Places to See
Visitors of all ages enjoy the many fun places to play and explore in Newport Beach. The list is lengthy, but just a few ideas include:
- Spend a morning enjoying a walk or bike ride along the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Or hop on a charter fishing boat, whale watching excursion, or catch a boat ride over to Catalina - all from the Balboa Pavilion on Newport Harbor.
- Later, surf or swim in the Pacific and enjoy the California sunshine along the eight miles of City beaches. Take time to shop in one of the city’s distinct “villages” or picnic in one of its beautifully maintained parks. And be sure to visit the Newport Beach Public Library. Its consistently ranked among the top libraries in the U.S. and offers free classes and programs thoughout the year.
- As the day winds down, stop by the Ocean Front Walk in the early evening to watch the sunset and later dine at one of the City’s many outstanding restaurants. Don’t forget to the check for community events, art exhibits, or local concerts (more information below).
Things to Do
Newport Beach is known for hosting a number of popular, annual events.
In the spring of each year, the City is home to the Newport Beach International Film Festival, the start of Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, and the Toshiba Classic. For those looking for a good workout, the city streets accommodate thousands of runners and walkers for the Corona Del Mar Scenic 5K and the Orange County Marathon.
Summertime brings the annual Balboa Island Parade and the City’s outstanding lineup of summer camps. As the months get warmer, Newport Beach hosts its annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration at Mariners Park. When the sun sets on the Fourth of July, the Dunes Waterfront Resort hosts the City’s fireworks display. In late July and August, don’t miss the City’s free concerts or Shakespeare in the Park events.
Each September, thousands flock to Fashion Island for The Taste of Newport or the Susan J. Komen Race for the Cure. And the Newport Beach Restaurant Association hosts one of its popular Restaurant Weeks.
For the holidays, there’s the annual Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Harbor and the Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk. Then early in the new year, the Newport Beach Restaurant Association hosts a second Restaurant Week event.
For more information about places to see and things to do in Newport Beach, please check the Newport Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau (www.visitnewportbeach.com) website. The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce (www.newportbeach.com) and the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce (www.cdmchamber.com) websites also maintain listings of community events. And, the Newport Beach Restaurant Association (www.newportbeachdining.com) offers dining options for all tastes and budgets.
