It’s the Ultimate in Beach Adventure

Huntington Beach serves up the classic Southern California beach-going experience. Sure, you already knew the city had a famous pier, but that’s not its only attraction. Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway offer an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.

The sunny weather brings everyone out. Tanned sun worshipers wearing barely-there swimsuits stroll down Main Street, casually making their way to the beach. Fast-trackers whiz by on roller skates, dogging people walking their dogs.

You can watch a volleyball game at sand level or fish off the pier. Or just people-watch.

A Blend of Cuisines

You can begin your adventure at the 1,865-foot pier, where you’ll be greeted by two restaurants with enviable ocean views.

Enjoy fresh sterling salmon grilled in a honey sesame glaze, prime rib or a top sirloin steak at Duke’s (317 Pacific Coast Highway, [714] 374-6446).

Nearby is Chimayo at the Beach (315 Pacific Coast Highway, [714] 374-7273; 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday), where you can sample the Southwestern-meets-seafood cuisine. Taste-test something unique, such as barbecue chicken tamales, or stick with something traditional, such as the roasted sea bass with mashed potatoes.

If you feel like a simple burger, ramble down to the end of the pier and you’ll find Ruby’s Surf City Diner (1 Main St., [714] 969-7829; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Ruby’s ‘50s-era decor will transport you to days long gone.

If you’re looking for a low-key place away from the bustle of the pier, stop by the Aloha Grill (221 Main St. Space F, [714] 374-4427; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily). While enjoying peanut chicken or other California cuisine, check out the framed pictures of hula dancers and surfers on the bamboo walls, and listen to the piped-in sounds of the Dave Matthews Band or Sublime.

Sweet Surrenders

Top off your walk on the pier with ice cream at Caterinas (300 Pacific Coast Highway, [714] 374-6112; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily). The tiny sweet shop serves only Dreyer’s. Vanilla is on the menu, but why not try the green tea, Treasure Island mango or pumpkin ice cream?

Pumpkin “can be popular during the right season,” says a Caterinas employee, Kerry Brady. What else is popular? “Any coffee and cookie dough [flavor],” she adds.

If you’re craving candy, choose from a large assortment of Jelly Belly jelly beans or chocolate-covered licorice at Caterinas.

For a smoothie, there’s Jamba Juice (101 Main St., No. 109, [714] 374-3166; 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday) or Juice It Up (200 Main St. No. 112, [714] 960-4267; 7 a.m.-7 p.m Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday).

If shopping is on the agenda, Diamond Lane (122 Main St., [714] 969-1943; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday) attracts many couples with its cozy atmosphere and selection, from jeans to leopard-print purses. You can’t miss the ceramic angels dangling from the ceiling along with white Christmas lights strewn throughout the store.

Need to replace that hot-pink wig? Catwalk (119 Main St., [714] 960-3444; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday) should be on your stopping list. The less-adventurous might describe the clothing as tacky, but others see it merely as exceedingly eccentric.

Beachcombers Surf and Sport (207 Main St., [714] 960-0031; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday) has everything the skateboard enthusiast might need--from a new board to the requisite helmet. You can also pick up sunglasses.

A surfer’s paradise is the best way to describe Jack’s Surf Boards (101 Main St., [714] 536-4516; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily). Even if you don’t surf, but want to look as if you do, Jack’s has the attire. Buy some shorts, sandals or a T-shirt, and you’ll be good to go. The full-service shop has a large selection of boards, and the courteous staff is always on hand to answer any questions.

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IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE: From Pacific Coast Highway, park near Main Street.

From the 55 Freeway, head south to freeway’s end. Continue straight on Newport Boulevard. Turn right (northwest) onto West Coast Highway (Highway 1). Continue to Huntington Beach and park near Main Street.

PIER GROUP: The current pier replaced a 76-year-old one that closed in 1998. At one time Huntington Beach had two wooden piers. Both were built before 1914 and both were destroyed in storms.

Surf City

RESTAURANTS

1. Duke’s, 317 PCH, Huntington Beach

2. Chimayo at the Beach, 315 PCH

3. Ruby’s Surf City Diner, 1 Main St.

4. Aloha Grill, 221 Main St. #F

5. Caterinas, 300 PCH

6. Jamba Juice, 101 Main St., #109

7. Juice It Up, 200 Main St., #112

STORES

8. Jack’s Surf Boards, 101 Main St.

9. Beachcombers Surf and Sport, 207 Main St.

10. Diamond Lane, 122 Main St.

11. Catwalk, 119 Main St.