Places to Go

Located on a beautiful beachside setting, more than 50 vendors sell and display unique, handmade gifts, crafts and artwork. From turquoise jewelry to knitted scarves, this event satisfies the most creative shopping list. Open Fridays from noon-sunset and on some weekends.

Enjoy the fun pastime of reading. Preschool Story Time (for ages 3-5) is held on Tuesdays from 10-10:30 a.m. and from 11-11:30 a.m. Grandparent Story Time, open to all ages, is on Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Located near Huntington Beach Central Park, dogs and their owners are welcome to play at the nonprofit park. When entering the gated facility, there is a "Doggy Walk of Fame," where tiles inscribed with patrons names and paw prints lead to the entrance. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

Bolsa Chica State Beach is an excellent destination for grunion hunts, surfing and bonfires. Amenities include parking (fees apply), bathrooms and fire pits. Just across the street is the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

Bolsa Chica, perfect for a family nature getaway, is a pocket of wilderness tucked into the middle of the urbanized coast of Orange County. More than 200 species of birds make temporary homes here during yearly migrations. Signage recognizes the evolution, disappearance and restoration of these wetlands, which is divided into two bays. A 1.5-mile loop trail and tour is available around the inner bay and sand dunes.

This indoor rock-climbing facility features several contoured wall structures built at angles to simulate real rocks. Colorful hand and foot holds mark a variety of routes perfect for a beginning or seasoned climber. Day and monthly passes available.

Let the creative juices flow and paint ceramic keepsakes that will last a lifetime. Choose from more than 1,000 pottery pieces, including giant mugs, plates, statues and more. Paint with more than 65 glazes. Pieces will be fired in kilns on the premises and taken home to enjoy. scientific facts while creating artwork inspired by master artists.

Though currently under construction, Harriett M. Weider Regional Park is a distinctive park for children and families to play. The park features native plants, trails, an open turf area for picnicking, playgrounds and a scenic viewpoint. What sets Weider Park apart from others is its use of recycled materials to create the play area. Bumper stops, trashcan hangers and old tires are some of the items used. Additionally, the parking lot surface is made of recycled materials and the park was graded to recycle water run-off.

The Huntington Beach Disc Golf Course overlooks a lake and is a disc throw from the beach. It's a good way to get exercise while enjoying a sport that the entire family can play together and a fun way to spend the morning or afternoon with friends. The terminology, scoring and rules of disc golf are similar to regular golf. Open weekdays from 10 a.m.-dusk and weekends from 8 a.m.-dusk.

Dive headfirst into a wealth of knowledge about surfing sports history, particularly on its introduction to the mainland from Hawaii around 80 years ago. Go through a collection of memorabilia, surfboards, films, music and learn about longboard legends in the walk and hall of surfing fame.

The Huntington Beach Public Library is home to one of the largest children's libraries in the nation. In addition to 80,000 children's books to choose from, there are several activities for families. Programs include: Grandparent Read-Aloud Corner, Discovery Learning Yacht and Tabby Storytime Theater.

Covering more than 150 acres and housing more than 400 horses – most privately owned – the equestrian center allows the public to experience horseback riding through the Horse Play Rental Program. The program offers a one-hour guided tour through local rural horse trails in Huntington Beach, overlooking beautiful Huntington Central Park. The horses are quiet and gentle, and reservations are required. Horses and equipment accommodate children at least 7 years old and 48 inches tall for lessons or trail rides. After-school programs are also available.

Known as Surf City, Huntington Beach has eight miles of scenic, accessible beachfront. Large crowds gather to play in the sand and watch professional sporting events. Huntington Beach also features one of the largest recreational piers in the world. Amenities include fire pits, volleyball courts, dog beach (north end), parking (fee) and snack bars.

Extending 2 miles from Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, south to the Santa Ana River on the Newport Beach boundary, this popular beach destination offers more than sun and sand. Bike and hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, windsurfing and even surfing the net with Wi-Fi Internet service are just some of the beach activities that families can enjoy.

Featuring kites, banners, spinners and flags, Kite Connection offers items for purchase that are fun for the beach. Free sport kite lessons also offered by appointment.

Lap-time Story Time, designed for children 18 months to 3 years, is held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time, suitable for ages 3-5, is held on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Explore this Victorian farmhouse, which is one of the oldest homes still standing in Huntington Beach. Built in 1898, it was once inhabited by Native Americans. Self-guided tours are available Wednesday through Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. The home served as a centerpiece of Newland Ranch, which was in operation until the mid-1940s and has been restored as a museum with authentic antiques, as well as a gift shop.

Peter's Landing Marina is at the harbor entrance and just off Pacific Coast Highway, making it the closest inland port to Catalina Island. It offers sport fishing, boat slip rentals and complimentary two-hour guest slips on a first-come, first-served basis for those who want to enjoy waterfront boardwalk dining and shopping.

Rollerblade into fall each Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. for a group round-trip skate. The 16-mile route begins at the Pier Plaza amphitheater in Huntington Beach. Join the group afterwards for lunch. Bicyclists are also welcome.

Known as the best free car show in the world, this event is a 15-year tradition on Saturday mornings from 6-9 a.m. Classic auto owners, known as the Donut Derelicts, meet on the corner of Magnolia and Adams, near Adams Avenue Donuts, for people to admire their classic beauties.

Cycle or stroll along trails in this 350-acre park in the heart of Huntington Beach. View more than 200 species of birds in this popular migration spot and visit the Shipley Nature Center, located in the center of the park. Visitors can spot gopher snakes, turtles and other local species along the trails and see taxidermy specimens of animals and birds in the Interpretive Center and Diorama. The Huntington Library is also located within the park and contains the largest children's library west of the Mississippi.

Browse through many unique items, including antiques, collectibles and furniture. It is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also pick up some healthy snacks and fresh produce.