Unlocking Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has 10,000+ businesses, and most of them aren't on Main Street. Max Daffron, the HB Chamber's first CEO in eight years, is building five industry coalitions to fix that — and you don't need a membership to join.

Max grew up here, worked in the City's Economic Development Office, then spent years in Colorado watching recruiters build trips around pulling Surf City businesses out of California. He came h...

The Pacific Air Show returns to Huntington Beach's sand October 2–4, 2026, and whether you pay or go free changes your whole day. Lane breaks down exactly where to stand, when to arrive, and how to skip the parking nightmare.

What you'll learn:
- Show Center sits on PCH between Twin Dolphin Street and Beach Boulevard, free beach viewing is legit, but the ticketed zone gets you closer
- The Surf City Bike Valet at...

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 a beach bonfire pit befor...

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 locals set up the night ...

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 includes.

What you'll learn:
- R...

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 without losing your...

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 tracks returning to Edison...

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 chose Pacific City over Irvine,...

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 old IHOP on Main and Olive, The Lighth...

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'll learn:
- Which Surf City Foodie...

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 maker and a chocolatier (and why Bella So...

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 gut instinct — she handed a cashier...

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 businesses now open in HB, including Parlor ...

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 permits right now.

What You’l...

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 Ave is the go-to f...

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 your next visit to Surf City Nights!

What You&rsqu...

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:

• Pacific City Fire...

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.

In Th...

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, hosting friends at home, or just try...