Garfield - Huntington Beach, CA Area Guide

Europeans first settled the area that is now Huntington Beach in the late 1700s. A Spanish soldier came into possession of the land as part of a Spanish land grant. Growth was slow during the 1800s and Huntington Beach was known as a sleepy seaside town. Garfield developed as the town began to expand. During the oil boom in the 1920s, Huntington Beach experienced a large population growth and began to develop as a city.

The Huntington Beach area features a full calendar of festivals and events to suit almost any interest. Surfing fans from around the world gather for the U.S. Open of Surfing, jazz fans get together for the BB Jazz Festival and the community comes together for the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Garfield presents an array of restaurants that feature cuisines from all reaches of the globe. Stroll along Beach Boulevard and take in the sweet scents of freshly cooked pad thai, Peruvian barbeque, and fish straight off the grill.

Taste the enchanting flavors of the sea when you visit Ikeda Japanese restaurant. Try an order of fresh sushi, featuring rolls such as the spicy tuna roll. Be sure to stop in on a Tuesday for 20 percent off special rolls. Chow down on the poke salad, which features fresh spring salad mix, seaweed, avocado, imitation crabmeat, and slices of fresh tuna. If you don’t feel like eating sushi, you can try the smooth buttery flavors of the grilled black cod.

Take some time out of your morning to relax and make your way to the Bread Crumb Ohana Café for some authentic, warm Hawaiian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere will make you feel like you’re among family, true to the café’s name, Hawaiian for “family.” Try the loco moco, one of the signature dishes that features rice, two eggs, and a hamburger patty smothered in home-style gravy. If you want something on the sweeter side, check out the Hawaiian-style French toast that is dusted in powered sugar and served with coconut syrup. Chow down on the Hawaiian omelet, which includes ham, pineapple, brown sugar, cheddar jack cheese, and sour cream.

Going out in the Garfield area reflects the laid-back culture of this beachside city. Sing your heart out at karaoke night, shoot some pool or chill out at a hookah lounge. Grab your buddies and head to Kit’s Place for a fun night out. The friendly bartenders and casual atmosphere will make you feel at home. Grab a drink and dial up your favorite tune on the jukebox. Sip on a beer and challenge your friends to a game of pool. Stop in on a Tuesday for $5 steak night.

For those who drive, Garfield has easy access to Highway 39, and there are both parking lots and on-street parking available.

The Orange County Transportation Authority provides nine different public bus routes that run through Garfield. These buses make it easy to connect to other areas throughout Orange County.

Dedicated bike lanes are on all the major roads in the neighborhood including Yorktown and Garfield avenues. With its dense concentration of shops and attractions, the area is also easily accessible on foot.

If you want to hail a cab, be sure to call Yellow Cab Taxi for quick and reliable service. You can also use Uber, which provides regular rideshare service to the area.

Enjoy a lazy afternoon soaking up the sun at Lake Park. The park includes spacious grassy areas for your choice of sporting activity as well as well-maintained playground equipment. Take a stroll under the palm trees or set up for a picnic and take in the pleasant Huntington Beach atmosphere.

Get out and get active when you go to Norman L. Worthy Community Park for an afternoon of sports in the sun. The park features basketball courts, a baseball diamond and a soccer field. Take the kids to play some ball or drop by for a picnic.

Take your dogs for a walk at the nearby Huntington Central Park. The park is dog-friendly as long as you keep your pooch on a leash.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Garfield area is around $1,330 a month, which is slightly lower than the average for the greater Huntington Beach area.

Gas prices in the Garfield area settle around 11 percent higher than the national average. A beer at a local bar costs about $5 to $6. A one-way ticket on an OCTA bus costs $2, and a day pass costs $5. The overall cost of living in the Garfield area is about the same as the average for Huntington Beach.

Wander around Five Points Shopping Center for an afternoon. Visit stores such as Pier 1 Imports, Chico's, LOFT, and Vans. Grab some pizza and sit outside and catch some rays.

Check out Beach Boulevard if you're looking for boutiques and high-end stores. Luna Boutique prides itself on being a hip and trendy clothing store. Luna carries brands such as Lush Clothing and Wildfox. Luna also stocks a large swimwear collection, making it the perfect place to update your wardrobe for summer.

Heavenly Couture is a women's boutique only found throughout California and Florida. Find trendy pieces at reasonable prices. Most of the inventory sells for under $20. The clean and friendly atmosphere makes it easy to shop and you will certainly find some fashionable new pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Stock your pantry with groceries from Trader Joe's and Albertson's. Head to Huntington Beach Farmers' Market for a wide selection of fresh and affordable local produce and products. Load your shopping bag with artisan breads, freshly picked apples, freshly cut flowers and organic local honey.