Helpful Information for Your Huntington Beach Vacation
Currency & Banking: Bankcard holders affiliated with participating banking network or credit card companies can withdraw U.S. currency from automated teller machines (ATMs) at banks and other businesses that offer this service. Foreign currency can be exchanged at:
Travelex Worldwide Money (located at South Coast Plaza).
3333 Bristol St., Ste. 1874
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714-751-1203
Drinking: You must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious offense. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach unless you participate in a group outing where a special event/alcohol permit has been obtained.
Electrical Current & Computer Standards: U.S. electrical current is 110 volts A/C. Telephone jacks for computer modems and faxes use the RJ11 standard.
Emergencies: In case of emergency you can dial 9-1-1 from any phone. For non-emergency matters requiring police assistance, call 714-960-8811. For non-emergency fire assistance, call 714-536-5411.
Fishing Licenses: Any person 16 years old or older must possess a California Fishing License before attempting to catch fish or shellfish. Licenses are available from marine and sporting goods vendors.
Gratuities: Tipping for many services is standard in the United States and gratuities are rarely included in your bill unless you are part of a large group. The following categories illustrate appropriate tips you may want to consider when traveling:
- Restaurant, bar and taxi service: 15 to 20 percent of the bill
- Hotel doormen, valet parking attendants and other service personnel: $3.00
- Hotel bellmen: $5.00 per person
- Housekeeping staff: $2.00 per room daily
- Hotel concierge: $5.00 to $20.00 for special services
- Airport skycap: $2.00 per bag
Hospital: An emergency room is located at:
Huntington Beach Hospital
17772 Beach Blvd.
Main: 714-842-1473; Emergency: 714-843-5000
www.hbhospital.com
How to Dress: Casual, comfortable clothing is standard all year. Hawaiian shirts always look good and are never out of place in Huntington Beach. Jackets and ties are optional even in the most elegant of restaurants. Evenings and winter afternoons may require a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt to ward off a chill. Dressing in layers is highly recommended to help stay comfortable from morning until night.
Location: Huntington Beach lies on the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 95 miles northwest of San Diego.
Safety Tips:
Vehicle: Don't leave valuables in your car. Store items out of sight in the trunk.
Hotel: When returning to your room late at night, always use the hotel's main entrance. Women traveling alone should only use a first initial and last name when booking their reservations.
Luggage: Never leave your luggage unattended.
Seat Belts: Drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seat belts at all times. Any child under 6 years of age who weighs less than 60 pounds (27 kg) must be in a child safety seat secured by a seat belt.
Smoking: In the United States, you must be at least 18 years of age to purchase or use tobacco products. Throughout California, smoking is prohibited in most public buildings, all restaurants and many beach areas, including Huntington City Beach. Smoking may also be restricted in hotels and other lodging facilities, except for designated areas and smoking floors.
Telephone: The area code for most of Huntington Beach is 714; a portion of the city is served by the 562 area code. Toll-free phone numbers have area codes of 800, 888 or 877.
Weather: Sunny days and cool, balmy nights make Huntington Beach a perfect destination. Year-round temperatures average from the mid-60s (F) to about 80° (F), with the low end from December to February and the high end from August to October. Occasional rain showers occur mostly from December to February.