Carla’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Balboa Village--Home of the Fun Zone. This historical village is perfect for families and features the Fun zone with its old-time arcade games and Ferris wheel along the waterfront.
Old town Balboa, shops, eateries, ferry to Balboa Island and have the famous Balboa bar. You can drive your car onto the ferry to cross but parking is very limited. I suggest walking or bike riding to get over to the island. The island has beach-chic shops along Marine Avenue.
47 locals recommend
Balboa Peninsula
Old town Balboa, shops, eateries, ferry to Balboa Island and have the famous Balboa bar. You can drive your car onto the ferry to cross but parking is very limited. I suggest walking or bike riding to get over to the island. The island has beach-chic shops along Marine Avenue.
Continue all the way down the peninsula and you will end up at the famous "Wedge". The Wedge is know for its large wedge shaped, very powerful waves and awesome sunsets. With potential 30-foot waves, you may find more bodyboarders than surfers. This spot is the biggest swell in Southern California.
47 locals recommend
Balboa Peninsula
Continue all the way down the peninsula and you will end up at the famous "Wedge". The Wedge is know for its large wedge shaped, very powerful waves and awesome sunsets. With potential 30-foot waves, you may find more bodyboarders than surfers. This spot is the biggest swell in Southern California.
Newport Beach Dory Fishing fleet founded 1891. Open Firday through Sunday at 5:30 am. If you are an early riser come see the boats ride up onto shore with their catch and enjoy a fresh catch.
580 locals recommend
Newport Beach
100 Civic Center DrNewport Beach Dory Fishing fleet founded 1891. Open Firday through Sunday at 5:30 am. If you are an early riser come see the boats ride up onto shore with their catch and enjoy a fresh catch.
Open-air elegance that fuses European style with California luxury.
If you like to shop for unique attire this is a great place to shop. It's dog friendly also.
719 locals recommend
Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrIf you like to shop for unique attire this is a great place to shop. It's dog friendly also.
Sightseeing whales( in season) dolphins and harbor seals
There are numerous activities through Daveys locker, including electric boat rental.
Ecological Reserve of Upper Newport Bay
2482-2498 Mountains to the Sea Trail & BikewayDavey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing
400 Main StSightseeing tide pools Marine life
Tidepool explorations, monthly tidepool hikes 949-644-3038 tidepools @newportbeachca.gov
Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Traveler advice
Traveling with kids
Marina Park has a great playground, it's on the bay so no waves for the children to play safely.
1600 West Balboa blvd, Newport Beach
Customs and culture
5 top surfspots
The Point south of the Newport Pier at 18th St.
Blackie's just north of the Newport Pier, between 20th and 28th, it is a longboarders paradise during a good winter storm.
56th st River Jetties
The Wedge spectator spot
A street just south of the Balboa Pier know for its powerful shorebread and very steep beach; a meca for local skim boarders and bodysurfers.