Ride the Waves by Day and Toast the Sunset by Night—HB Has It All

If there’s one destination that perfectly blends laid-back beach culture with a lively lineup of experiences, it’s Surf City USA. This spring break, skip the crowded tourist traps and head straight to the heart of Huntington Beach, where sunsets are daily events, surfboards double as transportation, and toes-in-the-sand fun is never more than a few steps away. From epic eats and live music to rooftop cocktails and cabana lounging, here’s your ultimate guide to the perfect spring break vacation in Huntington Beach.

 

Brunch and Beats at The Huntington Beach House

If you’re looking to brunch like a local and groove to the beats of live DJs, The Huntington Beach House is where your spring break mornings should begin (and maybe even end). Perfectly positioned on the sand at Beach Boulevard and PCH, this open-air coastal concept is a laid-back paradise where bottomless mimosas flow, beats drop every weekend and the Pacific serves as your brunch backdrop. With a full bar stretching 120 feet along the boardwalk and 13 dine-in fire pits on the sand, this breezy destination blends the carefree feel of a SoCal beach house with the energy of a lively daytime hangout. 

Sundays are the real showstopper thanks to their House Music Brunch, which brings in live DJs spinning feel-good tunes while guests sip bubbly and dig into elevated brunch favorites like chilaquiles, country fried chicken and waffle sliders and avo toast topped with a runny fried egg. For lunch, think poke nachos, bang bang shrimp tacos and steak kababs drizzled in chimichurri. Whether you’re rallying your crew for a group celebration or just catching rays and reveling in the beats, The Huntington Beach House, also known as “The Heart of Huntington Beach,” is an all-day, oceanfront destination that captures the heart—and sound—of Surf City USA.

Local Insight: For the spring DJ schedule, click here!

 

Stay Steps from the Sea at Paséa Hotel & Spa

This sun-soaked sanctuary sits just steps from the sand and channels laid-back California cool with bright interiors and pier views. Lounge poolside in a private cabana, cocktail in hand, and let the ocean breeze do the rest. For a deeper dose of relaxation, head to Aarna Spa, where Balinese-inspired treatments bring total coastal tranquility. When hunger strikes, Lōrea—the hotel’s new ocean-view restaurant—is the spot for seared scallops or seasonal squash blossoms at sunset.

Local Insight: Be sure to check out the hotel’s calendar of spring break activities for kids available through April 30!

 

Sip Sky-High Cocktails at Treehouse on PCH

Elevate your evening (literally) at Paséa’s rooftop bar, Treehouse on PCH. This chic 21+ hideaway feels like a secret oasis, with plush seating, sweeping ocean views and cocktails that bring the heat. Whether you’re sipping a spicy margarita or Pink Flamingo with Thai chili-infused Aperol or going booze-free with a Green Room mocktail, the vibe here is always buzzy. Come for the handcrafted drinks, stay for the DJ sets and twinkling lights. And if you’re feeling peckish, their birria fries and tempura fish tacos have a reputation for disappearing fast.

 

Take a Surf Lesson With Wavehuggers

You can’t do spring break in Huntington Beach without catching at least one wave—and Wavehuggers is the place to start. Founded by lifelong surfer and ocean advocate Helina Beck, this surf school offers more than just beginner lessons. It’s eco-conscious and community-focused, blending surfing with beach cleanups, surf therapy, and ocean education. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, they’ve got a package that fits. Their CPR-certified instructors create a fun, safe environment while connecting you to the ocean in a meaningful way. Learning to surf here means riding waves and supporting marine conservation at the same time.

 

Live Like a Local at Beach City Provisions

Perched along the shores of Bolsa Chica State Beach, Beach City Provisions is where locals go to unwind with good eats and good company. It’s got the casual vibe of a beach shack but delivers the goods when it comes to food, gear and entertainment. Grab a Bolsa Breakfast Burrito in the morning, rent a bike and circle back for an empanada or mahi-mahi ceviche by sunset. Come weekends, you’ll find live music echoing across the sand—jazz on Fridays, classic rock and blues on Saturdays and Sundays—and bonfire pits flickering late into the night. Pro tip: Beach City Provisions’ Bolsa Loaded Fries with carne asada are worth the visit alone.

 

Rock out at SeaLegs at the Beach

Looking for an unforgettable night on the sand? SeaLegs at the Beach transforms Bolsa Chica into a one-acre beach club complete with live concerts, food trucks and salty air. Their stage hosts everything from reggae to yacht rock, and their scratch-made menu—featuring poke nachos and cheeseburger quesadillas—hits all the right notes. The vibe is family-friendly by day and breezy by night, making it the perfect place to dance in the sand, sip something cold and toast gourmet s’mores under the stars.

 

Sneak Away to Graceland at HQ Gastropub

Tucked inside HQ Gastropub in PCH and just a stone’s throw from the pier is Graceland—a moody, velvet-draped speakeasy with a side of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. With no phones allowed (you’ll have to put yours in a locker to enter!) and an entrance lined with rainbow-lit kegs, this offbeat lounge is all about staying present and soaking up the vibes. Sip on the dreamy Tea Party (a mix of gin, Earl Grey, coconut and matcha) or the camera-ready Butterfly cocktail, and snap a mental photo of the bold street art, plush lounges and epic sunset views. Elvis would approve.

 

Get Cultural at The International Surfing Museum

Celebrate the sport that made Huntington Beach famous with a visit to The International Surfing Museum—a true local gem. Surprisingly, it was founded by a Canadian who had never surfed, but knew the culture deserved to be preserved. Today, the museum showcases vintage surfboards, iconic stories, and rotating exhibits that reflect the city’s deep surfing roots.

It’s a small but meaningful stop, packed with pride and perfect for soaking up HB’s legendary surf spirit. Time your visit with Surfin’ Sundays, a weekly event that features free outdoor concerts at Pier Plaza. You’ll get to enjoy surf rock, vendors and beachy vibes all afternoon long.

 

Stroll the Iconic Pier + Grab a Lobster Roll

No trip to Huntington Beach is complete without a stroll down its iconic pier. Huntington Beach’s is one of the West Coast’s longest at 1,850 feet. At the very end, you’ll find Broad Street Oyster Company, a seafood spot known for its sustainable approach and killer views. The lobster roll is the star here, served warm with butter or chilled with mayo—your call. You can even upgrade it with luxe toppings like caviar or uni, because why not go all out? With retro surf decor and panoramic ocean views, it’s a must-visit whether you’re craving seafood or just some salty air.

 

Shop for Spring Break Essentials at Pacific City 

Just across from the beach sits Pacific City, a breezy open-air shopping and dining destination with something for everyone. Bikini up at San Lorenzo, where South American swimwear meets Hawaiian style. Stack your beach jewelry game at See Sea Jewelry, known for its waterproof, tarnish-proof pieces perfect for saltwater living. Then, browse boho-chic staples at Stitch & Feather or pick up surf essentials at Vissla. This is a brand rooted in sustainability and creativity. Pacific City is also home to some of the best ocean-view dining in town, so it’s worth lingering for lunch.

Local Insight: Be sure to pop into Lot 579 (south end of Level 1)—a quaint, modern food hall with all kinds of tasty bites and treats!

 

Go Horseback Riding with Horseplay Rentals

For a change of scenery, trade the beach for the trails with Horseplay Rentals. Located in Huntington Central Park, which spans over 340 acres, this horseback ride feels straight out of a Western daydream. Whether you’re brand-new to riding or a seasoned pro, it’s an experience that welcomes every skill level. Saddle up for a one-hour trot through peaceful lakeside paths and shaded, leafy trails throughout the park.

It’s the perfect way to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a unique outdoor adventure in the heart of the city. Want to level up? Book a gourmet picnic ride for the full romantic-cowboy effect. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Local Insight: Other amenities at Huntington Central Park include playgrounds, a nature center, frisbee/disc golf, walking trails, a dog park and more.

 

Bump, Set, Spike on the Sand

If you’re in Huntington Beach, you’re basically contractually obligated to play a little beach volleyball. Dozens of courts stretch along the shoreline on either side of the pier, open to all and free to use. Rent a ball from Beach City Sports, and get in on the action with your crew for a local game. This is a hub for the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, after all. Whether you’re going full Olympic mode or just out for a casual rally, it’s an unbeatable way to stay active with the ocean breeze in your hair.

From morning surf sessions and beachside bites to sunset cocktails and secret speakeasies, Huntington Beach offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and coastal charm. This spring break in Orange County, trade your routine for rhythm, your sneakers for sandals and your stress for sunshine. Surf City USA is calling.