Fruit, wine and 1930s architecture give Hastings an appealing point of difference. The area was devastated by a huge earthquake in 1931 (as was Napier) then rebuilt using architectural styles of the times. A self-guided walk around the town centre reveals excellent commercial and residential examples of Art Deco and Spanish Mission design. Orchards and vineyards surround the urban area. Over summer you’ll find roadside stalls overflowing with pipfruit and fresh produce. At any time of the year, there are more than 40 wineries to visit. Every Sunday morning, the local farmer’s market turns on a great shopping experience.
Opposite the pier is the White Rock Theatre which mainly stages traditional seaside light entertainment shows. North of this and a little way inland are a 25m public swimming pool and leisure centre at Summerfields. This also has the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, law courts, police and fire stations nearby.
Near the castle ruins, on the West Hill, are "St Clement's Caves", partly natural, but mainly excavated by hand from the soft sandstone.
There is a miniature railway, fairground rides and amusement arcades catering for tourists near the Fishmarket. The fishmarket includes the striking net shops, Fisherman's museum and Hastings Sea Life Centre. Fishing boats are likely to be drawn up on the beach and there is a lifeboat station. Nearby is Hastings Old Town with a number of buildings dating from the earliest days of the town. There are two funicular railways, known locally as the West Hill and East Hill Lifts respectively. Slightly inland is the small Stables Theatre, which shows mainly local productions and acts as an arts exhibition centre.