DD, her SO and my sweet granddaughter are headed to Huntington Beach for 5 days next month. They would like some suggestions on moderately /reasonably priced, family [baby] friendly places to eat where they could get: "seafood, baja, american, sushi"?

They will have a car, but with the baby, they won't want to drive great lengths for food. DD is not quite as much of a foodie as I am, but she's working on it.

Thanks!
Deb

ttt

Deb - I wish I could help you out...bringing it up to see if anyone else has any suggestions.

Well, if they want to wander down the coast a bit, head to Crystal Cove State Park and eat on the beach at the Beachcomer -
http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_c...ove/index.aspx

If there's a wait, she can wander south on the beach for a few steps and see the house used in the filming of "Beaches". Oh, wait. She probably doesn't remember that movie

Drive down the coast a bit more and visit Laguna Beach. There's a GREAT local dive serving great breakfasts and sandwiches. Nothing fancy, but great food and it's fun to watch all the interactions when the locals pop in for their usuals.

Oops! The name of the little place in Laguna is the Orange Inn.

They may enjoy wandering the shops in Laguna too.

Duke's at the pier is a great seafood spot. This is Duke's of Honolulu, so the menu favors Hawaiian style. Very good with a fun atmosphere.

A few miles south at the corner of MacArthur and PCH is Oysters. Oysters has a full range of prices from moderate to high end. Many nights Oysters has a jazz combo. Very pleasant to sit in the bar or front room and enjoy the music.

Just N of downtown Laguna Beach on the ocean side is Las Brisas. Las Brisas has a patio with a fireplace and one of the best coastal views in California. The menu on the patio is modestly priced. The dining room is pricey. I am sure hey will enjoy.

Very close to Huntington Beach, is The Crab Cooker at Newport Beach. It is a really fun and funky family place with great grilled fish, and wonderful chowder. Very inexpensive. Gets really busy at dinner time, so get there early. It's one of our all-time favorite places to which we return whenever possible.

I can tell them about Newport Beach, or Laguna - was not sure they wanted to venture south...

Oops! I saw "5 days" and thought "How could they NOT travel the coast?"

I don't think they will want to be traveling too much. What is Huntington Beach like? Is it just a suburban town with malls, etc and a beach. I cannot remember, having not been there since mid 70's.

Deb

With a 9 month old, not sure how much driving around they will want to do as they will be driving there from NM.

Deb

My furthest suggestion was 20 miles. It's just soooo pretty.
Crystal Cove was beautiful. But, I've asked my friend for HB suggestions too.

Thanks to all of you, keep 'em coming. I have emailed her this thread, which I posted at her request.

Deb

Starrs is on the money - it is lovely.

I can only say without offending anyone I hope - I have only been to HB once or twice since moving to OC about 12 years ago... I love Laguna, Newport, San Clemente, so have never had any reason to really go to HB - I did eat at BJ's Pizza when we stayed at the Hyatt HB (which was lovely).

If they want to drive south; let us know - I can bring on the recommendations.

Las Bricas is nice on the patio - it gets a little crowded though and rowdy at times and not really great for a baby...

I used Google Maps to check.
It's 12 miles to Crystal Cove and then another 4.6 miles to the Orange Inn (restaurant) in Laguna Beach. Total = 16.6 miles

I don't know HB. I just remembered how much I loved those two restaurants - and both would be perfect for what you described.

Hope they have a great time out there.

Again, thanks Starrs for all the effort, it is much appreciated!

Deb

Isn't Newport Beach just minutes away from Huntington? Or am I thinking of some other beach near Newport?

Balboa Island is fun to walk around with a child, too. Right near Newport.

Peaceout - maybe it is! I just know we never get up "that far" .... when we went to stay in HB it seemed much further...

Dukes at the pier is great. Dinner's nice but casual, but also great cocktails (mai tai's) and lunch too. I agree that while there is some fun things in HB, take Pacific Coast Hwy 5min north to Sunset Bch for some other fun beachy places and definately take PCH south 15 -20 mins to Laguna Bch and Newport Bch. Javier's in Laguna is really good. Ruby's on the NB pier is a great burger and if you go a 1/2 hr to San Clemente, hit Fisherman's on the peir for a great meal and great view!

Huntington Beach is not that far from Newport Beach. I have only been to the Hyatt and Hilton in Huntington Beach and both were nice and also ate at Duke's, which was good. Otherwise we mostly stay down in Newport Beach/Corona Del Mar and south to Laguna Beach. We have friends who live in Huntington Beach and they love it so will ask them for ideas. I always think of it as being a big time surfer town with lots of beach and swimmers and surfers. I'll report back if they give me some ideas for restaurants.