How long to plan for Huntington Beach to DL during rush hour?

[MemoriesintheMaking]

We are arriving on a Tuesday morning and renting a car at the DTD Alamo around 1PM to go to Huntington Beach for the afternoon. I'm trying to decide now if we will plan on dinner back in DTD/DLH or if it would be better to stay close to the beach and grab dinner somewhere else, then drive back after traffic dies down. I really don't know yet how long we will want to spend at the beach area.

I'm unfamiliar with the roads/freeways we will be taking to HB. I know that freeways would generally be a mess, but are the side roads possibly not too crowded? What would be a safe time estimate to get back around 4-6 PM on a weekday? I really don't want to waste a whole lot of unnecessary time in the car if I can plan around it.

Thank you for any input!!

PS - I know my countdown ticker says it's a girls' trip, but it's now a family trip. Decided we couldn't leave DH and DS home to miss out on the fun!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

We take Beach Blvd. It takes about 20-25 min normally depending on red lights. If you put HB to DL into Google Maps at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, etc. On a few weekdays you can get traffic time and that may help you estimate. I'm sure there's an app for that but that's my traffic hack.

 

[SMD]

I can't image that if you rent a car at 1pm that you'd be parked and on the beach much before 2pm. To turn around at 4pm and go right back? I'd look for somewhere near the water to have dinner, to extend the experience.

 

[tiffjoy]

Ick to 4pm rush hour traffic. What a way to ruin a few hours at the beach! I'd definitely stay put. Two hours isn't near long enough, anyway, but we also love the beach. We'd be just getting comfortable by then!

I'd eat dinner close by (hopefully not losing your parking spot), then go back to the beach for an evening stroll.

 

[dsny1mom]

Ruby's Diner on the pier at HB would be a good choice to eat at if you decide to eat at the beach!

dsny1mom

 

[Califlove]

If you like pizza, there's also Pizza Lounge just down Main Street a couple blocks. It's great pizza and cheap. Amazing ice cream/cookie sandwiches and smoothies too! We've also taken beach blvd and like it much more than the freeway. So much more relaxed. I'm typing this on Huntington Beach right now!

 

[rentayenta]

Strips with cheese from Dwight's at lifeguard tower 3. Trust me. So so good. Or there are a ton of places right on Main St. Dukes right by the pier is amazing, good happy hour too. Huntington Beach Brewery is also good. Super Mex is a favorite too but it's not right there. If you're willing to travel up PCH a little, maybe 3-5 miles there is one right across from the Jack in the Box. There's also Captain Jack's up PCH and Schooner or Later Two. I'd stay near that area and watch the sunset.

 

[nikkislaght]

We drove to H/B via Harbor, and came back via Beach Road.. plenty of places to stop and eat on both roads..
It took us approx. an hour from H/B to Orangewood and Harbor.. and that was on a Friday late afternoon in April.

 

[MemoriesintheMaking]

Thank you so much for all of the ideas and suggestions! I've made notes on everything you guys recommended - restaurants, route tips, etc.

We changed our plans now so that we will be headed to the beach earlier in the day, most likely mid-morning. So, I think we will find one of the places recommended above for lunch, and then play it by ear as to what time we head back. We will probably stay for the sunset and go back in the evening. No rush - we are on vacation!!! I can't wait!!

 

[jenergy]

Which Tuesday are you talking about? Just a heads up - the US Open of Surfing is held in HB July 26th - Aug 3rd so it will be a mad house down there during those dates.

 

[superlarz]

I would still go to the beach in the afternoon. Sometimes the sun doesnt come out until a little bit later. I would then go some where on Main St or Rubys on the Pier for dinner. And then drive back to DLR at like 7 or 8

 

[Nole95]

Some great info in this thread. Coming out to California for the first time next month. Renting a car at LAX and staying in Huntington Beach for the night before heading to Disneyland the next day. We will definitely be trying out some of these restaurants.

 

[MemoriesintheMaking]

Which Tuesday are you talking about? Just a heads up - the US Open of Surfing is held in HB July 26th - Aug 3rd so it will be a mad house down there during those dates.

We will be there in September. Thank you, though, for the heads up just in case!

I would still go to the beach in the afternoon. Sometimes the sun doesnt come out until a little bit later. I would then go some where on Main St or Rubys on the Pier for dinner. And then drive back to DLR at like 7 or 8

Thanks for the reminder about the possible late sun - good to know!

Some great info in this thread. Coming out to California for the first time next month. Renting a car at LAX and staying in Huntington Beach for the night before heading to Disneyland the next day. We will definitely be trying out some of these restaurants.

Have fun!