Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Newport Beach, California
Every beach lover knows that when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of a day on the sands, the beach scene is what counts. Rest assured, Newport Beach on California's Pacific Coast has got the ideal beach scene down pat. Not only does Newport Beach strut nine miles of superb sand (sandcastles abound), its waters boast a gentle surf for swimming and snorkeling, as well as top-notch waves for body boarding and surfing. Boaters seeking a new port for their sport will enjoy Newport Beach's outlets for kayaking, parasailing, and cruising the coastline's charming inlets and islands. Whether you fancy whale watching, fishing the piers, or ferrying along the coast at sunset, Newport Beach offers plenty of options for your plunge into the heart of the Pacific. With classy restaurants, shops, amusement, arcades and ferris wheels, Newport Beach is a guaranteed good time for the entire family.
Located just 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 85 miles north of San Diego, Newport Beach is smack in the middle of Southern California's two major urban hubs. So where should you go when you get there? Newport Beach extends from River Beach to Crystal Cove State Beach. Along the way you'll find the fine sands of Balboa Beach, Newport Municipal Beach, and the West Jetty View Park. In contrast to the sandy flats of their neighbors, Corona del Mar, Newport Dunes and Crystal Cove are known for their craggy cliffs, tide pools and rocky jetties.
Surfrider Magazine rated Balboa Beach (on Balboa Peninsula) one of the top ten urban beaches in the U.S. Surfers should also head to Newport Beach's famous Wedge, in West Jetty View Park, on the ocean-side point of Balboa Peninsula, where bodysurfing is a popular pastime. Also on Balboa Peninsula's municipal beaches you will find a devoted sun-bathing crowd flanked by a moving group of bikers, skaters, joggers and a pelican or two.
If you like piers, you can stroll down the two, very different piers on Newport Beach. Newport Pier is where you can find good eats, and let the sea breeze ruffle your hair. Fishing at Newport Pier is serious business, and anglers (professional and novice) looking for the best fishing-hole are a common sight. Balboa Pier is a more low-key fishing scene, but a great place to snag mackerel, halibut, and even sharks and bat rays. While on the Balboa Pier, check out the historic Balboa Pavilion (built in 1905 in conjunction with the Pacific Coast Red Line Railroad) which once hosted well-known big band and swing musicians. Whether you are traveling with young ones or are simply young at heart, the Balboa Fun Zone, with its ferris wheel and amusement park rides should be on your list of things to do.
There are many ways for you to enjoy the charms of Newport Beach from the wide-open sea, Kayaks and boat rentals are available along the Newport Beach coast as are gondola tours, whale watching and fishing excursions, and ferry day trips to neighboring islands. The Newport Beach shores are home to some of the most expensive real estate on the southern Pacific Coast and a harbor cruise will give you a waterfront view of the sprawling multi-million dollar mansions that only the rich and famous can afford.
Newport Beach has been a favorite film spot since the silent film era of the 1900s. Popular television shows such as The OC, Arrested Development, West Wing, and MTV's Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, have based their stories on the upscale beach scene of Newport Beach.
Due to their popularity, the beaches of Newport Beach are crowded (both on and off the sands) during the peak summer months. So come early to catch a parking spot (the pay lots are your best bet) and to snag a patch of Newport Beach sand. Whether you are a sand connoisseur, a surf buff, or you simply want to be where it's at, the beaches of Newport Beach are sure to impress.