Surf, Sun, and Staycation: A Huntington Beach Escape at the Hyatt Regency
Photo by Laumea Photography.
When you're in need of a quick getaway without the hassle of travel, Huntington Beach, our neighbor just 30 minutes up the coast, hits the sweet spot.
My boyfriend Cory and I packed up his surfboard and headed to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for a laid-back weekend stay. The resort, set across the street from one of the world’s most famous surf spots, perfectly blends a relaxed SoCal vibe with the kind of amenities that make you feel right at home.
We couldn’t wait to unwind, explore the local spots, and enjoy some much-needed downtime in Surf City USA.
A Cozy Resort Village
Unlike nearby towering high-rise hotels, the Hyatt Regency’s 4 story buildings spread out over 12 acres of thee most prime Huntington real estate, giving it a spacious feel. The wide-open layout and terracotta-tiled courtyards make it feel more like a cozy resort village than a typical hotel.
One of the coolest features? A private bridge that spans over PCH, delivering you straight to the sand — no need to navigate the busy highway to reach the beach.
The hotel has been a Huntington Beach landmark for years, effortlessly combining Mediterranean-inspired architecture with modern California cool, complete with palm tree lined pathways, whitewashed walls, and lush courtyards. (And did we mention the view?)
Waterslides and Splash Zones
When not at the beach, our stay centered around the pool (as all great SoCal getaways should). We spent an entire day lounging by Mankota’s Pool, which is even more stunning in person. The cabanas were our go-to for some privacy and relaxation, making it easy to spend hours by the water without a care in the world. Whether we were indulging in a cocktail or grabbing a light bite, the poolside service was on point — friendly and attentive, without being overbearing.
For families, Slyders Water Playground was the ultimate win. My stepboy, Keaton, couldn’t get enough of the water slides, and watching him laugh his way through the splash zone was hilarious. If you have kids, this is definitely where you’ll want to spend your time — it’s designed to keep the little ones entertained for hours.
Dinner Magic (and French Wine!) at Watertable
Dinner at Watertable was another highpoint. Often regarded as one of Huntington Beach's top dining spots, it absolutely lived up to the hype. The restaurant’s rustic yet polished vibe, with its dark wood and glowing candlelight, was the perfect backdrop for a 5 star meal.
I opted for the Bone-in Chicken Breast, which was cooked to perfection — juicy with a slight crisp, paired with seasonal vegetables and a delicious olive oil vinaigrette. Cory went for the Watertable Burger, which came with smoked bacon, truffle aioli, and a side of crispy fries that hit the spot.
No dinner at Watertable would be complete without its famous cocktails. We ordered the Pines and Needles, which brought a refreshing mix of gin, rosemary, and lemon, and the Smoke and Honey, a mezcal-forward drink with a hint of jalapeño. Both were as inventive as they were delicious, and our server was happy to chat with us about the craft that went into creating them.
One of the best moments of the night was when a neighboring couple sent over a glass of French wine they’d brought back from their recent travels. It was a small but meaningful gesture that added a little magic to the evening.
It’s little moments like this that make Huntington Beach feel like home — people here are friendly and unpretentious, which is all part of the charm it’s known for.
S’mores and Firepits Under the Stars
After dinner, we grabbed a s'mores kit from the hotel and made our way across the bridge to the beach.
The firepits along Huntington Beach are a quintessential part of the experience, and sitting around the fire under the stars, roasting marshmallows, and listening to the waves crash was the perfect way to wind down.
Photo by Laumea Photography.
AN Energetic Huntington Morning
We woke up the next morning refreshed and ready to explore. After a relaxing tea on our room's ocean-view balcony and a quick mini-work sesh downstairs, we set off for a run along the Huntington Beach boardwalk. The crisp ocean breeze, views of the iconic Huntington Pier, and fellow early-morning runners passing by created the perfect, energizing start to the day. There’s something about running alongside the beach that feels incredibly refreshing, and the pier adds a picture-perfect backdrop to the whole experience.
Feeling extra motivated, we popped into F45 Downtown Huntington Beach for a quick workout. It was intense but the perfect way to jumpstart our day. Afterward, we crossed the street to Bondi Bowl for a post-workout pick-me-up. Their acai bowls are packed with fresh fruits and toppings that were just what we needed after a morning full of fun.
Our Kind of Vibes
As we strolled along the boardwalk back to the hotel, Cory and I talked about how much we love Huntington. It’s a laid back vibe, where living is easy, and people are genuinely nice. And the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, just gets it.
From the thoughtful touches in our room like matching robes and a balcony where we could enjoy morning coffee while watching the waves, to the family-friendly atmosphere at the pool, every detail is designed to make your stay chill.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, a romantic escape, or a chill staycation without leaving Orange County, Surf City’s Hyatt Regency has you covered.
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living and Founder of the City Living Network. A brand strategist and web designer, she specializes in building hyper-local digital publications from the ground up and coaching fellow bloggers on how to run city-specific publications in their own towns. To inquire about starting a publication in your city schedule a free discovery call HERE.