Kickin’ it in Surf City

Jenny Marder

In Huntington Beach, not everything revolves around the beach -- just

most things. Any full weekend in Surf City will naturally leave sand

in the shoes, but the beach is just the beginning to what the city

has to offer.

* 6 p.m. Friday: Sit back, relax and sip on cocktails while taking

in the ocean view from Duke’s barefoot bar, at the foot of the

Huntington Beach Pier.

* 7:30 p.m. Friday: Romantic sunset stroll along the surf.

* 8 p.m. Friday: Head to Chimayo at the Beach for a seafood

dinner, where voodoo shrimp, grilled seafood and wood oven steaks are

all popular favorites. Dine amid the restaurant’s south seas decor,

hand-blown lighting and rough hewn wood beam ceilings. After dinner,

relax with coffee, tea or a drink by the fire pit of the restaurant’s

large beachside patio. Try the king crab legs steamed, served with

lime butter, cheddar potatoes or French fries and grilled corn &

papaya slaw

* 10 p.m. Friday: If you’re still feeling feisty, venture Downtown

to Ibiza, where DJs spin international beats, or if you’re looking

for some wild late night clubbing reminiscent of a college frat

party, then check out Hurricanes. If you’re willing to brave the line

overflowing onto the street, try a 20-ounce Margarita at Fred’s

Mexican Cafe and Cantina for $4.75.

* 7 a.m. Saturday: Start the morning off by hitting the waves. If

you’re an experienced surfer, the Huntington Beach Pier is the place

to go. Southside in the morning, northside in the afternoon. New to

the sport? Try the softer waves at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

* 9 a.m. Saturday: No one’s a true surfer until one has frequented

the local surf joint, the Sugar Shack, for breakfast. Calm your

hunger pains with a hearty omelet or breakfast burrito. Prices are

from $4 to $7.

* 11 a.m. Saturday: Grab your bike or strap on your roller blades

and work off all that bacon with an invigorating ride along the

boardwalk.

* 1 p.m. Saturday: Cool off with a fresh, ice-cold lemonade and a

quick, cheap bite to eat at Ruby’s Diner, at the end of the

Huntington Beach Pier, and then a shopping session Downtown.

* 4 p.m. Saturday: Catch a matinee film at either the Mann

Pierside Pavilion at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street or at

Edwards Charter Centre 5, at 7822 Warner Ave.

* 8 p.m. Saturday: Treat yourself to a steaming plate of penne

rigate or lasagna bolognese at Roman Cucina, a dimly lighted Italian

bistro run by two brothers. It’s a perfect date spot with a casual

atmosphere. Don’t leave without sampling one of the homemade deserts

of cheesecake, canoli or tiramusu. Price: $10 to $14.

* 10 p.m. Saturday: Wow your friends with a mean game of pool at

the House of Brews and choose from 80 bottled beers and 26 on tap.

Pool games cost 75 cents each.

* 9 a.m. Sunday: Tee-off at the Meadowlark Golf Course. Rates are

$35 on weekends and $25 weekdays.

* Noon Sunday: Splurge on brunch at the brand new Hyatt Resort’s

Californian. The contemporary, avant garde restaurant features

Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, with an eclectic menu and a

courtyard overlooking the ocean. Brunch costs $20 to $30.