Huntington Beach: Where the Surf Is Your Turf

If you’re looking for a low-key place away from the bustle of the Huntington Beach pier, Main Street offers an eclectic mix of shops and eateries. Stop by the Aloha Grill (221 Main St. Space F, [714] 374-4427; daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., with extended bar hours on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.) 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.

If shopping is on the agenda, Diamond Lane (122 Main St., [714] 969-1943; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.) 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; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) should be on your to-do list. The less-adventurous might describe the clothing as tacky, but others see it as exceedingly eccentric.

Beachcombers Surf and Sport (207 Main St., [714] 960-0031; Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.) 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; daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.). 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.

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

* A new Discover Orange County will run next Sunday in the O.C. Calendar.

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1. Aloha Grill, 221 Main St. No. F

2. Diamond Lane, 122 Main St.

3. Catwalk, 119 Main St.

4. Beachcombers Surf and Sport, 207 Main St.

5. Jack’s Surf Boards, 101 Main St.