’s part boardwalk, part runway. It’s a classic California moment that pairs perfectly with your playlist blasting from that JL Audio sub.

 

International Surfing Museum

For a hit of culture and a little AC, swing by the International Surfing Museum. Yes, it’s small, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in surf soul. You’ll find historic boards, vintage photos, and tributes to legends like Duke Kahanamoku. It’s a niche thing to do in Huntington Beach that leaves you obsessed with a sport you’ve maybe never tried.

 

SeaSalt at the Beach

When your stomach starts grumbling louder than the Bronco’s engine, cruise over to SeaSalt at the Beach. Here you can order next-level bites by Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Heritage BBQ. They offer smokehouse favorites–pulled pork, chopped brisket, potato salad, and banana pudding–with a California twist. One look at the menu will make anyone rethink skipping carbs. This newly opened spot is family-run, flavor-packed, and deliciously unfussy, making it one of the best Huntington Beach restaurants.

Local Insight: Enjoy line dancing to live music on the beach every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

 

Ninth Island Pool at Paséa Hotel

Vacation mode can make you more likely to indulge. We get it! So, why not nurse the food coma by lounging by the pool? Paséa’s pool deck has reservable cabanas, and you can order cocktails from the servers weaving between loungers. Say yes to fully leaning into the SoCal dream! While soaking up the sun, you’ll have a gorgeous ocean view overlooking the Pacific–no filter needed. Don’t worry if you didn’t book a room. Pasea offers day passes for the poolside beds, cabanas, and their brain-tingling spa services.

 

Treehouse on PCH

Now that you crossed the pool off your Huntington Beach day trip bucket list, head for cocktails at Treehouse on PCH. It’s Paséa’s rooftop bar perched above the Pacific and styled like a glam beach club meets tropical escape. DJs spin feel-good tracks while bartenders pour creative drinks like their Havana Memories or Pink Flamingo. It’s effortless, elevated, and always worth staying for “just one more.”

Local Insight: The weekday happy hour includes $10 cocktails. Yum!

 

HQ Gastropub

As the sun dips, steer into downtown and let the Bronco take the spotlight outside HQ Gastropub. Hidden behind a wall of rainbow-colored kegs inside HQ Gastropub, Graceland Speakeasy is a retro-glam hideaway that feels like a secret worth keeping. To get in, you’ll need to find the entrance—hint: it’s not your average door. Once inside, you’re transported to a lounge where 70s music plays, velvet seating invites you to sink in, and the cocktail list reads like a love letter to mixology. Try the Killer Kiwi or The Boujee, both as bold as the neon-lit decor. With views of the Huntington Beach Pier and the Pacific, Graceland offers private memberships, personal spirit lockers, and accommodates walk-in guests whenever possible.

 

Old Crow Smokehouse

Still got energy? Take the Bronco out for a final spin and cap the night at Old Crow Smokehouse! It’s one of the most lively things to do in Huntington Beach, thanks to live country bands and weekly karaoke. Here, every night feels like a honky-tonk fever dream! Whether you’re belting ‘90s ballads or just vibing with a Tennessee Margarita in hand, this place brings the party! There’s no invitation required to dance the night away at this Huntington Beach restaurant.

 

Getting Around in Style in Your KG Custom Built Ford Bronco

There’s a difference between showing up and rolling in. When you’re cruising PCH in a fully customized Ford Bronco from Ken Grody Ford, all eyes are on you—trust. It’s outfitted with ReadyLift Premium 3.5” Coil-Over Lift Kit, 22” Vossen HFX-1 gloss black wheels, and beefy 37” Nitto Ridge Grapplers! This Bronco isn’t just a ride—it’s a statement. Add color-matched ADD bumpers with Baja Design LED lighting, and you’re not heading to the beach—you’re leading a parade.

Built for both beauty and brawn, this Bronco’s specs will excite off-road fanatics and design lovers. From its Roush Performance air induction system to its ceramic tint and JL Audio stealthbox subwoofer, every inch is dialed. The gloss black Raptor grille? Iconic. The red calipers and slotted rotors? Chef’s kiss. No matter what you have planned, the Bronco has you covered for beachside hangs, rooftop views, secret speakeasies and everything in between.