WHAT'S NEW IN
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
UPDATED OCTOBER 5, 2026
UPCOMING
First Ever Sea Turtle Nesting on the US West Coast – In mid-September, two nests of olive ridley sea turtles were discovered in Seal Beach and Huntington Beach, the first ever documented natural sea turtle nesting on the US West Coast. The turtle eggs have been moved to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach where they will be safely incubated. If fertile, the eggs are expected to hatch in early November and released back to the ocean.
Huntington Beach Becomes the First California Destination to Achieve Sensory Inclusive™ Certification Through KultureCity
Led by Visit Huntington Beach in partnership with the City of Huntington Beach, the destination-wide initiative brought together both private and public sectors to support sensory inclusion. More than 1,538 visitor-facing employees at hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions, alongside lifeguards, police officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel, completed specialized training to better recognize, understand and support individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. For more information, visit AccessibleHB.com.
The Kickstand Soda Shop opening October 9, 2026 – Coming to Downtown Huntington Beach is The Kickstand Soda Shop, a trendy 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.
Huntington’s on the Pier opening in 2027 – 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.
Breakfast Republic opening in Spring 2027 – This popular Southern California brunch spot puts a quirky, creative twist on breakfast classics. The menu feels classic yet fun, featuring dishes like Oreo Pancakes, S’mores French Toast, Chilaquiles, and Shrimp & Grits.
Multi-year $17-Million Renovation at Pasea Hotel & Spa featuring redesigned rooms to debut in 2027; completion slated for early 2028 – Upon celebrating its 10th anniversary, Pasea Hotel & Spa is set to complete a $17-million renovation with enhancements spanning the oceanfront resort’s guestrooms, corridors, lobby, spa, and meeting and event spaces. Drawing inspiration from Huntington Beach’s coastal setting, the redesigned 250 guestrooms and suites–set to debut in 2027–will embrace a refined Southern California beach house aesthetic, featuring layered natural materials, warm wood tones, custom woven textures, artwork, and a soothing palette of sandy neutrals and ocean blues. Furthering Paséa’s commitment to wellbeing, Aarna Spa will receive a thoughtful refresh including updated soft goods and refreshed design elements that reinforce the spa’s tranquil coastal atmosphere. The resort’s fitness center will also be upgraded with cutting-edge elite performance equipment.
SEASONAL
Pete’s Spookeasy opened September 2026 – The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach resort’s laid-back coastal dining venue, Pete's Sunset Grille, transforms with a haunted twist, bringing decorations, themed cocktails, a curated Halloween-inspired food menu, and many more haunting surprises through November 2.
Pier Summit Ski Lodge opening October 22, 2026 – The Kimpton Shorebreak Resort’s 80’s themed pop-up bar returns for another season of neon-colored ski outfits, a life-sized yeti, and themed food and drinks. Through January 2, guests can cheers to the nostalgia of kitschy eighties decor and retro menu items.
NEWLY OPENED
Pasta Viva opened in August 2026 – Pasta Viva, a seed oil-free Italian pasta spot, serves a variety of dishes including its signature Cheese Wheel Pasta, sandwiches made with fermented focaccia, and Chocolate Pasta for dessert.
WSL50 at the International Surf Museum opened in July 2026 – The International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach unveiled 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.
RECENTLY OPENED
Azure Day Party at The Bungalow Huntington Beach opened May 2026 – The Bungalow Huntington Beach, an Orange County social anchor, has begun 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.
Little Sister opened May 2026 – Located in Pacific City, Little Sister blends bold Vietnamese and Southeast Asian street food influences with refined European touches, offering a vibrant menu designed for family-style sharing. Once tucked away as a speakeasy extension of the owner’s flagship concept, the restaurant has evolved into a standalone dining destination where guests can enjoy inventive new menu offerings, curated cocktails, wine selections and sweeping coastal views.
Huntington Beach Pier with Colored Lights began May 2026 –The Huntington Beach Pier has been 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 like holidays and events.
The Lighthouse opened May 2026 – Now open on Pacific City’s upper-level deck with outdoor seating, sweeping ocean views, and a laid-back, yet energetic beachside atmosphere, The Lighthouse brings together legendary jazz, live music, nightlife, and coastal dining. The location 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.
Champagnes Kitchen opened May 2026 – Award-winning SoCal eatery Champagnes Kitchen opened in Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a welcoming neighborhood feel. Those looking to take their meal to the beach will enjoy a variety of grab and go options. 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.
Dwight’s Beach Concessions opened 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.”
Subculture opened April 2026 – Subculture, a local staple known for its generously portioned sandwiches served on signature Dutch crunch bread, recently opened its second Huntington Beach location next to Main Street on PCH – the perfect spot to grab a bite to-go and head to the beach.
Surf City Escapes opened March 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.
Parlor Donuts – opened January 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.
Sushi Nigiriba opened December 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.
If you have any further questions, please email us at media@surfcityusa.com.