Things To Do
Back Bay Drive
This 3.5-mile leisure loop along the bluffs of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is filled with diverse plant and animal life.
Crystal Cove State Park
3.2 miles of beach and 2400 acres of wilderness, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest protected areas.
Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a small island in Newport Beach that you can reach by car or by Balboa Island Ferry. Head to Marine Avenue which is the main street and is home to a selection of chic coastal shops and restaurants.
Lido Marina Village
You can check out a dozen or so local stores and boutiques – my favorites were Clare V. and Lido Village Books! They also have some great restaurants in Lido - like Nobu, Malibu Farms, Lido Bottle Works & Skal Pizza!
Fashion Island
The premier shopping destination in Newport! Fashion Island has both shopping and dining. It is situated close to PCH and the water.
South Coast Plaza
Duffy Boat Rentals - Balboa Fun Zone
One of the most quintessential Newport Beach activities is to rent a Duffy boat for the day and cruise around the harbor. A “Duffy” is a small electric boat with a canopy top that can fit up to about 12 people. You can rent and drive them yourself – no questions asked. I highly recommend bringing your own picnic and a few bottles of bubbly to enjoy.
Newport Aquatic Center
Paddleboard or Kayak Rentals
Main Beach Park
The City of Laguna Beach has more than 100 unique works of public art. These pieces were designed and created specifically for Laguna Beach and contributed to the life of the city. Explore the many murals, statues, benches and other pieces as you stroll through town. Maps can be picked up at the Official Visitors Center. Main Beach Park is located in the heart of downtown. Two half-court basketball courts and sand volleyball courts are available to the public. Put on some sunscreen and enjoy a pickup game! Main Beach, Laguna’s “Window to the Sea,” is a beachfront park located in the heart of downtown Laguna. There is always plenty to see and do here at Laguna’s most bustling scene.
1000 Steps Beach
Located between 9th and 10th streets on South Coast Hwy., Thousand Steps Beach is an intimate cove featuring views of some of the area’s most magnificent private homes. It’s one of Laguna’s hot surf spots and is also known for sand volleyball. (There are approx. 230 steps; however it “feels” like 1,000 steps!)
The Deck
As Laguna Beach's only restaurant located on the sand, The Deck on Laguna offers you spectacular views.
South of Nick's Laguna Beach
Tasty Margarita's! Try their Mexican Pizza!
Las Brisas
Ocean views & an outdoor patio are the trademarks of this Mexican seafood restaurant & brunch spot.
Broadway by Amar Santana
Top Chef alum Amar Santana serves “progressive American” food.
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
This ’50s inspired renovated cottages houses a unique café, serving specialties such as coconut macadamia pancakes, shrimp chile relleno, and a locals favorite lemon ginger martini. **Reservations strongly encouraged**
Javier's Restaurant - Newport Beach
An upscale Mexican restaurant that has incredible dishes and the largest collection of Tequilas on the West Coast.
Bear Flag Fish Company
Well known around town for their unique creations, with panko-grilled fish tacos, burritos, fresh poke, and Peruvian ceviche.
Nobu Newport Beach
Home to some of the best sushi in the area, located within a sleek setting.
Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, the chef showcases the best that the season has to offer from the region’s many producers, which means ever-changing takes on dishes like sea scallops, as well as shrimp and mussels served in a tomato-Pernod broth with a polenta cake made from blue corn sourced from the Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project.