Fido Friendly magazine recognized Huntington Beach as one of the top 23 pet-friendly cities around the world in its April 2008 issue.

Canines and their people romp to Surf City USA® Dog Beach, where they frolic freely along ¾-quarter miles of sandy beach and surf sans leash. It is not unusual to spot a tail wagging atop a surfboard as man and his best friend ride a wave in tandem.

Who let the dogs out? Doggie Bus is a way for dogs and their humans to get out and have fun together. The 10-seat Doggie Bus, painted with a giant picture of the owner’s dog Jonny frolicking at the beach, is available every weekend for any dog owner who wants to come along for a free ride to Huntington Dog Beach. The Doggie Bus route runs nonstop from Tustin to the sea however; special stops along the route can be scheduled.

Best Friend Dog Park, located in Huntington Central Park, features a fenced-in acre-and-a-half for dogs to go off-leash to run, roll and socialize with other pooches. The Park has separate areas for small and large dogs. On the first Saturday of every month, Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California hosts a Basset Hound Party in the Park. Owners dress up their hounds in fancy costumes: These dog lovers meet for breakfast at the Park Bench Café to chat and show off their doggy fashions.

Dine with Fido at the Park Bench Café, an outdoor restaurant in Huntington Central Park, a sunny, first-rate breakfast and lunch spot so pet-friendly that it offers a Canine Cuisine menu for the four-legged set. Dogs have a choice of such dishes as Bow-Wow-Wow Chicken and Rover Easy Scrambled Eggs. Many of the city’s downtown restaurants provide dog owners with the option of leashing their pooch to the outdoor seating area.

Spot can make himself at home at one of three pet-friendly properties in Surf City USA. The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort and the Pacific View Inn & Suites are both located on Pacific Coast Highway across the street from the beach. There is also the Extended Stay America, located inland less than four miles from the beach.

Pamper your pooch! The Doggie Spa first opened in Huntington Beach in 2000. The Spa provides a clean, state-of-the-art, safe and friendly environment for dog washing.

And they’re off! Huntington Beach hosts a monthly wiener-dog race at Old World German Village. In the Wiener Nationals Dachshund Races, these short-legged wonders fly across cobblestone streets in pursuit of fame and edible lures ranging from bratwurst to McDonald’s hamburgers. It’s not the Kentucky Derby, but more than once there has been a photo finish with the victor winning by a wet nose!

Huntington Beach serves up 8.5 miles of sand for those looking to dig into a game of beach volleyball. Whether it’s a friendly competition or a little family rivalry, there are 30 free public courts in addition to beachside vendors renting equipment for visitors to take advantage of the sand and sun.

Some of the world’s best amateur volleyball players go head-to-head for an exciting weekend of competition during the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open, May 1-4, 2008. Fans cheer for their favorite competitors while soaking in the festive beach party atmosphere at various exhibits and sampling booths. As one Huntington Beach local said, "We have a lot of surf tournaments out here, but beach volleyball has really caught on. I've never seen the pier look better and everyone looks like they're having a lot of fun out here!"

The AVP was established in 1983 and features more than 150 of the top men and women competitors in the sport. The AVP's main goal is to deliver its fans the experience of an amazing athletic contest surrounded by an unforgettable beach party. AVP annually stages 16 events throughout the United States; more than one million people are expected to attend an AVP event this year.

Huntington Beach is also home to the US Open of Beach Volleyball, presented by Corona Extra. This popular event brings various skill levels, from novice to expert, to the courts with two-person, four-person, men, women, and co-ed teams including two masters divisions. Over a 1,000 players will take to the sand in September.

To request additional information, to receive a Huntington Beach press kit or to discuss a personal press trip, contact Wendy Haase at 714-969-3492 or wendy@surfcityusa.com.