Nike US Open Of Surfing

Nike U.S. Open of Surfing
Huntington Beach Pier
315 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA
www.usopenofsurfing.com/

Price: free
Hours: July 28 to Aug. 5
Click here for schedule

Glistening water, radiant sunshine and pleasant weather all conspire to make an ideal day at any one of Southern California's abundant beaches. Add the world's most talented professional surfers, skateboarders, premier entertainers and thousands of revelers to the mix, and you will have arrived at the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing. Chosen for its reputation of having some of the greatest waves on the West Coast, Huntington Beach is the place to be this summer from July 28 to Aug. 5.

No alcohol, smoking or pets. Bring your own waterbottle or plan to purchase a refillable option on site.

What is the Nike US Open of Surfing?

The Nike U.S. Open of Surfing is the largest professional surfing competition in the world. Surfing enthusiasts and anyone who reveres competitive sports will be thrilled by seeing the pros catch waves and perform crowd-pleasing stunts, throughout both the qualifying and competition events. Although surfing is the main event, the Nike US Open of Surfing is akin to a festival, featuring BMX competitions, free live concerts and events including the premier of "Dear Suburbia," a documentary on youth surf culture.

Transportation
www.usopenofsurfing.com/

The week's events draw thousands of visitors to coastline Huntington Beach – and let's face it, thousands of cars. Although the hamlet has ample parking for normal beach traffic, the event stresses even the most generous beach parking lots. The first few days of the event is typically the lightest, so parking may be easily found in nearby lots, with prices starting at $15 per vehicle. As the main competition nears, close parking will be virtually impossible to find. Plan to take public transportation or the free shuttle from the Civic Center. The city of Huntington Beach has a website that features a handy parking guide with a directory of all of the lots in the area.

To do

The demographics of attendees vary widely; expect everything from groups of college students, amateur surfers and bikini models, to families with small children and even a few seniors. The kids will definitely enjoy watching the amazing feats performed by the surfers, BMX riders and other live performers, though vendors and concerts are geared toward young adults. Click here for the full schedule. It's best to choose the days and events that are most appropriate for your group by visiting the event's official website. Attendees should plan to spend the entire day at the festival, as there are so many things to see and do.

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Food and Drink

As with any festival, there will be plenty of vendors selling food and beverages throughout the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing. Bringing cash is always useful at these events, as some smaller (and cheaper) vendors may not accept credit or debit cards. If you choose to exit the festival to eat or to grab a drink, downtown Huntington Beach's Main Street is chock full of bars and restaurants perfect for any palate. Below are a few great dining options in the area. For more, visit the downtown Huntington Beach dining directory.

Dining

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
200 Main Street #101
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 374-2224
www.bjsbrewhouse.com/

Nothing beats an ice-cold brew after a long day at the beach, especially at the entirely dry festival. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse handcrafts its own special brews, including a blonde, a hefeweizen and BJ's Light Switch, for the calorie conscious diner. BJ's offers a full menu, with something to please everyone in your group. If you visit, its famous pizzas and dessert Pizookies (a cookie to share, baked into a small pizza pan) are must haves.

Longboard Restaurant and Pub
217 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-1896
www.longboardpub.com/

Omelets, burritos, breakfast sandwiches and waffles are only a quarter of the menu at Longboard. Flip the pages and you will find over 20 hot-grilled or chilled sandwiches and burgers. Top that off with steaks, seafood and a full bar, and you have the makings of one memorable meal. The relaxed atmosphere and sporty decor embodies the spirit of the Huntington Beach surf community.

Ruby's Diner
1 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 969-7829
www.rubys.com/

If Southern California's beaches conjure up thoughts of Beach Boys albums and Woody Wagons, there's no better way to cap off the day than with a fun dinner at Ruby's Diner. The ambiance and friendly service transports diners back into the 1950s days of sharing a soda with a new love. Classic offerings include a full menu of delectable burgers and fries, salads, delicious milkshakes and desserts. Quality food and fun make Ruby's Diner the best place for kids and their parents to unwind after enjoying the day's activities. If you arrive at the U.S. Open of Surfing early, Ruby's also has a great breakfast menu.

Heather Gill was born and raised under the ubiquitous sunshine of LA. An admitted tabloid enthusiast and shopaholic, she is always on the prowl for the latest Los Angeles has to offer. Heather is an avid writer and blogger and her work can be found on Examiner.com.