SOUTHERN CALI GUIDE: WHERE TO STAY, EAT + DRINK
Hi friend! Hope you are having a great start to your week. I am struggling to get back into the groove of things after my vacation to California last week! We’ve been going out there since I was a baby so I loved spending some time with my family and soaking up the sun but I am excited to get back into my routine. Anyone else like this after a long vacay?! I asked on my Instagram if you wanted to see a Southern California Travel Guide and had an overwhelming response of, yes! I’m going to break down the best places to eat, drink and how to enjoy the Cali vibes. If you need help planning a trip out to So Cal then just keep on reading. :)
WHERE SHOULD I FLY INTO?
We always try and fly into Santa Ana because it is SO close to Huntington Beach so you are poolside in no time. Unfortunately, they don’t always have the best flight times out of there so we always do LAX as a backup. This year, we flew into Santa Ana and flew out of LAX! Just depends. :)
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
We always stay in Huntington Beach for its perfect location. You’re about 15 minutes from Newport Beach and 30 minutes from Laguna Beach so you can really get the full So Cal experience here! We stay at the Hyatt Regency every single year. Everything about it is top notch! From the rooms to the pools to the staff, you are guaranteed a great time! PS- If you go to the pool, ask for Jessica, she’s the best! They have an adult pool that is perfect for relaxing or playing paddle ball but if you are bringing your family, they also have an amazing kids pool with waterslides and more. My nephew loves it! They also have a shuttle that takes you down to the main drag if you don’t feel like walking or have little ones. :)
Other cute places to stay in Huntington are:
Hilton (We stayed here for years and love it as well! They just built a brand new building so it’s gorgeous too)
Shorebreak
Pasea
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
This is my favorite topic because the food is amazing! There are so many restaurants within walking distance so you will not go hungry when visiting. Like I mentioned above, we like to go to Newport and Laguna so I will include my favorites there too!
BREAKFAST
Sugar Shack | Right in the heart of Huntington and some of the best food! Your belly will thank me later for this one
Sessions | IG worthy!
Sancho’s Tacos | Doesn’t look like much on the outside but my family loves their breakfast tacos!
The Cliff | Best views in Laguna! Their breakfast burrito is my jam
Philz Coffee | Great place to grab a coffee or tea if you want something light!
LUNCH/DINNER
Wahoo’s | Great place to grab some lunch as your coming in or heading to the beach. It’s always our first stop off the plane haha
Simmzy’s | Little bit for everyone here!
Ola | Amazing food and good views. Get the guac!
Momma D’s | Right in the heart of Newport Beach and this is my entire families FAVORITE place to go! We went here twice last week. Get their pink sauce!! It’s to die for :)
Ruby’s on the pier | A So Cal staple. It’s basically the western version of Steak N’ Shake but better!
Dory Deli | We always grab lunch here when we bike to Newport Beach
The Deck | Best place to watch the sunset overlooking the water! Be sure to make a reservation or get there early because it’s super busy :) Views are worth it!
DRINKS
Lido House | Cutest place in Newport Beach! Cocktails are a little pricey but the beer and wine are reasonable. Views and atmosphere are worth it
The Bungalow | Major Cali vibes and some of the best views in HB. PS- Buy their candle to take home. It’s my favorite!
The Water Table | Inside the Hyatt Regency and they have the best happy hour specials. We love it!
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
My family and I are big pool and beach people so we love to enjoy the sun during the day but if you want to get out and do some activities there are plenty to do. We always rent bikes from our hotel and ride down to Newport Beach to grab lunch! We get some bikes, music and have so much fun. The views are amazing. :) There is also the coolest outdoor mall in Huntington Beach called Pacific City and they have tons of shops and restaurants. My go to shops are Irene’s Story, Stitch and Feather, Free People and William B. The Hyatt Regency has so many activities so be sure to check those out too! My brother-in-law took a surf lesson and had so much fun.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Southern California is super relaxed (for the most part) so there’s no need to get all fancy! Everyone is pretty casual so lots of dresses, denim shorts and sandals are perfect. It does get chilly at night so don’t forget a jean jacket!
If you stuck with me this long, THANK YOU! I know it’s a lot of information but I wanted to be sure to include all the little details. We love Huntington Beach and I know you and your family will too. If you have ANY other questions, shoot me a DM on Instagram and I’d love to chat. Connecting with new people is one of my favorites so don’t be shy! Meet you at the pool bar in 5! :)
