Area similar to Huntingdon Beach?

Question

We are coming in September but had picked Huntingdon Beach due to location, beach and it looked a nice area for shops, restaurants snd bars.

Unfortunately it seems the hotels i had picked (the main ones) are fully booked.

Which other area would you recommend that is similar.

We prefer busier, livelier places with more things to do and see.

Can hire a car if we need to.

Just looking for a nice hotel slong the oceanfront with a nice pool.

Answer

If you are looking for an area similar to Huntington Beach with a lively atmosphere, good restaurants, shops, and beachfront hotels, there are several alternatives along the Southern California coast. Since you are open to renting a car, you have flexibility to explore nearby coastal cities that offer a similar vibe.

Here are some great options:

Newport Beach: This area is slightly upscale, with beautiful beaches, a bustling pier area, Balboa Island, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Newport has many oceanfront hotels with pools and easy beach access. The area is lively but still family-friendly.
Laguna Beach: Known for its artsy vibe, scenic coves, and boutique shopping. Laguna Beach has a number of beachfront resorts with pools. It’s a bit quieter than Huntington but still offers plenty of dining and cultural activities.
Seal Beach: A smaller town with a charming Main Street, nice beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. While not as lively as Huntington, it has some oceanfront hotels and restaurants and is a short drive to Huntington and Long Beach if you want more activity.
Long Beach: Offers a mix of urban and beachfront activities. While the beach is not as iconic as Huntington, there are hotels along the waterfront, good dining, and shopping areas, and attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific. More urban but still with ocean views in certain areas.

Other considerations:

Most beachfront hotels with pools in these areas book quickly in September, so checking availability early is recommended.
Having a rental car gives you flexibility to explore neighboring beaches and towns along the coast, allowing you to enjoy a variety of experiences.
If you want a combination of lively nightlife, shopping, and beach access, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach are probably the closest matches to Huntington Beach.

Overall, Newport Beach offers the best combination of liveliness, beachfront hotels with pools, and a vibrant shopping and dining scene similar to Huntington Beach, while Laguna Beach provides a slightly quieter but scenic alternative. Seal Beach and Long Beach are good backup options if your preferred hotels are fully booked.