Surf City Fequently Asked Beach Questions
Huntington Beach, Calif.–Everyone coming to Surf City wants to know: Where’s the bathroom? The city has signs posted by not everyone sees them. Beach bathrooms are located at various locations. There are public bathrooms on the Huntington Beach Pier, next to Zack’s on the north side of the pier, Dwights on the south side, near the Hilton and Hyatt further south on the main beach, and in downtown HB you’ll find several public restrooms in the Main Street parking garage at 200 Main. There are also port-a-potties and restrooms at various locations along the beach near the cement path along numbered streets.
Are bonfires allowed, and can I reserve a fire ring? Yes, there are fire rings. No, you can’t reserve them. Where you WON’T find them: There are no fire rings on the north side of Huntington Beach Pier between Main Street and Seapoint Street beaches (Dog Beach). The fire rings are everywhere else, pretty much. To claim an available ring, put your things next to it and stay with it throughout the time you are visiting. It’s first come first serve. Firewood bundles are sold at beach concessions if you forget to bring wood.
Fireworks: Not allowed on the beach. A new ordinance permits them in residential zones throughout the city, however.
Beer & liquor: Not allowed on the beach. Bottles aren’t allowed, either.
Tent camping: Not allowed on the beach.
Dogs: Not allowed on the beaches except Huntington Dog Beach located on Pacific Coast Highway between Golden West St. and Seapoint St. Parking is at a premium on weekends in the summer, especially.
Beach Curfew: 10 p.m. nightly. No you can’t stay later and hang out.
Cheap Huntington Beach hotels: Sunset Beach’s Travelodge and Sanatra Inn. They are not near the Huntington Beach Pier, but are on the coastal side of the highway a few miles north. Price is usually $100 and up. If their price gets as high as Hyatt, Hilton, Shorebreak & Best Western HB Inn, stick with those closer to the pier.
Ocean view dining: Duke’s (nice occasions dining), Ruby’s (diner style), Sandy’s Beach Grill (casual or nice). They are the best views in town. Partial views: Fred’s Mexican Cafe, Spark Woodfire Grill, Zimzala (outdoors) at Shorebreak Hotel, Shades at Hilton Resort.