A better way to do the SoCal road trip for Vancouver Canucks fans

The Southern California road trip is one of the most popular trips for Vancouver Canucks fans, and it’s easy to understand why.

It’s a chance to escape Vancouver during our rainy months for sun and beaches, while getting a chance to support the Canucks on the road for not one, but two games.

The Canucks make two trips to California in 2025-26, and both present a convenient way to see the team play multiple games in SoCal. Vancouver heads to Anaheim to play the Ducks on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and to Los Angeles to play the Kings on Saturday, Nov. 29. The second California road trip comes late in the season, when they visit SoCal Thursday, April 9 (Los Angeles) and Sunday, April 12 (Anaheim).

The Kings’ home arena (Crypto.com Arena) is less than a 50-km drive from the Honda Centre in Anaheim, meaning you can drive to both fairly easily.

But where do you stay? Instead of hanging with Mickey Mouse or fighting traffic in L.A., here’s a fun and relaxing alternative: Huntington Beach.

Nicknamed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, in close proximity to both of SoCal’s NHL teams. This walkable beach town is flanked by beautiful bars and restaurants, with all the amenities needed for a relaxing sun vacation — before you head to the rink.

We stayed in Huntington Beach last season while the Canucks played in Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Here are some things to do if you decide to visit.

Things to do in Huntington Beach

Learn how to surf

Let’s start with the most obvious thing to do in Surf City… Surfing.

Huntington Beach is home to consistent waves that are well-suited for beginners. We took lessons from former pro surfer Rocky McKinnon, of McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons. He can get anyone riding waves in no time.

The International Surfing Museum is also located in Huntington Beach, if you’re into a history lesson about this relatively new Olympic sport.

Bike ride by the beach

The Huntington Beach bike path connects Huntington Beach Pier with Newport Beach Pier. You can take a stress-free 10-km ride while overlooking the ocean.

Grab a lobster roll from on Huntington Beach Pier

Broad Street Oyster Co. is located at the end of Huntington Beach Pier and is home to the “world-famous” lobster roll. It’s a great lunch spot.

Dine at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean

There are plenty of beautiful bars and restaurants to check out along the Pacific Coast Highway.

We had cocktails at Treehouse on PCH, located inside the Paséa Hotel & Spa. Their chic rooftop is a great spot to sip seasonal craft cocktails while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Similarly, Jolie Restaurant and Rooftop is another great place to enjoy a meal or sip a drink at their elevated coastal bar.

Eat, drink, and shop at a modern outdoor mall

Pacific City Mall is a hub of activity, with plenty of restaurants and shopping options. We ate dinner at The Brant Kitchen and Bar and Nardo Italian Restaurant. IYKYK! Coffee Lab is a great spot to pick up coffee and pastries in the morning.

Check out a cool coffee and breakfast spot

Two more coffee options include Java Point Coffee Shop and 602 Coffee House.

You can find Java Point Coffee Shop inside a surf shop, which is rather unique. They also offer delicious bagel breakfast sandwiches.

602 Coffee House has a cool outdoor space and serves up bagel sandwiches and açai bowls.

Try the beer at a cool independent brewery

Green Cheek Brewery is where you can find delicious craft beer and mouthwatering smash burgers near the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

End the night with a beach bonfire

Fire pits are available on three beaches in Huntington Beach, including Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Scout one out and you can enjoy a bonfire when the sun goes down.

Where to stay

There is no shortage of hotel options in Huntington Beach, but we stayed Kimpton Shorebreak Resort. It’s across the street from the ocean and within easy walking distance to all the restaurants and shops. It’s also just 31 km from the Honda Center and 61 km away from Crypto.com Arena — depending on traffic patterns.

The author of this article was hosted by Visit Huntington Beach