WHAT'S NEW IN
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
UPDATED MAY 18, 2026
UPCOMING
Huntington Beach Pier Lights Up – beginning May 21, 2026 The Huntington Beach Pier is getting revamped with a modern lighting system that expands creative lighting abilities. Fully funded by Visit Huntington Beach, this lighting system brings enhanced reliability, operational efficiency, and will allow the Pier to celebrate community moments and civic events such as the city's America 250 event when, for the first time, the lights on the Huntington Beach Pier will change colors from red, white and blue.
Azure Day Party at The Bungalow Huntington Beach – opening May 24, 2026 The Bungalow Huntington Beach, an Orange County social anchor, will begin a weekly daytime residency with Azure Day Party, the globally recognized rooftop house music series born in Brooklyn. Every Sunday, The Bungalow will bring Azure’s signature blend of house music, elevated hospitality and high-energy daylife culture to the Southern California coast.
The Lighthouse – opening May 15, 2026 The Lighthouse brings together legendary jazz, live music, nightlife, and coastal dining. Soon to open on Pacific City’s upper-level deck with outdoor seating, sweeping ocean views, and a laid-back, yet energetic beachside atmosphere, The Lighthouse will offer elevated coastal comfort food paired with a full bar program and happy hour. Originally founded in Hermosa Beach, California in 1949, The Lighthouse has hosted generations of legendary musicians like Miles Davis, Chet Baker and many more while gaining international recognition as a filming location for “La La Land.” The new Pacific City location will carry on a musical tradition with a regular lineup of live performances, including reggae, rock and cover bands as well as its signature Sunday Jazz Brunch.
PCH Tacos – opening on May 16, 2026 A new beach outpost, PCH Tacos, will be opening their doors and serving up beachside tacos and a margarita bar at the boardwalk at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
WSL50 at the International Surf Museum – opening July 23, 2026 The International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach will unveil WSL50, a new exhibition marking World Surf League’s historic milestone of 50 years of professional surfing. More than a dozen wall panels showcasing rare historical imagery and memorabilia, including surfboards, trophies, and original event artwork, tell the story of professional surfing’s enduring influence on the world and the community that helped shape it. The museum will also be relocating to a larger home at the Main Street Library, where they can welcome even more visitors to experience the sport and its culture. The opening week of July 23 coincides with the start of the 2026 U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach on July 25.
Huntington’s on the Pier – opening in 2026 Located halfway down the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington’s on the Pier will take oceanfront dining to a new level with its 360° expansive ocean views and coastal fare. Surfing action will be livestreamed inside the restaurant from the Pier below with art from local artists showcased throughout the interior of the restaurant.
The Kickstand Soda Shop – opening in 2026 Coming to Downtown Huntington Beach is The Kickstand Soda Shop, a fresh take on the soda-fountain classic with a modern twist. Dirty sodas—sodas spiked with cream, flavored syrups and citrus or fruit add-ins—have grown from regional novelty to nationwide buzz.
NEWLY OPENED
Champagnes Kitchen – May 11, 2026
Award-winning SoCal eatery Champagnes Kitchen will be opening its second location in Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street, offering approachable coastal comfort food in a family-friendly atmosphere. The new location will introduce a bar program featuring beer, wine, and craft cocktails, plus a full espresso menu in partnership with local Costa Mesa roaster Moongoat Coffee.
Sea Salt at the Beach – May 2, 2026
The World’s Only Honky Tonk on the Beach reopens with a new saloon bar area, a weekend Boot Scootin’ Brunch with line dancing and mimosas, live music every Saturday, and country cover band Redneck Rodeo every Sunday.
Dwight’s Beach Concessions – May 2026
Established in 1932, Dwight’s is the original and first beach concession in Huntington Beach. This beachside, family-run business serves the perfect beach snack – “World Famous Cheese Strips.” The location will be reopening after a completed renovation experience after a fire.
Surf City Escapes – March 30, 2026
Located on the second floor of Pacific City, Surf City Escapes offers an interactive, family-friendly escape room experience. They currently offer two experiences, Surf’s Up and The Winery Infiltration, and will soon have four total escapes to solve.
Sea Legs on the Beach – March 7, 2026 through October 2026
Celebrating its 10 years of music, memories and culture, Sea Legs on the Beach is going all out all season with an updated look in honor of America’s 250-year anniversary. Saturday’s start with a vibrant 80’s Beach Brunch and ends with live music. Sunday mornings are for Brunch with the Beatles, which eventually turns into Reggae Sundays with bands from the Cali Roots reggae scene.
Market Broiler – January 31, 2026
Market Broiler, a Southern-California seafood favorite, reopened with a new aesthetic that takes its full-service dining experience to the next level. The new modernized design, complete with accents and an open dining room, blends comfort with coastal California charm. Since 1989, Market Broiler has focused on sustainable seafood, humanely raised poultry and meats, and seasonal California-grown produce.
Sushi Nigiriba – December 31, 2025
Sushi Nigiriba, a new concept from renowned Japanese sushi group Choushimaru, made its California debut with the opening of its first U.S. location. Specializing in traditional Edomae-style nigiri, Sushi Nigiriba showcases expertly crafted sushi made with premium seafood and time-honored techniques. With its focus on quality, precision, and craftsmanship, Sushi Nigiriba introduces a new level of authentic Japanese dining to the region and is set to become a standout destination for sushi enthusiasts seeking a true Tokyo-style experience in Southern California.
Parlor Donuts – January 5, 2026
A new craft doughnut and coffee shop is set to open in the heart of downtown Huntington Beach this summer. The shop will feature the brand’s signature Famous Layered Doughnuts, along with a selection of vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly options. Guests can also expect artisanal breakfast items and specialty coffee, all served in a comfortable, community-focused setting.
Sticks & Stones Clubhouse – October 2025
Located inside Pacific City with an open view of the beach, Sticks & Stones Clubhouse is an interactive sports bar that features golf simulators, craft cocktails, elevated bar fare, and ocean-view dining.
Ry’s Poke – August 2025
Huntington Beach welcomes its newest culinary addition with the opening of Ry’s Poke, a fast-casual eatery serving fresh, customizable poke bowls inspired by Hawaiian traditions and Southern California’s coastal lifestyle. Located in the heart of Surf City USA, Ry’s Poke offers responsibly sourced seafood, vibrant ingredients, and bold house-made sauces — all crafted to order.
Playground – August 2025
Playground’s new Downtown Huntington Beach location features a 9-hole mini golf course, full cocktail bar with chef-driven shareables, retro arcade and rotating pinball games, plus private event spaces for 200+ guests.
Rocoto Pesca Bar – July 2025
Rocoto Pesca Bar brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine and coastal flair to Huntington Beach. This vibrant spot delivers innovative takes on seafood-focused Peruvian classics in a modern, inviting setting.
RECENTLY OPENED
Expanded international service by Volaris at Ontario Airport – July 2025
Mexico-based carrier Volaris is growing its footprint at Ontario International Airport (ONT) with 14 new weekly flights to three destinations in Mexico. The expansion includes daily non-stop service to Los Cabos (SJD), plus new routes to León/Bajío (BJX) operating three times a week and Morelia (MLM) flying four times weekly. Fares start at $184 one-way (based on roundtrip purchase).
Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge – re-opened July 2025
Perched atop the 9th floor, Offshore 9 stands as Orange County’s highest coastal rooftop bar. Following a sleek remodel, the lounge now boasts retractable roofs that create the perfect atmosphere in every season. Guests can indulge in shareable plates and handcrafted cocktails while taking in uninterrupted, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Everyday California – June 2025
Everyday California offers kayak and paddleboard rentals with all the gear visitors need. They also host guided 90-minute tours, often led by stand up paddleboarding world-record holder Tom Jones, where paddlers learn about the harbor’s history while gliding through its calm, scenic waters in the harbor.
Holistic Lounge at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach’s Pacific Waters Spa – May 2025
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach’s Pacific Waters Spa has unveiled an immersive new wellness retreat, offering cutting-edge treatments designed to heal, restore, and recharge with the latest technology, including red light therapy, infrared sauna, vitamin D light, Avacen Therapy, and Sedona PEMF.
Cabo Wabo Sand Bar at The Waterfront Beach Resort – Spring 2025
Nestled on the shoreline, the new bar is The Waterfront Beach Resort’s newest outpost offering a tantalizing mix of drinks, gourmet pizzas, and coastal Mexican cuisine, all served right on the beach.
If you have any further questions, please email us at media@surfcityusa.com.
