Location: Newport Beach
Top Things to do in Newport Beach
10 Nature & Parks in Newport Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
Part unspoiled nature, part manmade wonder and part luxury paradise, Newport Beach enchants every type of traveler to its glowing shores. Trendsetters flock to the shopping havens of open air Fashion Island, the seaside shops of Corona Del Mar and the new developments on Newport Coast. The estuary on Back Bay is a birder's paradise, while the protected beach at Crystal Cove is favored by hikers. Surfers catch the best breaks on The Wedge while families enjoy the Fun Zone on Balboa Peninsula.
Restaurants in Newport Beach
1. Pacific Ridge Trailhead
2. Castaways Park
3. Marina Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By 105marionc
This Park has only been open for a few years. It has a restaurant, playground for children, sailing lessons and a lifeguard in the summertime. I love to swim there in the Bay by the lifeguard station. Paid parking is available as well as handicapped parking. There are restrooms and places to rinse off.
4. Newport Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,447 reviews
Reviewed By 723lisak - Richmond, Canada
Newport Beach is a beautiful area that always feels safe and is so clean. They take pride in their beautiful piece of paradise and it shows.
5. Balboa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,423 reviews
Man-made island that features upscale shops, restaurants and an amusement park.
Reviewed By mrbookies - Pleasant Grove, United States
Went with my family early evening in January. Bring a sweatshirt, enjoy a stroll among quaint shops and restaurants, beautiful boats and homes, and be prepared for the best chocolate-dipped ice cream bar you’ll ever have (the Balboa Bar!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the public ferry across to the peninsula (not very far).
6. Sherman Library & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Horticultural retreat that features a museum of living plants, walking paths, bubbling tile fountains and a library devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.
Reviewed By Buzzard100 - Santa Cruz, United States
This is a find in the midst of urban sprawl, strip malls and LA regional traffic. It is a horticultural oasis and a hidden gem! The gardens are lovely and while we did not eat at the restaurant, it has excellent reviews and outside-seating. The library focuses on the history of the Pacific Southwest and has an amazing collection of historical City Directories. The collection of art is small but interesting. This garden and library is named after the founder, Arnold Haskell’s benefactor, M. H. Sherman the founder of the Los Angeles Railway System and namesake of Sherman Oaks. A charming piece of history and garden beauty. I highly recommend.
7. The Wedge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By davidmR4183QL - Vero Beach, United States
I made my firs visit recently (I'm from Florida) on a green-flag day at the lifeguard stands (gentle conditions). A bunch of kids were in the water enjoying the mostly 2-3 foot waves with occasional 4-5 foot outbursts. A few weeks earlier, there had been a memorable spell of waves July 3-5. There are splendid videos at YouTube. There is no parking lot nearby, but parallel parking on the nearby residential streets, except on street-cleaning days. Time of visit matters: The Wedge is open to surfboards and bodyboards before 10 am and after 5 am in the summer; bodysurfing and swimming only, from 10 to 5. This is where bodysurfing was more or less invented on the US mainland, using swim fins. In turn, at least two brands of surfing/lifeguard swim fins were invented at or near Newport Beach. Main reasons for visiting the spot are the impressive jetty (and the boats coming and going) and the waves near the jetty. Even on a small day, they tend to smash rather directly on the beach, unlike the waves at Newport Pier (the Point), a much better place for casual beach visitors to be in the water. Waves bounce off he jetty, creating unusual patterns that surfers of various sorts can ride. The waves also create large rip currents on large-wave days that allow experienced users to get out beyond the surf. The big rips (here and also elsewhere in the area) have led to the distinctively Californian system of using lifeguard boats to pick up rescued swimmers (rather than attempting to return them directly to the beach) and taking them to safer points to return to the beach or, occasionally, to the harbor. It can be worthwhile to check Surfline, the online beach camera and surf prediction service, before visiting. Conditions vary wildly and large waves can happen here on days when nearby beaches are not nearly so large. Note that extremely big days bring out crowds. It can be worthwhile to show up before dawn.
8. Upper Newport Bay Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Goodness4you - Newport Beach, United States
Orange County can be stressfull. The Back Bay, as us old timers call it, is a wonderful place to stretch your legs, bird watch, and just savor some peace and quiet.
9. Pirate's Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
10. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By HBSnowFlower - Huntington Beach, United States
We bicycle around the paved path circling this lively preserve monthly, never failing to spot a variety of herons, egrets, ducks and ospreys. We get off the paved path and onto the trails to see even more – bunnies, squirrels, bugs, butterflies and even coyotes. There are several informative signs along the ways explaining the local history, wildlife and geology. Another option to explore is to rent a kayak or SUP near Pacific Coast Highway and Bayside roads. Check Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve web site for special programs – bird counting, walks and even photo workshops are scheduled daily. Watch the tidetables if you’re choosing to paddle – you don’t want to be paddling back against an incoming tide and a brisk wind. Tucked in among Newport’s office buildings, this Back Bay jewel is a great getaway from Orange County’s crowded landscape. The ranger points out that is is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise -- but not the best viewpoint to see the sunset.
