Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach: Sushi, Spa Days and Cabana Cocktails

Spoiler Alert: I Didn’t Want to Leave

I’m no Picasso, but let me paint you a picture: blue skies, swaying palms, ocean air thick with sunscreen and saltwater—and me rolling up to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa with a suitcase full of swimsuits. Thankfully, this beachfront resort in Orange County delivered. From luxe spa treatments and sushi by the surf to mid-morning mimosas and a cabana I basically moved into, this place had all the makings of a weekend well spent. Here’s everything you need to know—before you make your own grand coastal escape.

The Rooms: More Like a Beach House with Room Service

Best Beachfront Resorts Orange County — Credit: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

I checked into the Sunset Suite and immediately considered subletting it for the rest of the year. With 900 square feet of space, ocean views and two full bathrooms, this suite was giving coastal queen energy. The king bed was comfier than it had any right to be, the jetted tub was a whole vibe, and the patio? Prime real estate for pretending you live here full-time. I also did what any self-respecting traveler would do and ordered room service in my robe: short rib hash (don’t sleep on the hollandaise) and lemon-blueberry pancakes that deserve their own fan club. Bonus points for the giant TVs and premium coffee setup, which I absolutely took full advantage of.

The Spa: Your Skin’s New Happy Place

Tucked near a koi pond in the back corner of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Pacific Waters Spa is where stress goes to die. The space is warm and quiet and smells like you’ve just entered heaven’s waiting room. I opted for the new Codage facial, which is basically a French skincare masterclass wrapped in a 50-minute facial sculpting session. They used vegan, natural ingredients and techniques that left my skin plump, glowing and looking like a perfectly glazed donut. Afterward, I took my time enjoying the spa amenities, which include a steam room, dry sauna and saltwater hot tub. If you’re a robe girlie like me, you’ll thrive here.

The Pools: Float, Sip, Sun, Repeat

Credit: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

This Huntington Beach hotel does pool days very well. I posted up in a private cabana at Mankota’s, the lagoon-style pool that feels like an island resort—but make it Surf City. The cabana came with a TV, fruit plate, bottled water and the kind of couch you accidentally fall asleep on. Meanwhile, the kids (and let’s be honest, a few grown-ups) were over at Slyder’s Water Playground, making the most of the three—yes, three—waterslides. If you need me, I’m in the hot tub grotto wondering if I can write off this trip as a wellness retreat.

The Food: A+ Seafood, A++ Cocktails

Credit: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

First stop: Pete’s Sunset Grille for lunch, where the drinks come with umbrellas and the seafood comes fresh from the ocean (or at least it tastes like it). I kicked things off with a Coconut Cove—Tito’s, coconut cream, pineapple juice and a dark rum float, aka “yes, please in a glass.” The jumbo shrimp cocktail was a classic done right, but the Surf City Roll and chilled seafood salad stole the show.

Dinner at Watertable later that evening felt like a grown-up reward for making it through a long day of sunbathing. The ahi tuna crudo was citrusy and bright, the whipped ricotta was a dream and the swordfish main? Perfection. I ended with a dessert cocktail called Midnight in Oaxaca, and honestly, it lives rent-free in my head now. Mezcal and espresso should not go that well together—but they do.

Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (Yes, It’s Possible)

The best part about staying at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach? You don’t have to leave the resort—but if you do, there’s a ton of fun waiting for you. I booked the hotel’s beach bonfire experience and spent golden hour cozied up in a chair, s’mores in hand, wrapped in a blanket like a California queen. The next morning, I wandered down to The Huntington Beach House for their House Music Brunch. Live DJs, chilaquiles, bottomless mimosas and beach views? I stayed longer than I planned. Later, I hit Pacific City for a little retail therapy (and yes, I bought another swimsuit I didn’t need), strolled the iconic pier, and grabbed a lobster roll with caviar at Broad Street Oyster Company that reminded me why carbs and butter are forever.

Oh, and dog lovers? Don’t miss Huntington Dog Beach. It’s like a dating app for dogs and a serotonin boost for humans. I didn’t bring my pup, but I definitely left with 47 new furry friends and 83 dog videos on my phone.

Final Thoughts: Book the Trip and Order the Pancakes

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is the kind of place where every detail is handled, but nothing feels overly precious. It’s casual luxury with a little side of “Why don’t I live here?” energy. From the spa to the sushi to the squeals of joy coming from the water slides, it delivers a getaway that’s equal parts playful and peaceful. So pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite and don’t skimp on the room service—you’re gonna want to wake up slowly, soak in that view and order the lemon-blueberry pancakes with fresh berries, powdered sugar and honeycomb butter. Trust me.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.698.1234