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Surf City alive and well in Huntington Beach

Most baby boomers remember the teenage anthem "Surf City" and its promise of "two girls for every boy. "

In truth, the male / female ratio was a little further than that, but young Jan and Dean song called "Surf City "catch and Huntington Beach on the map. In those days it was difficult to distinguish musically between Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys - but there was no doubt the message of both groups were sending: California in general - and Surf City, in particular - were the places to be.

The surf culture that launched this musical phenomenon still exists in varying degrees up and down the California coast. But there is no one approaches the reality of Huntington Beach, the undisputed surfing capital of the world and the place many think best sums up the mythical beach paradise described in the "Surf City."

You, of course, have an argument of Santa Cruz, who claims to large waves and the browsing history more easily rival to the south. Santa Cruz also likes to promote itself as Surf City, but the city has a major drawback: Dean Torrence - yes, Dean - 10 musically is still hanging around Huntington Beach and is, in fact, the Executive Committee of the Huntington Beach Conference and Office Tourism. So take that, Santa Cruz!

With 8.5 miles of uninterrupted beaches, incredibly wide, it is not hard to see why Huntington Sandy Beach has attracted attendance for decades. These bright sandy beaches stretching to the moment when all seems far removed from the megalopolis of Los Angeles - where is actually part of it. Even more interesting is how the main street and dock areas have retained its charm despite being a few blocks from subdivisions endless and Orange County freeways.

No surf, but our trip to Huntington Beach gave us the opportunity to walk right into a three-dimensional model the song by Jan and Dean, to what appeared to be "two girls for every boy." While the beaches south of the pier were populated in this special weekend families and many young people, surfers gathered north of the pier where you can get a bird's eye view as dozens of them addresses the seemingly modest waves but stimulating.

For us, comfort was important - that were not exactly looking for a camp on the beach - at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort the ideal choice of accommodation. Reminiscent of the fine beach resorts located in Hawaii, the Hilton is the only high-rise hotel in Huntington Beach and our room the sixth floor offers a breathtaking view of the beach. Sitting on our terrace you can see far to the north and south, and it was interesting to observe the rhythms of life on the beach.

During the day, families to rethink their plots, many of them part-erected tents, others content to enjoy the sun full-on. As sunset approached, the fire could be seen up and down the coast as the visitors took advantage of the rings 600 city fire for cooking or simply a beach bonfire. Next morning everything was gone, and went to the city crews to fix the beach for another day and another 30,000 visitors - the average of Huntington Beach.

The luxurious rooms at the Hilton are known for especially comfortable beds, but also find many other fun things to help enjoy your stay. We enjoyed the poolside expenses as long as the palm trees and gardens just created the right atmosphere spa. Instead of opaque walls, the court complex has a Plexiglas wall on the side of the beach, allowing the view of the beach while enjoying the pool. The sound system helps set the state of mind, you guessed it, Jan and Dean belting out the hits. In particular, this weekend the town looked quite familiar - a large number of guests had brought their children.

This complex would be especially good for teaching children to sail. It seems that there are several classes offered, along with equipment rental and heard a single family to discuss the way it was a priority during his visit to "Surf City."

Of course, there are also much to see and do once they leave the premises of the hotel. The beach is just across the Pacific Coast Highway and running on the beach is a road that offers a parade constant visitors - not just surfers, but the young, elderly and hopefully families, couples and a cross section of anybody and everybody. In this weekend There was a steady stream of muscle cars of the 60 that crosses the road to the Pacific coast. The most expensive cars and most sports were in abundance too.

A ride north from the hotel is the pier and the center of the city of Huntington Beach - a few blocks from the shops at all, but a final blast from the past. Abound surf shops - in fact, there is an International Surfing Museum, take note - while several restaurants and outdoor cafes add to the festive atmosphere. Buyers are more often dressed in bathing suits - or maybe the cover for the more modest - and the sensation is pure California beach city. The shops here tend appear simple fashion, youth-oriented. Rock music echoed in one or two stores, while the occasional surfer pedals around town with a three-times longer than your bike.

For a small center, choice of restaurants is wide and varied. Beer Bars, sushi bars, fish tacos, Asia, Thai, Italian, Hawaii - all are represented in just a few blocks. In this weekend the most popular of the city seems to be the Sugar Shack Café, reputation having breakfast worth a considerable waiting to get into the door.

On the pier, row after row of volleyball nets are in place and the boys and girls tend to be out there taking full advantage of them - even on weekdays. Restaurants and surf shops are located out near the beach where you can rent a variety of beach toys, such as surfboards, boogie boards, and a side range of bicycles and other pedal vehicles up and down the beach walk.

With just a little research, visitors will find that Huntington Beach has more than beaches and surfing. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, for example, is a paradise for bird lovers, covering 330 acres of coastal wetlands. About 200 species of birds are documented here every year, and the reserve is open pedestrian traffic with parking just off Pacific Coast Highway.

If you are planning a family vacation that is to include many of the theme parks Southern California, most are within walking distance of Huntington Beach. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure is 16 miles away, Knotts Berry Farm is 14 miles Knott's Soak City is only 14 miles from Huntington Beach. Shopping is very close, too - both South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island are within walking distance.

But a trip to Huntington Beach is really all about the beach - A beach is an average of 100 meters wide and seemingly endless. If you stay at Hilton or decrease only one day of fun at the beach, this part of southern California still meets the legacy created by Jan and Dean - even if you are married with young children of their own, and do not care any longer if there are "two girls for every boy."

IN BRIEF

WHERE: Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, south about an hour drive from Los Angeles.

WHAT: Huntington Beach is one of the most popular places for surfing in California and is now home to the U.S. Open Championships Surf. The city and the area of preserve the flavor of the 60's when surfing was hot in music and movies.

WHEN: Any time of year. The weather is sunny and comfortable throughout the year.

WHY: An opportunity to enjoy a of the best beaches in California and enjoy a completely different culture while enjoying a stay in a luxury hotel.

HOW: For more information Huntington about Beach visit Huntington Beach Conference Visitor Office website www.surfcityusa.com or call 800-729-6232. For more information on the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, visit www.waterfrontbeachresort.hilton.com or call 714-845-8000.

For more information on travel in California, please visit www.californiaweekend.com .

About the Author

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of www.californiaweekend.com, a site focusing on California travel, and www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which features Pacific Northwest travel

Gary Wright at Fashion Island Summer Concert Series, Newport Beach