Stay, Eat, and Play in Huntington Beach, California
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
Here at BOSS, we are always looking for the perfect multi-generational family getaway. And with outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and a laid-back spirit that everyone loves–parents and pooches, alike—Visit Huntington Beach was a perfect partner to help round up business travel tips when setting up a base camp, especially for trips to Disneyland and other Southern California theme park favorites all with the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
The American Travel Behavior Survey found that over a half of employed adults (from age 18-34) who travel for work add leisure to a work trip—or making time for some much needed “bleisure”.
More than half of travelers who blend business and leisure travel said they bring family members or a significant other with them. As the line between business and leisure travel blurs, bleisure is becoming a new means of work-life balance for business travelers.
Huntington Beach, a.k.a. Surf City USA, is also full of activities for man’s best friend, with 1.5 miles of dog beach and a variety of pet-friendly restaurants and properties. Take our word for it, Corgi Beach Day definitely has a prime venue.
1. Take it slow. Savor the laid-back, culturally rich Californian lifestyle.
Experience a true beach town by living the Surf City USA beach lifestyle. From the International Surfing Museum, the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, and the upcoming Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights in December, visitors are able to explore the surf heritage and laid-back culture of Huntington Beach. Wrap up a productive day with a family bonfire at Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, or Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
2. Make memories with the whole family: include pet-friendly destinations.
Why leave out your furriest friend? As Dog Fancy Magazine’s “Dogtown USA” winner, one of Fido Friendly Magazine’s top ten picks for dog-friendly beaches, and the Orange County Register’s Critic’s Choice pick you’ll find plenty of “pure canine nirvana” at Dog Beach.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
Pup perks include hanging ten with other hounds, doggy dining options—check out Doggie Date Nights at Fred’s Mexican Café, where both of you can dine al fresco on the patio and we hear Park Bench Cafe and Kokomo’s Surfside Grill are great spots to rustle up a whole menu of options for your fur baby—and canine shopping destinations, featuring monthly dachshund races at the locally loved The Wiener Dog Store.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
World-class hotels are no exception here, with VIP offerings for four-legged family at Shorebreak, a Kimpton Hotel, Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel; Extended Stay America; and Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa.
3. Skip the international airport hassle and enjoy the serenity of an accessible trip.
Our secret? Opt for the only commercial service airport in Orange County, just 35 miles south of Los Angeles. There’s free Wi-Fi, tantalizing airport meal options, and direct flights from 21 cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Mexico City, and New York.
Where one loses hours to traffic congestion from LAX, you can cruise just eight quick miles to scenic PCH—the Orange Country ribbon of one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., California State Route 1.The Bureau of Transportation Statistics listed John Wayne as a top-ranking airport during hectic summer travel, while NerdWallet reviewed the top best and worst airports for travel and awarded John Wayne-Orange County the number two spot for best U.S. airport for summer travel.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
4. Seek hospitality where you can mix meetings with family fun.
No doubt there’s a perfect match of function for your next trip with the most meetings space on the Southern Californian coast, but be sure to do a little homework and find a hotel where your loved ones can take full advantage of the stunning year-round climate and beach access. A few BOSS favorites:
Iconic views from the Spanish-style Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa transport you to a luxurious Mediterranean getaway.
Paséa Hotel & Spa opened in June 2016. It’s where modern style, coastal comfort, and stunning oceanfront views capture Huntington Beach vibes to a T.
Self-proclaimed “Stylish Beachfront Basecamp”, boutique Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel offers fine dining, meeting space, and yoga mats, all 100 feet from the shore.
The exciting expansion at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel—home to one of the best dining experiences in the region, the Shades Restaurant—is underway and is set to reopen in late spring 2017.
5. Networking and making timeless family memories can mean new experiences.
State park perks with enticing eats? Bolsa Chica State Park hosts four striking new concepts in beach shack dining, where visitors can savor California cuisine, wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails fireside, by the sea.
Credit: Visit Huntington Beach
If you, your colleagues, or your loved ones consider themselves bacon connoisseurs, you may want to make a pit-stop and try one of the 11 signature flavors at Saint Marc Pub-Café, Bakery & Cheese Affinage’s new To-Go Bacon Bar.
The team behind the award-winning SeaLegs Wine Bar has opened SeaSalt Woodfire Grill, featuring “farm-to-fire” grill menu eats with a fresh take on the Old West.
6. Combine dining and shopping for one-stop fun.
Shopping in Pacific City is tough to beat. Overlooking Huntington Beach’s world-famous coastline on PCH, this destination is must-see for anyone in need of a little retail therapy.
Hot spots include KIN Los Angeles’ first O.C. location, Molly Brown’s Swimwear, Old Crow Smokehouse, Tankfarm & Co., Ways & Means At Home, The Bungalow Huntington Beach, Barnabas Clothing Co., Crazy Shirts, and TankFarm.
