Unlocking Huntington Beach

Summer in Huntington Beach means camp drop-offs, bonfire nights, and bike rides down the Strand — here's the full parent playbook for filling the calendar through August. What you'll learn: - Camp HB pricing and schedule breakdown: 3-day ($135) vs. 5-day ($221) options at Murdy Community Center, plus the Teen LIT program for ages 13-17 - Where to find Junior Lifeguards and how to reserve...

The Huntington Beach 4th of July draws half a million people for the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi — and Lane Stone has the 35-year local playbook for doing it right. From the Surf City 5K to fireworks launched straight off the pier, this is the hour-by-hour guide to Surf City's biggest day. What you'll learn: - Where to claim a parade spot along PCH (and why lo...

Huntington Beach's cost of living runs 80% above the national average — but that headline number alone won't help you budget. Lane Stone has spent 14 years in this market, and in this episode he breaks down every real expense: rent by neighborhood, what buying actually pencils out to right now, groceries, utilities, the California income tax hit, and the lifestyle costs no calculator inc...

A million people are expected to flood Southern California for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and Lane Stone thinks Huntington Beach is the smartest place to set up camp. The games are at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but 35 miles of Pacific Coast beats the LA hotel surge any day. What you'll learn: - Why OC is a better base than LA for World Cup visitors — and how to make the 405N/105W run to SoFi w...

HB's summer forecast just got complicated: shark detections are earlier than usual, Mendocino Farms is finally landing at Pacific City, and dozens of local homeowners are losing backyards — and in some cases, parts of their homes — to a sewer easement they didn't see coming. Lane covers five Surf City stories in this one, from a 100-year milestone at Huntington Beach High School to pump...

A Huntington Beach local who played pro beach volleyball — and completed 233 escape rooms — just opened Surf City Escapes inside Pacific City. Ben Vaught built rooms around the HB vibe on purpose: the surf theme fits here in a way it wouldn't in an Irvine industrial park. Lane's team tried them out, and spoiler: they escaped with 27 seconds to spare. What you'll learn: - Why Ben cho...

Episode 20 is a full Huntington Beach food and drink audit — where we've been, where we're headed, and what we should never have lost. Lane Stone covers four top-five lists: the HB spots he misses most (Ruby's on the Pier, Ruby Palace, Bravo Burger on Beach Blvd, the downtown movie theater), five places coming soon to Surf City — including Champagne's Kitchen taking over the ol...

The Surf City USA Foodie Awards just dropped — and Lane's got receipts on where the list got it right, where it missed, and which local spots deserved a spot they didn't get. Plus: rattlesnakes are showing up in force at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, the Great Pacific Air Show is back for its 10th anniversary, and HB's new MyMeter utility tool could save homeowners real money. What you&...

Stephanie Schaefer spent 40 years doing sports therapy for Olympic athletes before pivoting to something sweeter — and Bella Sophia Chocolates is now one of Huntington Beach's most beloved artisan brands. This one has a live unboxing, a 20% discount code, and a free chocolate shoe giveaway. Don't say we didn't warn you. What you'll learn: - The difference between a chocolate ma...

Corner Market has been an HB institution for over a century — and owner Suzanne has spent the last decade turning it into something the neighborhood didn't know it needed. She sat down with Lane and Amber to talk about what it actually takes to run a community hub that locals call "The Cheers of Huntington Beach." What you'll learn: - How Suzanne bought Corner Market on pure gu...

Huntington Beach is booming! In this episode, Lane Stone breaks down the massive influx of over 20 new businesses hitting Surf City, from gourmet donuts to veteran ERs. We also dive into the major safety overhaul coming to the PCH bike lanes and a heart-tugging story of a local resident receiving a life-saving "miracle" gift. What You’ll Learn: Support Local: A rundown of 20+ new busines...

Looking for ways to get involved in the Huntington Beach community this spring? In this episode, Lane Stone breaks down the best local activities for all ages—from toddler art classes at the Edison Community Center to oil painting for adults on Main Street. We also dive into a massive free resource for financial literacy and how local organizations can start applying for 4th of July firework permi...

St. Patrick’s Day is taking over Huntington Beach, and whether you’re looking for a traditional pint of Guinness or a wild 9-day festival, Lane Stone has the inside scoop. From the authentic vibes of The Irishman to the high-energy block parties on Main Street, we’re "unlocking" exactly where you need to be this March. What You’ll Learn: The Best Guinness in OC: Why The Irishman on Olive...

In this episode, I dive deep into the heart of Surf City to celebrate some incredible local milestones. From a world-class "bean-to-bar" chocolate shop that's putting Huntington Beach on the international map to the induction of a true surf culture pioneer into the Hall of Fame, we are uncovering the people and places that make this city home. Plus, I share a crucial parking tip for...

What’s really happening behind the scenes in Surf City? This week, Lane Stone breaks down a developing investigation into a fire at a major retail hub, a groundbreaking medical upgrade for our local heroes, and a massive real estate move by an aerospace giant. Plus, we look at a quirky community event and a savory new twist at one of HB’s favorite donut spots. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Pa...

Valentine’s Day week is here in Huntington Beach, and whether you’re planning dinner out, a Galentine’s night, a spa day, or staying home and cooking something special, there are plenty of ways to do it right. In this episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach, Lane breaks down what’s actually happening around town and shares a personal Valentine’s tradition that might just inspire your plans this year...

Super Bowl Sunday is here, and Huntington Beach is gearing up. In this episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach, Lane breaks down everything you need to know for Super Bowl weekend around town. From live music and free events to the best places to watch the game, plus a local restaurant spotlight worth adding to your rotation. Whether you’re heading downtown, sticking closer to Beach Boulevard, hosti...

In this episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach , we break down the local updates that actually matter this week. We start with the new California eBike safety law now in effect and what Huntington Beach parents need to know, including increased enforcement and potential fines tied to minors riding unlawfully. We also highlight a free Financial Literacy Workshop hosted by the City of Huntington Beac...

Ever wondered where a lifelong local goes for the best breakfast burrito, the crispiest fish taco, or the perfect date night vibe? In this episode, Lane Stone counts down his personal "Top 5" lists across six different categories in Huntington Beach. From the nostalgia of Main Street to the hidden gems in Bella Terra, this is your insider’s guide to eating and drinking like a Surf City l...

Happy New Year, Huntington Beach! In this episode, Lane Stone skips the boring gym resolutions and dives into "Unlocking HB" for 2026. Discover how to explore the 79+ parks in our city, support local art, and give back to the small businesses that make Surf City unique. Stick around until the end for a live, 12-donut taste test of the brand-new Parlor Doughnuts on PCH! Key Takeaways: The...

Is your Huntington Beach library card gathering dust? You’re missing out on free movies, music, and audiobooks that could save you hundreds a month. In this episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach , Lane Stone dives into the "digital goldmine" hidden in your wallet. Plus, with the rainy Christmas weather hitting the coast, we’re sharing a curated list of the best spots in HB to grab a warm...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach. Lane Stone covers everything you need to know heading into peak holiday season. From classic Christmas light traditions and seasonal events to drones in the wetlands, a DUI checkpoint, and easy ways to give back locally, this episode is your full HB rundown. We kick things off with holiday lights and can’t-miss seasonal events. From the...

This week on Unlocking Huntington Beach , Langston is joined by special co-host Amber Doherty to give you the ultimate guide to the holiday season in HB! Whether you are looking for family-friendly fun like the Cookie Crawl and Winterfest, or planning a night out for New Year's Eve, we break down exactly where to go. We also cover some major local business news—including a sad goodbye to a Pa...

Welcome to Episode 3 of Unlocking Huntington Beach ! This week, Lane Stone dives into the holiday spirit and covers the latest news shaking up the city. We kick things off with a look at the new CEO of Visit Huntington Beach , John Erdy. We discuss his background with Mammoth Lakes, his plans for "crowd balancing" ahead of the Olympics and World Cup, and what this means for locals. Plus,...

A Thanksgiving-week breakdown featuring free holiday meals for HB families, the best local dining options for turkey-day, family-friendly hikes and views, and the must-visit small businesses for Small Business Saturday. Lane highlights how to enjoy the long weekend while supporting the Huntington Beach community we love.  POPULAR HB TRAILS Huntington Beach Santa Ana River Trail Bolsa Chica Ecologi...