THINGS TO DO

in & around Newport Beach

It's no question that Newport Beach is known for it's long sandy coastline, but it offers so much more in addition to beautiful beach days. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of hiking trails, biking paths, and water sports. Foodies will be in food heaven with endless choices of delectable cuisine.

BEACH DAY

The word "Beach" is in the city of Newport Beach's name so you know it must be for good reason. The beaches of Newport are the primary reason that thousands of people flock to this seaside town. You will have quite the selection when you are trying to decide which beach to visit during your vacation. If you're into surfing, sun bathing, paddle boarding or volleyball rest assured you will have many different spots to choose from. The beaches of Newport Beach are known as some of the very best beaches near Disneyland and in all of Orange County.

SHOPPING

World renowned South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa provides world class shopping and dining that rivals anything Los Angeles or New York has to offer. Open-air Fashion Island, entices shoppers and families alike with its coastal breezes, ocean views, movie theatres, and wide range of restaurants.

WATERSPORTS

During your Newport Beach Vacation, try your hand at catching some of the most popular fish in the Orange County seas such as yellowtail, tuna, rockfish, barracuda and more on an overnight deep sea fishing trip. If fishing is not for you, there is surfing, stand-up paddling, bay tours, wave-runner rentals, parasailing, electric boat rentals, and much more. Newport Harbor is one of the largest private small yacht harbors in the world, complete with 7 man made islands and plenty of waterways to explore without leaving the calm waters of the bay.

SPORTS & ATTRACTIONS

Are you a huge sports fan? Come cheer on the local professional hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks or the Major League Baseball team, the Los Angels of Anaheim. Feel the intensity and competition at the Ducks game or opt for a more relaxed outdoor vibe at the Angels stadium. Both venues are just a short drive from your Newport Beach vacation rental. The Anaheim Ducks have enjoyed much success over the past decade, bringing home the Stanley Cup in 2008.

If you're a long time Albert Pujols fan, want to see the undisputed best player in baseball player in Mike Trout, or watch the recently acquired Japanese phenom Ohtani, then an Angels game is a must. Saturday nights are family nights and have fireworks immediately following the game. You know what they say "Root, root, root for the home team!"

5 Fun Things To Do On Catalina Island

1. Hop aboard the Catalina Flyer and kick back and relax as you cruise to the Island. This 75 minute boat ride accommodates 600 people and leaves once a day promptly at 9:00 am. Enjoy the open air sun decks, the 2 cocktail lounges, and the comfortable indoor seating. Once you arrive on Catalina Island the opportunities for fun are endless! Whether you are there for just the day, the weekend, or an extended stay, there’s something to do for everyone.

3. Head out on the Dolphin Quest boat tours and search for dolphins playing in the water! These fun and friendly animals often put on a show for spectators in their very own natural habitat.

5. Explore Catalina on your own time and rent your own kayaks, peddle boats, snorkel equipment, and stand up paddle boards. Paddle along Avalon's coastline and explore the secluded coves and extraordinary cliffs. Keep your eyes open for beautifully colored fish and marine life of all kinds. 2. The thrilling experience of Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour starts up in the hills of Hog's Back gate and after 2 adrenaline packed hours, your feet will be back on the ground ending at Descanso Beach. Your adventure propels you over 3/4 of a mile, and your guide will be there to provide all of the information about the land and local wildlife. For a total of 5 zip lines, you will travel over 40 mph and reach heights up to 300 feet! The views are spectacular and the adventure will be one to remember forever.

4. The Avalon Theater is a must see! This movie theater proudly features the decor from the 1920's Art Deco, and beautiful murals by John Gabriel Beckman cover the theater's interior. It is located in the lower level of the Catalina Casino building and nightly movies being at 7:30pm with matinee shows on Thursdays & Saturdays at 4:30pm.

The Best Beaches Near Disneyland

Newport Beach is known as absolute paradise for all beach goers and surfers. With so many options and locations of beaches, each one is unique in it's own way and attracts different types people. Everyone will be able to find a beach of their dreams. With Disneyland right up the road from Newport Beach, it makes for the perfect vacation combination. Spend the day hanging out with Mickey, Minnie and company and end your day in your Newport Beach vacation rental!

Balboa Peninsula Beaches

The beaches located on Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula stretch over 5 beautiful miles. The beach is long and wide so there is plenty of space and you won't feel squished next to your neighbors even on the busiest of days. People come from all over the world to relax on the soft, light colored sand and experience warm and sunny weather year round. Balboa Peninsula offers a variety of beach activities such as sand volleyball courts, a bike and skateboard path along the beach, casual beach bars, and local restaurants. There are plenty of specific surf spots along the Balboa Peninsula and at the very end of the Balboa Peninsula is the infamous Wedge. The Wedge is known for it's extremely powerful waves and is a spectacular place to watch the most talented surfers.

Balboa Island beaches

The beaches on Balboa Island are like hidden gems in Newport Beach. The crowd tends to be older on Balboa Island than Balboa Peninsula and the beaches are less crowded. There is no surf on Balboa Island, but these beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming and chatting with friends and family. If you have small children and you don't want to worry about them at a large beach with big waves, Balboa Island is a great place to hang out. Spend a couple hours relaxing at the beach and then stroll the quaint streets of Balboa Island or go for a bike ride.

Corona del mar state Beach

Soak up the sun all day long at Corona Del Mar State Beach. This half mile long beach is ideal for people looking for the ultimate place to swim and relax. Majestic cliffs surround the sand creating a unique and dramatic backdrop. The vibe at the Balboa Peninsula is youthful, fun and perfect for families. Pack a lunch and spread out a beach picnic so you can have a full day playing beach games, reading magazines, listening to music, swimming and surfing. This beach is picturesque and has been featured in many films.

The Point

The Point is located just south of the Newport Pier at 18th Street. Before the rock jetties were put in by the Army Corps in the 1960’s to prevent the massive longshore sand migration happening all through upper-west Newport, winter storms would push the sand from west Newport south toward the Newport Pier. There, the sand would accumulate, forming The Point in front of 18th street, before falling in the deepwater trench just offshore. Due to the rock jetties in upper-west Newport much of the sand build-up has disappeared; however, The Point still offers up a fabulous point break when a strong Southern Hemi rolls through.

The Wedge

The Wedge is the most famous surfspot in Newport Beach, and when it comes to the art of bodysurfing, possibly the world. The Wedge is named for it’s unique wave formation. Located at the end of the Peninsula, the Wedge is formed when a side wave comes bouncing off the jetty to meet the incoming swell, wedging together to create an A-frame wave face with great speed, tremendous size and extreme power. These powerful shorebreak waves crash in just a few feet of water, and are very dangerous.

The Wedge is mainly a spectator’s treat where people line up on the sand berm to watch the talents of such surfers as Mike Stewart, Kelly Slater, and our very own Wedge Crew. The Wedge is open only to bodysurfing from May to October. When the blackball flag is raised, no boards of any kind are allowed and only the most experienced should venture into it’s waters.

Blackie’s

Named after the local bar, Blackie’s is located just north of the Newport Pier, between 20th and 28th. Blackie’s is a longboarder’s paradise during a good winter storm. Primarily west facing with a deepwater trench offshore to the south, Blackie’s only breaks when there is a west or northwest swell. This makes Blackie’s primarily a winter break but you can occasionally catch a wave or two in the summer. Just beware of black ball (explained in Ocean Safety Tips) and the crowds.

56th Street/River Jetties

River Jetties is located at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, at the border of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach at 74th Street. Just eighteen streets to the south, 56th Street reigns as king over the Newport surf scene. In between is a wide-open expanse of beach approximately 3/4 mile long, unobstructed by the rock jetties found in most of west Newport. This makes for very strong side-shore currents and riptides, and can be a treacherous place to swim during a big swell. Hosts to many amateur and pro surf contests, these offshore breaks are very fast and powerful, making the short board the surfboard of choice.

A Street

A Street, located just south of the Balboa Pier, is known for it’s powerful shorebreak and very steep beach; a mecca for talented skimboarders and bodysurfers alike. Don’t be fooled by the apparent ease with which the local surfers skim the powerful surf here. The learning curve is even steeper than the beach and serious injury can occur. However, for those with some experience, A Street can provide a thrilling ride that can’t be matched. If you happen to be visiting during a large swell, be sure to watch the skimboarders bravado and skill and if you’re lucky you may just see a pier scraper. Just don’t stray near the water’s edge.

Ocean Safety Tips

Lifeguard

Always swim near a lifeguard. Check the surf conditions with the lifeguard before entering the water and choose a beach that fits your comfort and skill level. Never feel embarrassed if in trouble. Wave your hands above your head, a universal sign for help, and you will be assisted. You can also call a local number for the daily surf report: 949.673.3371

Rip Currents

Rip currents, or riptides as they are often called, are very misunderstood and for this reason, pose the highest potential threat to the average beach-goer. The United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) has found that some 80% of rescues by USLA affiliated lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity, because once surf pushes water up the slope of the beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore. Some people mistakenly call this an undertow, but there is no undercurrent, just an offshore current. If you find yourself vigorously swimming toward shore and making no headway, even backward progress, DO NOT PANIC! Most rip currents are narrow and a short SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE will bring you to safety. And remember, never be afraid to ask for help.

Warning Signs

Observe all warning signs. Each year thousands of visitors are rescued by the Newport Beach lifeguards. Before entering the water, be sure to observe the color of the flag flying at the rear of the closest lifeguard tower. Each day, the lifeguard raises a colored flag based on his assessment of the surf conditions. The solid colored flag green represents light surf, yellow represents moderate surf, and red represents heavy or dangerous surf conditions.

Due to the summer crowds, one more flag may be flying at the front of the lifeguard tower. The Black Ball Flag, the yellow flag with the black dot in the center, means that hard board surfing is prohibited. Talk to your lifeguard for more information on the Lifeguard Flag System.

Don’t Drink and Swim

Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Alcohol can reduce body temperature and impair swimming ability. Perhaps more importantly, both alcohol and drugs impair good judgement, which may cause people to take risks they would not otherwise take. Newport Beach does not allow open containers on public property.

Supervise Your Children

When lifeguards are on duty, they are watching for potential problems, but they can’t see everything. Keep your children under a constant and watchful eye. The beach is a dynamic place, and can surprise waders who suddenly find themselves over their heads. Talk to your local lifeguard for more safety tips or visit www.csla.org.