Location: Newport Beach
Top Things to do in Newport Beach
The 6 Best Beaches in Newport Beach, California (CA)
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Pirate's Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
5. Little Corona Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By 105marionc
We have been to Little Corona Beach several times over the years. In my youth, I used to walk to it from Balboa Island. Movies have been made there. Churches Baptize people there. It is a great place to swim, watch boats go by, and view beautiful homes.
6. Corona Del Mar State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By fisheye-7
Tucked away at the entry to Newport bay. Explore the beach or climb the rocks at the bay entry and watch the sunset as the boats come in and out. Incredible view!
