Unique Date Ideas in Huntington Beach, CA

If you're looking for long walks by the beach, you've come to the right place. There's plenty of trails to explore in the largest saltwater marsh along the coast of California, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. The 1,300-acre wetlands holds five miles of trails, perfect for spending time getting to know your hiking partner. Make sure you bring a nice, big picnic blanket for when you're ready to take a lunch break and keep an eye out for a few of the nearly 200 bird species found in Bolsa Chica each year.

Enjoy a true luxury experience at one (or all) of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa's three pool areas, including a lagoon-style swimming pool. Lounge in a cool poolside cabana in the palm tree-lined sun deck or relax in one of the Spa Grotto's three oversized hot tubs. 

HOURS

Winter: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spring/Fall: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Summer: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Day use guests: A $20 service fee will be collected at check-in. 

Hotel guests: All cabana charges and fees will be posted to your guest room on the morning of your reservation. 

Mankota's Cabana 

Located at the main pool. Mankota's Cabana includes:

• Shaded cabana with ceiling fan
• Couch seating for 4
• 2 chaise lounge chairs
• Flat screen TV
• Fruit plate and bottled waters

Fountain Cabana

Located at Slyder's Pool. Fountain Cabana includes:

• Oversized shaded cabana
• Couch seating for 4
• Oversized chairs
• 2 chaise lounge chairs
• Fruit plate and bottled waters

Slyder's Cabana

Located at the water playground. Slyder's Cabana includes:

• Shaded cabana
• Couch seating for 4
• 2 lounge chairs

Away from bustling downtown, Huntington Harbour offers a quaint seaside feel and picturesque scenery. Adventure through the five man-made islands and marvel at the 500+ bayfront homes of all shapes and sizes on a private charter boat, stand-up paddleboards, or kayaks. 

After an afternoon on the water, treat yourselves to dinner at one of the delicious Sunset Beach restaurants, such as Captain Jack's, Golden Road, Daimon, or Sunset Pizza & Pasta.

Enjoy an intimate date night stories above the hustle and bustle. The Waterfront Beach Resort's rooftop lounge, Offshore 9, is located on the 9th floor of the Twin Dolphin Tower. Take in the stunning panoramic views from Orange County's highest coastal rooftop lounge while enjoying a unique menu of small plates and hand-crafted specialty cocktails, high-end wines, or champagne by the glass. 

A leisurely cruise down the paved bike path is the perfect way to enjoy an iconic Huntington Beach sunset and 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Look to the west to see the shimmering ocean waves and turn towards the east to find the famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

No bikes? No problem! There are plenty of places to rent cruisers, e-bikes, and even surreys along the bike path and in downtown HB - check out all of the options here.

Skate where the sun meets the sea. Paséa Hotel & Spa's 4th annual Ice Rink returns this year from November 25 through December 31. The secluded oceanfront skating experience will be complete with holiday cocktails and bites, theme nights, luxury fire pit experiences, group skate sessions, performances, and much more. 

A unique date night spot that combines an adrenaline rush with a productive way to relieve stress? That's Stumpy's Hatchet House for you. Head to Stumpy's for an experience that will pull you out of the everyday immersion in technology and throw you (no pun intended) into the primitive sport of hatchet throwing. They also serve beer and wine, and have a full kitchen, giant games, and televised sports.

Upon entry to the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort's Pier Summit Ski Lodge, you'll experience an immediate departure from Surf City USA and be transported to a decade of the past. This retro-chic ski chalet pop-up opens October 27, and operates Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Make sure you text your date to wear their best neon-colored ski outfit - both of you will be greeted by a life-size yeti and have the chance to take Jazzercise classes or enjoy live music sets. See the affectionately-named craft cocktail and thematic food menus through vintage viewfinders, then take your pick between the Snow Day Waffle, Fire Side Fondu for 2, Snow Bunny cocktail, and ~snow~ much more.

Acres of outdoor space sprawl across inland Huntington Beach, and the only way to see some of it is on horseback! Saddle up at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, situated in Huntington Central Park, just two miles from the ocean, and roam the grassy hills.

Free Rein Foundation even offers 90-minute tour packages for $50/couple. Proceeds collected by Free Rein support the rescued horses at Huntington Central Park. 

There are more than 500 fire rings available for a cozy beach bonfire on a chilly coastal evening in Huntington Beach. Huntington City Beach has 100 rings from south of First Street to Beach Boulevard (open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.), while Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach each have 200 rings (open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). 

But don't forget to stop into Bella Sophia at Pacific City beforehand to grab one of their s'mores kits - everything you need to make the perfect s'mores all in one box! Also make sure you bring firewood, some blankets, beach chairs, a lighter, some skewers, and kindling.