By Bridget Graham
Huntington Beach, California, has often been called “Surf City USA,” with its sandy beaches and surfing waves that do not disappoint. It is perfect for the laid-back but active lifestyle. The city is also home to the iconic 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier, which is one of longest on the West Coast, providing activities from early morning to midnight: dining, fishing, watching the surfers, or just walking out to the end of it to gaze into the horizon. Swimming, surfing, nearby beach volleyball and shopping provide daytime fun, while bonfire pits and vibrant nightlife can satisfy the night owls. The city is also family-friendly and dog-friendly. This Orange County city truly has something for everyone.
With many choices for a luxury stay by the beach, Paséa Hotel & Spa is the oceanfront resort to choose. Located on Pacific Coast Highway, just steps from Huntington Beach Pier, the hotel’s contemporary but easy-going SoCal vibe and sweeping ocean views is a modern coastal retreat that offers serenity on all levels. There are 250 rooms and suites, and most provide ocean-facing balcony views. Rooms include above and beyond amenities such as in-room yoga mats and complimentary wine on arrival. Welcoming both dogs and children, but also being modern and cozy, both couples and families — or even for a solo getaway — will find this to be the perfect place.
After spending a day at the beach, working out in Paséa’s 24-hour fitness center, borrowing hotel bikes for an oceanfront ride, or swimming in the heated pool that also provides beach butler service, there’s the award-winning onsite Aarna Spa offering eight treatment rooms and a variety of choices to relax and unwind into next-level wellness. With choices of facials and massages, including the Ocean Devotion massage, which features custom-crafted Balinese treatment oils and restorative, Balinese- and Polynesian- inspired techniques, rejuvenation has never been easier. Wellness choices also include a visit to the salt room or relaxing in the private outdoor spa garden complete with fire pits.
Earning Forbes’ Travel Guide Recommendation for 2026, Paséa is part of Meritage Collection, known for one-of-a-kind spots blending luxury and comfort. The accommodations do not disappoint but neither does the food.
The hotel was proud to announce the arrival of Chef Dan Perry as Chef de Cuisine in late 2025 who works alongside Executive Chef Scott Rackcliff at their signature restaurant, Lōrea, and their popular rooftop lounge, Treehouse on PCH. Lōrea, the oceanfront main dining restaurant, opened last year as part of the hotel’s $5 million renovation, and is frequented by guests and locals alike — and is not to be missed.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Lōrea’s menu is full of dishes made from seasonal, fresh ingredients. Dinner includes dishes from steaks to fish and much more, and delight everyone whether gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free or keto friendly. There are options for all. Fresh Orecchiette Pasta is made with roasted wild mushrooms, mushroom tea, fall squash, crisp sage, baby kale, caramelized onions and hazelnuts. The Grilled Chicken Panzanella is made with a citrus-brined half chicken, polenta croutons, haricots verts, Frissée, dried cranberries, arugula and warm bacon vinaigrette. Many of the dishes have wine recommendations right on the menu for the best pairing, but staff is ready to ensure your drinking taste buds are also impressed.
Very dog-friendly, Lōrea offers a doggie menu and a doggie happy hour with discounts just for your pup. There is, of course, a kids menu, a dessert menu and a happy hour menu.
Treehouse on PCH is a chic rooftop lounge, meeting spot or just a place to chill for light bites and cool drinks. Whether it is for happy hour or before dinner at Lōrea, you can enjoy a drink at a high top table, under a cabana, around a fire pit, or sitting at the bar. The DJ plays great music and the ocean views are spectacular. With an everchanging menu, signature drinks and the light fare is always fresh and delicious.
There’s also Blend Café, the hotel’s coffee spot; and poolside dining is available so you never have to leave your lounge chair or cabana while sunning. With a combined 34,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and an ocean lawn, Paséa hosts weddings, conferences and social gatherings.
Eight minutes driving from a local dog beach, 30 minutes driving from Disneyland, 15 minutes walking to the International Surfing Museum and 24 minutes driving to South Coast Plaza, there is so much to do in Huntington Beach within a close distance to Paséa as a home base. But the truth is, once you’re at Paséa Hotel & Spa, you may not want to leave.
Photo Credit: The Meritage Collection
