• California is home to numerous hookah bars.hookah image by zusyl from Fotolia.com
  
  For those seeking an exotic, relaxing experience in California, visit one of the state's many hookah bars. Originating in India during the 1500s, hookah involves smoking a flavored tobacco that is filtered and cooled by passing through water in a special pipe. This form of recreation is rapidly growing, and hookah lounges can be found in or near almost every major city in California. Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 to smoke. Some establishments may require an ID to enter.
  
  

Nubia Café

• The Nubia Café in Anaheim serves a full restaurant menu of Arabic food in addition to providing a place to smoke hookah. Start with an appetizer of hummus, falafel or chicken fingers. Sandwich choices include chicken kabob, beef kabob and akawy cheese. Meat plates are offered with sides of labne, pickles, pita bread, rice, salad and hummus. Fresh smoothies, juices and coffee are also served. Hookah pipes can seat up to six people, each with an individual pipe. Flavors offered include coconut, lemon, melon, plum, rose, peach, grape, guava and kiwi strawberry.
  
  Nubia Cafe
  1785 W. Lincoln Ave.
  Anaheim, CA 92801
  714-999-1199
  Nubiacafe.com
  
  

Ghalab's Hookah Lounge

• Ghalab's Hookah Lounge offers nightly events and entertainment. The lounge is also home to a bar that offers beer, liquor and mixed drinks. Food is offered at the bar and includes Middle Eastern and American cuisine. According to the lounge, one of the largest dance floors in the area can also be found here. The hookah lounge area is separate from the main bar and dance floor. Relax after dancing by smoking one of the many tobacco flavors the lounge offers.
  
  Ghalab's Hookah Lounge
  5665 N. Blackstone Ave.
  Fresno, CA 93710
  559-439-8314
  Ghalabs.com
  
  

Desert Nights Hookah Lounge

• Desert Nights Hookah Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere in Redondo Beach. An ID is required to enter. Mellow colors adorn the wall in addition to paintings. Sit on couches as you smoke one of the many flavors offered. A limit of two people per pipe is in place. Tobacco flavors include bubblegum, blueberry, watermelon, cola, rose, mint, pineapple, kiwi, cinnamon and jasmine. A variety of sodas, juices, coffees and teas are also available.
  
  Desert Nights Hookah Lounge
  800 Torrance Blvd.
  Suite 103
  Redondo Beach, CA 90277
  310-316-5533
  desertnightshookah.com