By Emilee Maciel
Western Sun arts&living editor
and Krystal Lynn Mutschler
Western Sun associate editor

What do Huntington Beach, and Long Beach have incommon besides being near the ocean? They have exciting and fun-filled daytime activities and a nightlife, located on each location’s main street, that is suitable for anyone. The Western Sun has compiled your guide for these beach-front venues.

* Huntington Beach Main Street
Deemed “Surf City USA,” how can you not visit Huntington’s 100 year-old street? With restaurants catering to any type of taste-bud, from pizza to tacos to sushi, it’s not hard to satisfy your craving.

* Popular Restaurants
BJ’s Pizza&Grill: A familiar favorite for those who take comfort in the foods they know.
Sugar Shack: A local hotspot that’s serves up diner foods that will make any beach-bum happy.
Fred’s Mexican Café&Cantina: Looking over Main Street, Fred’s is the perfect place for Taco Tuesday.

* Popular Bars
Sharkeez Sports Grill: Come cheer for your favorite sports team at this high-energy bar.
Hurricane’s Bar&Grill: Be ready to get swept away on the dance floor or to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze at this second level oasis.
Gallagher’s Pub&Grill: You don’t have to have the luck of the Irish to have a great time at this pub.

* Events/ Activities
Surf City Nights: Every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Main Street is transformed into a seven-block street fair. SCN consists of entertainment that’s fun for the whole family, a farmers market, and shopping bungalows.
Huntington Beach Art Center: With free admission, the art center regularly hosts exhibits and concerts in one of their three galleries or multi-purpose room.

The only downside to HB Main Street is that the atmosphere on a really busy night can get pretty hectic. If you’re a laid-back type of person, you might feel out of your element, because the hustle and bustle of the nightlife is very lively.

* The Pike in Long Beach
The Pike, is the one-stop area in Long Beach that hosts all sorts of fun. With restaurants, a movie theater, and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, it’s both romantic and convenient.

* Popular Restaurants
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: A great place for all those shrimp lovers who love their shrimp prepared any-way they like.
Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill: A Mexican restaurant dedicated to using only fresh ingredients, like those in their “world famous tempura battered fish tacos.”
Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza: This pizza parlor doubles as a sports bar, and cooks up 18 varieties of pizza-pies.

* Popular Bars
Sgt. Pepper’s Dueling Pianos: This indoor and outdoor bar will bring out your musical spirit as you celebrate any occasion.
Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant: Closer than Ireland, come drink traditional Irish spirits without ever using your passport.
Mai Tai Bar: One out of only three locations, this exciting, yet relaxing bar is all about the classic mai tai cocktail.

* Events/Activities
The Laugh Factory: You’ll literally be laughing out loud as this comedy club boasts some of today’s funniest comedians.
Happy Hour at The Pike: Six participating restaurants are offering enticing deals on mixed drinks and appetizers.

While Long Beach has a big-city feel and a diverse group of people, it also has big-city-like streets, most of them being one-way. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s easy to get twisted around trying to look for parking (which is sparse).