Huntington Beach brings the energy: morning walks on the sand, beach cruisers, fish tacos at sunset, and the easy rhythm of a surf town. Palm Springs offers the exhale: mid-century architecture, mountain views, vintage boutiques, and long afternoons spent poolside.

Together, they create a trip that feels both active and restorative — a little ocean, a little desert, and a lot of California style.

Huntington Beach: Welcome to Surf City USA

Huntington Beach is the kind of place that eases you into holiday mode almost immediately. The pace is relaxed, the dress code is simple, and the beach is always the main event. Mornings are best spent strolling along the shoreline, watching surfers paddle out, or grabbing a coffee before the day warms up. The city captures the essence of Southern California without trying too hard. You can cycle along the coast, wander around the iconic pier, stop for fresh fish tacos, or simply watch the sunset turn the Pacific gold. It's lively without being overwhelming — the perfect introduction to California before heading inland.

Surfing is at the heart of Huntington Beach's identity, which helps explain its laid-back atmosphere. It's also one of the best places to learn. The beaches are wide, the waves are welcoming, and there are plenty of local schools offering beginner lessons. We were fortunate enough to learn from surfing legend Rocky McKinnon, a former USA professional surfer who now focuses on inclusive surf instruction. He has even designed specialist boards to support his inspiring programme. Remarkably, I managed to ride six waves during the lesson. Whether I could repeat the feat on my own is another question, but in the moment it felt incredible.

What makes Huntington Beach especially appealing is how authentic it feels. This is California as locals experience it — effortlessly cool, with excellent restaurants, stylish hotels, and an atmosphere that leaves you wanting to stay longer.

For families, it also makes practical sense. Huntington Beach is the closest beach destination to Disneyland California and works perfectly as a pre- or post-theme park stay. It's also just 45 minutes south of Los Angeles, making it easily accessible from LAX.

Palm Springs: Slow Down in the Desert

After the ocean air and constant movement of Huntington Beach, Palm Springs feels like a completely different world. The landscape opens up, the pace slows, and the desert light casts everything in a softer, more cinematic glow. Palm Springs is made for unhurried days. Sleep in, linger over brunch, browse vintage stores, admire iconic mid-century architecture, or spend the afternoon by the pool with the mountains as your backdrop. It has a polished, stylish energy while remaining wonderfully relaxed.

Where Huntington Beach is all about movement — waves, bikes, boardwalks and sunsets — Palm Springs celebrates stillness. It's a place to recharge, warm up, and embrace the quieter side of Southern California.

A stay at Reset in nearby Twentynine Palms lives up to its name. From the moment you step out of the car, the atmosphere encourages you to slow down. The pool area is sublime, while the rooms are cosy yet thoughtfully designed, each with its own private deck and firepit. As night falls, those firepits become the perfect spot to sit beneath a blanket of stars and watch for shooting stars crossing the desert sky.

Why they work so well together

Huntington Beach and Palm Springs complement each other perfectly because they showcase two very different sides of Southern California. One is coastal, breezy and active. The other is warm, tranquil and design-focused. Begin by the ocean, where the days are casual and filled with movement. Then head inland to the desert, where the pace naturally slows and the focus shifts to sunshine, style and relaxation.

It's the kind of journey that delivers variety without complication — surf in the morning, desert views by evening, and two distinct California experiences woven into one unforgettable escape.