Although the beaches of Treasure Island Park and Aliso Beach Park are only separated by a creek, the bluff creates drastically different views from the parks. Treasure Island Park, from the bluff to the beach, is lavish in every detail, and blends seamlessly with its neighbor – the five-star Montage Resort & Spa. The covered parking lot and bathrooms are hidden behind lush gardens. Doggy bags are placed at various spots for the convenience of dog owners and the tidiness of the park. To explore the caves and tide pools on the beach, one needs to walk by Montage's garden to reach the ramp. The extravagance of the resort, in addition to the panoramic view of the Pacific, is guaranteed to take anyone's breath away. – Hoiyin Ip
The Hilbert Museum of California Art is one of the best places in the country for California Art. Named after Mark and Janet Hilbert who endowed some of their collections to the museum and also donated a sizable amount to build it, this repository is indeed a must for art lovers. Showcasing 247 works including watercolors, lithographs, oils, animation and movie art, the collection takes you through the varying scenes of California from the 1920s to the 1970s. Notable Californian masters from the 20th Century like Emil Kosa Jr, Joan Irving, Milford Zornes, Francis Caldwell and Ruth Peabody feature in their collection.
The Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) is a bounty replete with social, cultural and educational information. The Newport library has been serving people for the past 87 years with its rich collection of books, journals, bestsellers and articles. There's a good range of reading materials for people of all age groups; people of all kinds of taste in books. However, in order to access the NBPL's online collection, you need a valid NBPL card that can be arranged by applying for the same at the library.
The seven-acre Roger's Garden is named as America's most beautiful home and garden center. With the appearance of a high end nursery, it offers much more than pots and plants. There are outdoor gardens, indoor gardens, a patio shop, a gallery, and a gourmet shop. Plants, furniture and collectibles are strategically placed to induce the desire of purchasing the complete set. Besides the merchandise, the Garden offers free services, such as tasting events, holiday events, cooking classes, conservation seminars, etc. Check their website for the schedule. – Hoiyin Ip
A small but beautifully landscaped park hidden behind an upscale neighborhood, Crescent Bay Point Park is a breath of fresh air. With staggering ocean and beach views, a secluded beach, and some of the cleanest water on the Pacific Coast, it is a delight for locals and tourists, particularly nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the frequent visitors of the bay are sea birds, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales between December and March, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in action.
The picturesque Orange coast is home to a wide variety of marine animals. Established in 1971 with the aim of rehabilitating such marine mammals along the coast of Orange County, Pacific Marine Mammal Center is an excellent rescue facility. Volunteers work hard to nurse the creatures back to health until they are strong enough to go back to their natural environment. Visitors to the facility can get an overview of the site as well as meet the mammals.