Huntington Beach is the place where California beach culture began and still perseveres; where pretentiousness takes a back seat to casual and cool; where the true trendsetters of West Coast fashion, food and lifestyle reside. It’s also a grand place for a romantic weekend.

Close to everything (Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Aquarium of the Pacific, Hollywood), Huntington Beach is the perfect spot for adults and couples to get away. If you plan on staying in a luxury vacation rental property while visiting, you will want to check out these places to visit in and around Surf City USA as a couple for a memorable stay.

World’s Surf Capital

With 10 miles of clean, sandy beaches and year-round surf, “HB” is home to than 50 surf competitions each year, including the world’s largest surf contest – US Open of Surfing.

11-time world surfing champ Kelly Slater was presented with a key to the City in 2011, and surf icons like recent US Open of Surfing Champions Brett Simpson and Courtney Conlogue call HB home. In addition, HB is the birthplace of world fashion trends emanating from local companies including Quicksilver, Roxy and Surfline. Sit on the sand, rub suntan lotion on each other and watch the competitions unfold year-round.

SUP in Huntington Beach

What’s SUP in HB? Stand-Up Paddleboarding, that’s what. This popular sport, which involves paddling a special surfboard with an extended paddle to propel forward movement, actually began in the 1940s when famed Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku wanted to try something different. An activity for all ages (couples can try and share a board or stay on their own rental side-by-side), paddleboarding is much easier than it looks. Learn to paddleboard in beautiful Huntington Harbour, an enclosed harbor with little-to-no waves. More experienced paddleboarders will practice their sport out in the ocean, paddling out past the waves to enjoy the amazing aquatic surroundings. If you fall off your board, your beloved can save you in a quick flash.

Taste of Huntington Beach

Hold hands while enjoying a unique sampling of local restaurants in Huntington Beach paired with the tasty wines of California, all for charity at this 15th annual event on April 24 noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the children's wing of the Huntington Beach Library. There will also be live entertainment from OC’s own Party Jones. At the Sports Complex at Talbert and Goldenwest, 18100 Goldenwest, Huntington Beach.

The Huntington Beach Pier

The HB Pier offers people-watching like no other. Check out surfers on Surf City’s waves, volleyball pros spiking it out on the sand, and cyclists on their beach cruisers. It’s also a great place for romance. The HB Pier itself offers many activities, from fishing off the side of the pier with bait and supplies from Let’s Go Fishing to professional trick kite lessons or shopping for souvenirs at the Surf City Store. Day or night, take a romantic stroll down the HB Pier to enjoy the unparalleled sunsets while stealing a few kisses.

Gondola Rides

Feel like being serenaded by a gondolier? What could be more romantic right? It’s possible in Huntington Beach where many gondola companies have set down roots and have made it their business to take couples on cruises throughout the many canals and islands located throughout Huntington Harbour.

Delicious Dining

From action-packed sports bars to the more casual wine bars, laid-back lounges, and red-hot spots for live music, there's no question that the good times just keep rolling after the sun sets in HB. Want nightlife? Downtown Huntington Beach is the most popular nightlife location, with live entertainment, dancing, specialty cocktails, and even adult milkshakes available to couples looking to kick back. It’s easy for couples to get immersed in live entertainment, trivia nights, and comedy nights with their significant other in HB.

Beach Bonfires

After soaking up the sun on the sand, there’s no better way to end the day than sitting in the glow of your bonfire, watching the sunset over the Pacific. With more than 500 concrete fire rings, Huntington Beach is one of the few places on California's coast where you can still build a bonfire and enjoy California living. Simply get your firewood and fixings from a beach concessionaire, and then head back to Surf City’s sands for high romance under the stars.

Perfect Weekend Getaway

So if you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, close your eyes and dream of Southern California and you’ll see it looks just like Huntington Beach. Unlike other beach destinations, Surf City thrives throughout the year – not just in the summer months. There’s always a great property rental to stay in and kick up your heels. Some would even say it’s an endless summer in HB.

HB: A Must For Lovers

All year-round, Huntington Beach plays host to hundreds of events from weekly street fairs and farmers markets to food and wine festivals and car shows, Surf City has it all. For 365 days a year, it’s a spot for lovers who want to spend time together reigniting the romance in their relationship.

Image: Pixabay

About the Author: Debbie L. Sklar is a freelance writer and editor based out of Southern California. She specializes in writing about lifestyle, fitness, food, DIY and celebrities. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her Shih Tzu, Gabby, playing golf and is writing a book about a former Hollywood actress.