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The Huntington Beach Airshow is one of those events that sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon and turns out to be an absolute must-do. Jets in tight diamond formation, a solo aerobatic plane carving loops and corkscrews through the sky, and — the moment that gives this post its name — a helicopter pulling off a full back flip mid-air. It’s the kind of spectacle that makes everyone on the beach stop mid-conversation and just stare up.
But the real move, if you’re serious about doing this right, is the private cabana.
Why the Cabana Is the Way to Go
We watched the show from a private cabana, and it completely changed the experience. A few reasons why:
- Front-row proximity — cabana seating puts you right up close to the action, close enough that the jets and stunt planes feel genuinely immediate rather than distant specks in the sky.
- Shade — a small thing until you’re standing on open sand for hours in the Southern California sun. The cabana gave us a real break from the heat between acts.
- Food and beverage service — instead of trekking across the sand to a concessions line and missing part of the show, everything came directly to us.
- Waiters and nice facilities — genuinely elevated the whole afternoon from “watching an airshow” to “hosting an event.” This is exactly why the Huntington Beach Airshow is such a great spot for hosting clients or building relationships — the cabana setup makes it feel effortless and polished, not like standing in a crowd.
If you’re planning to bring clients, host a small group, or just want to actually enjoy the show without fighting crowds and sun exposure, the cabana is worth every penny.
The Show Itself
Between the tight jet formations trailing smoke overhead, a solo aerobatic plane looping and diving in ways that don’t look physically reasonable, and the helicopter back flip that steals the show every single time, there’s rarely a quiet moment. Don’t miss it in 2026.
Fair warning: the back flip itself is such a fast, split-second maneuver that no photo or video really does it justice — it’s genuinely one of those “you have to be there in person” moments.
Where to Stay: Lido House, Newport Beach
For accommodations, the Lido House in Newport Beach is the move. It offers:
- Luxury amenities throughout
- Genuinely great concierge service
- A rooftop bar that’s perfect for a night cap after a long day at the show
View Lido House on Marriott.com
Final Thoughts
The Huntington Beach Airshow is the rare event that’s just as good for business relationship-building as it is for a purely fun day out — and the cabana is what makes the difference between “we watched an airshow” and “we hosted an incredible afternoon.” Pair it with a stay at the Lido House and you’ve got a genuinely great Southern California weekend.
Planning your own Southern California trip? I’ve got the exact contacts, reservations, and insider details for every stop above — reach out and I’ll help you put together your own version of this itinerary. Get in touch
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