Huntington Beach

California beaches all have their own unique style, and during the 1980s, Huntington Beach had a rough, punk rock vibe. The Golden Bear hosted punk rock acts like Agent Orange, The Vandals and TSOL, and Goths flocked to the Electric Chair — a popular boutique for punk clothing and accessories.

Around 1994, Huntington began its transformation into "Surf City USA."

Today, Huntington Beach Pier and neighboring Main Street is peppered with tidy shops, chain restaurants and surf shops, but it still has its edge. The Electric Chair has thrived at its Main Street Huntington Beach location (410 Main Street), and street performers often gather at the pier on weekends.

While you're on the pier, don't miss Duke's Huntington Beach restaurant that pays homage to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. Come here early for their happy hour, where you can sample their famous macadamia-nut crusted fish at half price, along with one of their famous mai tais.

At the end of the pier, you can eat 1950s-style at Ruby's Diner, known for their tasty burgers, shakes and fries.

Other standout Huntington Beach restaurants include the Sugar Shack Cafe (known for their hearty breakfasts), TK Burgers (110 PCH; 714-960-3238) , Aloha Grill (221 Main Street; 714-374-4427), Brewbakers Brew Pub (7242 Heil Ave.; 596-5506), Fred's Mexican Cafe (300 PCH; 714-374-8226) and Spark Woodfire Grill (300 PCH; 714-960-0996). This popular Huntington Beach bar and restaurant overlooks the pier, making it a hot social spot. They also have a nice selection of wines by the glass.

Afterward, walk off your meal along the pier, where you can buy a kite to fly on the beach, or head across the street to the Surfing Walk of Fame, which pays homage to surfers including Corky Carroll, Kelly Slater and a few local talents. Be sure to also check out the International Surfing Museum (411 Olive Ave., 714-960-3483), which hosts exhibits on everything from surf music to surf toys. Be sure to check out Duke Kahanamoku's original hardwood surfboard and the collection of "Endless Summer" movie memorabilia.

At Jack's Surfboards (101 Main Street; 714-536-4516), you can pick up a surfboard, wax and beach attire — but most locals head down to The Frog House (6908 W. Coast Highway; 949-642-5690) in Newport for their surfing gear.

Plan to stay the weekend, or even better the whole week, in Surf City. Several Huntington Beach hotels sit right on PCH, including the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, (21500 Pacific Coast Highway; 714-698 1234), the boutique Shorebreak Hotel (500 Pacific Coast Highway; 714-861-4470), and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort (21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., 714-845-8000).

The Hilton Huntington Beach resort is pet friendly (up to 10 pounds), so feel free to bring along your dog. A few Huntington Beach motels are also pet friendly, including the Residence Inn Huntington Beach.

If you have an RV or prefer to camp, Huntington State Beach offers spots right on the waterfront, or you can check in to Bolsa Chica State Beach, Sunset Vista RV Campground or Huntington by the Sea RV.

If you bring your pet, don't miss a trip to Huntington Beach Dog Beach, located at Seapoint and Golden West streets (714-841-8644), followed by a meal at pet-friendly restaurants like Park Bench Cafe, (17732 Golden West Street; 714-842-0775) and Alice's Breakfast in the Park (6622 Lakeview Drive; 714-848-0690).

Try to time your visit around mid-July, when the famous US Open of Surfing arrives in Huntington Beach. Formerly called the OP Pro, this is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing big names like Nathaniel Curran, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Dane Reynolds.

Surfing aside, other Huntington Beach activities include hikes along the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (3842 Warner Ave.; 714-846-1114), cycling along the waterfront boardwalk, boating and kayaking in Huntington Harbor, and horseback riding at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center (18381 Goldenwest St.; 714-848-6565). By night, enjoy s'mores and conversation around the Huntington Beach fire pits, located south of the pier.

Huntington Beach weather is almost always sunny and dry, with temperatures averaging around 71 F during the summer and 64 F in the winter. Click here for the latest Huntington Beach weather forecast.