Three Perfect Summer Days in Huntington Beach – Sun, Surf and Endless Family Fun in Surf City USA

There’s a reason Huntington Beach proudly calls itself Surf City USA®. With more than 10 miles of wide sandy beaches, one of California’s most iconic piers, world-class surfing, outstanding restaurants, oceanfront resorts and a laid-back Southern California vibe, Huntington Beach is the perfect destination for a summer escape. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic […]
On the Road with Dan to Madeira – Portugal’s Island Paradise in the Atlantic

Floating nearly 600 miles off the coast of Portugal, the island of Madeira feels like a destination designed for travelers seeking breathtaking scenery, rich history, and authentic European charm without the crowds. Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe,” this Portuguese archipelago combines rugged volcanic cliffs, lush mountains, colorful gardens, and one of the […]
The Baby Grand Just Opened on Coronado, and It Feels Like a Hotel Lost to Time

There is a new reason to point your car south. The Baby Grand opened on Coronado Island on May 14, and it is unlike anything else on the peninsula. This is the latest project from CH Projects, the San Diego hospitality group behind beloved spots like Born and Raised, False Idol, and the reimagined Lafayette […]
Seal Beach: Southern California’s Charming Coastal Hidden Gem

Tucked quietly between the energy of Huntington Beach and the urban pulse of Long Beach lies one of Southern California’s most charming and underrated beach communities: Seal Beach. With its small-town atmosphere, walkable Main Street, historic wooden pier, welcoming locals, and laid-back coastal vibe, Seal Beach feels like a throwback to a simpler California era that somehow still exists in […]
Long Beach Prepares for the World Stage Ahead of the 2028 Olympics

With just over two years remaining before the world’s attention turns to Southern California for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the City of Long Beach is already deep into preparations for what promises to be one of the most transformative events in its modern history. As one of the primary host cities for LA28, Long Beach will […]
The Roar Returns

Experience the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Each April, the streets of downtown Long Beach transform into one of the most exciting racing venues in the world as the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach returns April 17–19. For locals and visitors alike, race weekend is far more than just motorsports—it’s a citywide celebration […]
On the Road with Dan to Valle de Guadalupe

Baja Mexico · Part II As described in a prior issue of Beach Cities Magazine, nestled in the rolling hills of Baja California lies one of North America’s most exciting—and still wonderfully undiscovered—wine destinations: Valle de Guadalupe. Just a short drive south of the U.S. border, this remarkable region has quietly emerged as Mexico’s premier […]
Lost in Long Beach

Finding Dives Between the Lines and Cocktails in the Crevices with Jade Bustamante. So, you’ve made it to Los Angeles! You’ve seen the stars and surrendered to their studded slums long enough to side-step south for a day into our beloved Long Beach. Here in SoCal, we all regard Long Beach as the cool collective […]
Big E Pizza in Signal Hill: The Local Spot Worth the Drive

If you’ve ever driven down Pacific Coast Highway through Signal Hill and wondered where the locals actually eat, the answer is right there on the east side of the PCH. Big E Pizza has been in the same spot at 3225 E Pacific Coast Hwy since 1986, and for a lot of Long Beach and […]
On The Road with Dan to Québec City — North America’s Old-World Gem

One of the perks of my wife’s bank board position in New Hampshire is her twice-yearly in-person meetings—built-in excuses for us to explore New England together. Over time we’ve collected memorable long weekends in Boston, Vermont, Southern Maine, and across New Hampshire’s small towns. But this time, we set our sights farther north, curious to […]