Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [212]
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Pacific View Inn & Suites (Map; 800-726-8586; www.pacificviewinnandsuites.com; 16220 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $100-120; wi-fi) This three-story mustard and maroon motel won’t win any beauty contests, but the staff are friendly and it’s close to the beach – you just have to dash across PCH.
Hotel Huntington Beach ( 714-891-0123, 877-891-0123; www.hotelhb.com; 7667 Center Ave; r $100-150; wi-fi) This eight-story hotel, which looks like an office building, is decidedly sans personality and a bit worn, but the rooms are clean and perfect for get-up-and-go travelers. The hot tub is a perk.
Sun ‘N Sands Motel ( 714-536-2543; www.sunnsands.com; 1102 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $120-230; wi-fi) Rates spike absurdly high in summer at this nothing-special, mom-and-pop motel, but its location across from the beach lets them get away with it. Potato chips, toothpaste, contact solution and other sundries are for sale in the lobby. It can get loud at night.
Huntington Surf Inn ( 714-536-2444; www.huntingtonsurfinn.com; 720 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $149-179; ) You’re paying for location at this two-story motel located just south of Main St and across from the beach. The rooms are clean, if a bit worn, and there’s a small common deck area with a beach view. Don’t ask for a refund; you won’t get it.
Best Western Huntington Beach Inn ( 714-536-7500; www.bestwestern.com; 800 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $199-309; wi-fi) Don’t be surprised to see an oil derrick pumping right outside your window at this Best Western. But then, derricks are standard issue for oil-rich HB. Otherwise, the cookie-cutter rooms are well kept and relatively quiet.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa ( 714-698-1234, 800-233-1234; 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy; www.huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com; r $350-495; wi-fi) It looks like an ersatz Spanish-style condo complex on steroids, but the deluxe rooms are inviting and impeccably maintained; there’s also a good spa. Parking costs $25 per day and wi-fi is $10.
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort ( 714-845-8000, 800-445-8667; www.waterfrontbeachresort.hilton.com; 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $439-509; wi-fi) The sprawling, lounge-filled poolside is reminiscent of Vegas, but then you see the backdrop: miles and miles of gorgeous deep-blue sea. The hotel’s giant tower stands in blatant disregard of the town’s low rooflines, but if you want an ocean view from up high, this is the only place. Use of hotel boogie boards, beach chairs and volleyballs is free, but wireless access isn’t ($10). Parking costs $22 per day.
Eating
Sugar Shack ( 714-536-0355; 213 Main St; mains $4-6; breakfast & lunch) Get here at 6am to see surfer dudes don their wet suits. Breakfast is served all day, either on the bustling Main St patio or inside where you can grab a spot at the counter or a two top. The $5 Breakfast Special offers two pancakes, an egg, and bacon or sausage. Expect a wait for this HB institution.
Avila’s El Ranchito ( 714-960-9696; 318 Main St; mains $4-15) Fill up with a messy Mexican combo platter on El Ranchito’s festive Main St patio. On the fence about ordering a margarita? Fall off and order up, these perfectly prepared babies are lip-smackin’ good.
Duke’s ( 714-374-6446; 317 Pacific Coast Hwy; mains lunch $5.50-13, dinner $19-27; lunch & dinner) It may be touristy, but this Hawaiian-themed restaurant – named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku – is a kick. With unbeatable views of the beach, a long list of fresh fish and a healthy selection of sassy cocktails, it’s a primo spot to relax and show off your tan. Don’t miss the poke roll appetizer. For drinks and appetizers, step into the Barefoot Bar to the right as you enter.
Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ ( 714-374-3033; 301 Main St; mains