Huntington Beach · Orange County, CA
Family things to do in Huntington Beach
Scout analyzed 45 Huntington Beach places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
45
Matches
24
Typical spend
$40
Typical visit
2.9 hr
Scout-verified spots
Bolsa Chica-Heil
The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar
This surf-themed spot is good for a casual meal with beach views, suitable for families or a relaxed solo outing. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with a visit lasting around an hour.
Washington
Wild Goose Escape Rooms - Huntington Beach
An escape room is a good activity for groups and can pair with a meal nearby. Plan for about an hour of activity, costing around $35-45 per person.
Balboa Peninsula
Balboa Fun Zone
Visit Balboa Fun Zone for a couple of hours of carnival rides and games, best enjoyed with kids for an afternoon. Expect to spend $10-30 per person on tickets and treats, making it a budget-friendly option.
Nightlife
Simmzy's Restaurant Huntington Beach
Simmzy's is a casual spot for American pub fare and craft beers, good for a relaxed meal with friends or family, possibly after a beach visit. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $20-50 per person.
Outdoors
The Huntington Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is a serene and scenic spot within The Huntington, ideal for a 1.5-hour peaceful stroll. Plan to spend around $25-30 per person for admission to the grounds, often as part of a larger visit to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Outdoors
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
This is a good spot for a morning or afternoon walk, especially for bird watching. It's a free outdoor activity that can be paired with a beach visit or meal nearby.
Food & Drink
Duke's Huntington Beach
Duke's is suitable for a scenic meal or drinks with ocean views, especially around sunset. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person.
Food & Drink
Red Table Restaurant
This American restaurant serves comfort food and cocktails, suitable for a relaxed dinner or brunch. Expect to spend $30-60 per person for an outing lasting 1.5 hours.
Outdoors
Dog Beach
This is a great spot for a casual outdoor outing with your dog, potentially paired with a walk or a bite to eat nearby. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and budget for parking.
Nightlife
The Circle OC
The Circle OC is a lively nightclub venue suitable for a weekend evening out for drinks, live music, and dancing. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for a few hours.
Food & Drink
Sandbar Cocina y Tequila
Sandbar is a lively spot for Mexican food and drinks, often with a view, making it suitable for a casual meal or happy hour. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-50 per person.
Outdoors
Huntington Beach Central Park East
This large park is suitable for a relaxed few hours of strolling or picnicking, often paired with a nearby meal. Expect a low spend per person unless you're buying food from on-site vendors.
Arts & Culture
Shipley Nature Center
This nature preserve offers a relaxed outdoor activity for families or solo visitors, taking about 1.5 hours to explore the trails. Expect to spend little to no money on entry, making it an affordable weekend outing.
Shopping
Pacific City
Pacific City offers dining, shopping, and ocean views, suitable for an afternoon or evening visit of a few hours. Expect to spend $25-$100 per person, depending on dining and purchases.
Outdoors
Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park
This park is suitable for a low-cost, casual family outing or solo walk, with playground equipment and picnic areas. Expect to spend about an hour here, with no cost unless bringing your own food.
Nightlife
Perqs
Perqs is a casual bar for an evening or late-night outing, offering drinks, karaoke, and live music. Expect to spend $15-40 per person on drinks and stay for 2-3 hours. It pairs well with a dinner nearby or as a standalone spot for a lively night.
Outdoors
El Moro Canyon Trail
El Moro Canyon Trail is a good spot for a few hours of hiking with scenic views, suitable for a solo adventure or family outing. Expect to spend a few dollars for parking, if applicable, and plan around good weather conditions.
Nightlife
Old World Restaurant & Biergarten
This German restaurant and biergarten is good for a casual family meal or group outing, often featuring live music. Plan for 1.5 hours and expect to spend $20-50 per person on food and drinks.
Food & Drink
Sandy's Beach Shack
Sandy's Beach Shack is a casual spot offering Californian cuisine with beach views, suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend $25-$75 per person for about 90 minutes, making it a good complement to a beach day or pier stroll.
Outdoors
Seabridge Park
Seabridge Park is a good spot for a free, relaxed hour outdoors with kids, especially for playing on the playground or having a picnic by the water. It can pair well with a morning or afternoon walk.
Outdoors
Castaways Park
Castaways Park is good for an hour-long walk with scenic bay and ocean views. It pairs well with a picnic or as a pre/post-meal stroll, and costs nothing to visit.
Outdoors
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is ideal for a half-day or full-day beach outing, offering space for sunbathing, surfing, and volleyball. Expect to pay for parking, with options for fire rings and RV camping available.
Shopping
Old World Village
Visit Old World Village for a casual outing to browse European-style shops, grab a meal, or attend an event like Oktoberfest. Expect to spend 1.5 to 3 hours and anywhere from free browsing to $50 for food and shopping.
Food & Drink
2nd Floor
2nd Floor is a clubby bar and eatery suitable for a casual evening out, offering American-fusion fare and drinks. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-50 per person.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 34 of the 45 analyzed Huntington Beach places fit family.
- 53% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 41% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Quiet.
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