There are over 1000 Huntington Beach events throughout the year but on New Years Day there are at least 10 great things to do. 

1. The year is launched with an event called Pier's Polar Plunge. A group meets at the Huntington Beach Pier between 9 and 10 am and runs together into the Pacific Ocean. This is a family fun event.  It is the alternate activity to the HB Longboard Club paddle, a very quick swim out on their boards near the Huntington Beach Pier which usually occurs prior to Polar Plunge.

2. During New Year's Day, the weather is most often warm and sunny.  All the children with new skates and bikes come out to the bicycle trail to ride and play. Singles, couples and people just hang out and enjoy the sunshine on a temperate day with weather often in the 70s.

3. On New Year's Day in Huntington Beach the Fun Roll skate group which meets every Saturday often comes out and does their easy 9 mile skate in which adults and children are invited.  You can go at your own pace on this gathering of outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Another place you'll see a hub of activity is the Bolsa Chica wetlands (AKA Ecological Reserve).  Those who received a new camera for Christmas show up and hone their photographic skills on bird photography. Egrets, herons, seagulls and even some pigeons frequent the loop trail, the water inlet and fly over the walkbridge.

5. Dog beach is busy nearly every morning but is especially busy on New Year's morning. People love to take out their pets for a morning run on beautiful Huntington Beach just down the ramp near Pacific Coast Highway and Golden West Street intersection beach parking lots. It's a great place to break in the new City of Huntington Beach annual parking pass you may have purchased (around $125).

6. Central Park is busy every day. Walkers, joggers, equestrians and pet owners frequent this 350 acre park with its eucalyptus shade trees, paved path, lakes and dining opportunities at Alices Breakfast in the Park or Park Bench Cafe.

7. Frisbee disc golf at the Huntington Beach Disc Golf Course is especially nice but busy on New Year's Day. The pro shop offers trade in or purchase of specialized discs for your 18-hole game. The price is quite affordable around $2 or less.

8. Shopping is always a favorite.  Downtown Huntington Beach Main Street, 5 Points Plaza and Huntington Beach Bella Terra Mall all have some great after-Christmas bargains.  In 2006 you will especially enjoy the New Year with the new 20-screen theater , Century Theatre at the Bella Terra Mall.  Stadium seating with rocking chairs, kids game room, Starbucks coffee, Nathan's hot dogs and all the fixins are perfect for the those who just want to catch up on a favorite movie.

9. If you prefer to get out and enjoy the day or night, there are numerous bars, clubs and restaurants that will be serving delicious meals, cocktails and live music from some of the hottest bands in existence.

10. Rent a kayak and get some exercise in the bay. Rentals are available in Sunset Beach and launch ramps are available there or at numerous Huntington Harbour parks.

11. Play ball at the new HB Sports Complex. Batting cages, baseball, kids playgrounds and huge fields are pristine, green and ready to go. Call parks and recreation for details. Also- you can play volleyball on the beach. It's great weather for a game. Bring your ball and form a team.

You thought Huntington Beach was a sleepy little town but folks are now realizing that 200,000 population and growing is not so small after all.  It's your call--you can't do it all but in HB we like to think you can have your cake and eat it, have your beach and play volleyball or just have a ball. Happy New Year!