Newport Beach is undeniably scenic. The coastal city in California has magnificent beaches and one of the best surfing spots in the world, the Wedge, alongside cultural treasures such as the Orange County Museum of Modern Art. Want more? Here are the best things to do in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County, sitting just south of Los Angeles on the east coast. A marine-loving mix of yachters, anglers and surfers flock here, as do locals in need of a casual sun-drenched break. Enjoy the buzzy harbor, wide open parks, art galleries and a spot of whale watching. Don’t leave without trying a frozen banana. Here are the must-do things in this coastal California haven.
The Upper Newport Bay is a natural estuary, made up of around 1,000 acres (400ha) of wetlands. Here, freshwater and seawater meet to create a special habitat for local wildlife. The Newport Bay Conservancy protects this area, and the best way to explore it is on a guided kayak tour. Spot pelicans and terns flying above, catch a glimpse of silver mullet in the water or a stingray gliding by your boat. The kayak tours are year-round, two hours long and for all levels.
Southern California offers up fantastic biking trails, including the Santa Ana River Trail and cycling through Joshua Tree National Park. The 12mi (19km) beach trail from Newport to Huntington Pier is mostly flat and perfect for a leisurely meander along the coastline. You can rent a beach cruiser bike in Newport and stop off along the way for ice cream or a mooch around a farmer’s market. Add another 3mi (5km) each way and go down to the Wedge.
We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK"