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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Newport
Beach California Day Trip
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By Matthew
Martz |
If you need a beach getaway
but still need your creature comforts, then Newport Beach
located in Orange County is a great place to spend a weekend.
It offers a bit more calm atmosphere compared to the other
tourists haunts like Huntington Beach, and that gives
you a great chance to unwind and take in a bit of nature.
Newport Beach has become one the richest U.S. cities by
standard measures. A quarter of the households have an
income greater than $200,000 and the area is filled with
multimillion-dollar homes. There is a long list of celebrities
who have made their home in the area. James Cagney once
owned Collins Island and allowed the US Coast Guard to
use it during World War II.
John Wayne lived in Newport Beach, as did Humphrey Bogart,
Shirley Temple, and Errol Flynn. Republican Barry Goldwater
spent summers at the Balboa Bay Club.
Today, Nicholas Cage, Heather Locklear, Gwen Stefani from
No Doubt, Mike Ness of Social Distortion, as well as countless
athletes, musicians, and artists make their home here.
While owning a home in the neighborhood may be beyond
most of our abilities, there are plenty of chances for
day trips and weekend getaways.
With one of the cleanest beaches in the US, Newport Beach
is a great family atmosphere. The area is made up of smaller
beaches totaling 10 miles of coast for surfing, body boarding,
or sunbathing. Corona del Mar State Beach is popular with
swimmers. Known as "Big Corona Beach”, it’s
framed by cliffs and a rock jetty forming the east entrance
to Newport Harbor.
Plenty of surfers, divers, and volleyball players use
the beautiful sandy beaches, which look like they came
right off of a movie set. |
If hiking
trails and bird watching are more your thing, the Upper
Newport Bay ecological preserve and reserve and Crystal
Cove State Park offers plenty of coastal hiking trails.
China Cove Kayak Adventures provides a close-up view of
multimillion-dollar yachts and movie star homes.
Davey's Locker Sport Fishing in historic Balboa Pavilion
offers a variety of fishing trips daily, including whale-watching
cruises to view giant blue whales, gray whales, dolphins,
and more.
There is plenty of shopping available; Boardwalk Shops at
the Newport Pier allows you a walk down the historic Boardwalk
where you will discover a collection of shops for everything
you need at the beach.
Crystal Cove Promenade is located at Pacific Coast Highway,
and has an unmatched view of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Shoppers experience a mix of well-known retailers and designer
boutiques, along with some of the most popular restaurants
in Newport Beach, including Javier's and Maestro’s
Ocean Club.
The Balboa Fun Zone is the spot
for the kids; it’s one of Southern California's oldest
amusement areas. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront Ferris
wheel, play games in the arcade, or tour the nautical museum
while enjoying their favorite beach treats. You can rent
bikes, take a harbor cruise, or set sail for a day trip
to nearby Catalina Island on the Catalina Flyer.
The Balboa Fun Zone is located on Balboa Peninsula across
from Balboa Pier off Balboa Blvd. A public parking lot is
available across Balboa Blvd next to the pier, and for even
more fun, the Fun Zone can be reached by the Auto Ferry
located on Balboa Island.
A really fun way to see Newport Bay is to rent a Duffy electric
boat or take a narrated sightseeing tour. Duffy Boats and
Fun Zone Boat Company are located next to the ferry landing
on the Newport Peninsula, both are highly recommended. |
There are plenty of other
outdoor activities throughout the area. When visiting, a
great place to stay is Newport
Dunes. It’s a full-service destination resort
with more than 100 acres of private beach along scenic Back
Bay. They offer activities onsite like a pedal boat, kayak,
wind surfer, 14-foot sailboat, 14- foot catamaran, and 18-foot
electric boat rental. There’s even a grocery and wave
less swimming lagoon.
There are plenty of hotel
and motel lodgings all around depending on your price point,
but Newport
Dunes gives you a chance to spend the time relaxing
instead of looking for meals. As far as food goes, every
cuisine you can imagine can be found close by.
Why not search out a new favorite? The Alley Restaurant
is a premier restaurant serving prime steaks, fresh seafood,
wonderful pastas, and the most unique full bar. Amelia's
Balboa Island serves delicious seafood and pastas.
When visiting Newport Beach expect a half hour drive from
anywhere in Orange County. The San Fernando Valley and Los
Angeles is usually an hour drive, but allow time for traffic
and parking when choosing a specific destination. |
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Newport
Dunes year-round aquatic playground
at the entrance to the Newport Back Bay. |
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Laguna
Beach has a little of everything for
those that want a relaxing getaway. |
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