The area is 900 acres (364 hectares) of estuary, marsh, and coastal sage scrub habit, and it is home to several endangered bird species. Seventy species of fish use the bay and during winter migration thousands of shorebirds and ducks either visit or spend the winter here. Kayak, canoe, walking and electric boat tours are offered and a state of the art Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach.
For those who can make only one stop in Corona del Mar, make it the Corona del Mar State Beach. This area alone can make everyone fall in love with CdM, a laid-back multi-million-dollar neighborhood accented by the Pacific, with streets lined by palm trees and flower beds. On the bluff, three signs mark beach access: Lookout Point, Main Beach and Inspiration Point. Each point has a different view, but all share Catalina Island in the background, and Newport Bay and Balboa Island in the foreground. A few steps towards the south end of Ocean Boulevard is a secluded cove near the Robert E. Badham Marine Life Refuge, and some of the most extravagant mansions follow.
The Environmental Nature Center is a must-visit for every nature lovers touring Newport Beach. It’s a beautiful attraction lined with native plants and trees where several bird species dwell. A getaway for birding enthusiasts as well as those who love hiking, the center is a perfect break from city noises. It is dedicated to teaching children as well as adults about sustainable development and waste management, in addition to other subjects that aid in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The heart of the Balboa Peninsula, the Balboa village is one of the most visited attractions of Newport Beach. A perfect place for a day out with family and friends, the village has a plethora of activities on offer. It’s lined with some of the best restaurants in the city, to get you fuled up for the day. There are attractions like the Fun Zone for children, while adults can indulge in one of the many boat tours that are organized here. The village also hosts a number of events every year.
Balboa Island seems to have the best of both worlds: a lazy, relaxing island atmosphere, yet only minutes away from the mainland. From festivals and parades to chic boutiques and restaurants that run the culinary gamut, this man-made island offers the ideal vacationing spot. Boats and cruise ships ply through clear blue waters, while the sprawling promenade is lined with a melange of stately, waterfront cottages. Its sleek boulevards are ornamented with soaring palm trees, whereas a string of attractions like markets, patio-fronted coffee shops, quaint and cozy bookshops, and the Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society lend it a touristy appeal. The island is also a stronghold of adventurous water sports like surfing and offers something for everyone, no matter your interests!
If the air inside one of the area's many malls seems too stuffy for you, head to Newport Pier for a day of shopping and dining right on the water. Whether you are in search of a quick buy for a day out on the beach, or are looking for souvenirs to bring back home, you can find it among the many shops and restaurants in this bustling oceanfront area. Here you can pick up an OC sweatshirt to properly emulate those moody walks by the waves, or get the kids some toy shovels to built expert sand castles. Then stop by one of the many kiosks for a fruit smoothie for the ride home, but before you go make sure to walk out to the end of the pier for some great views of Catalina Island and the surrounding beaches.
Make your special occasion even more memorable by hosting it on one of the yachts of Electra Cruises. Athena, Electra, Newport Princess, Eternity and Destiny are the luxurious yachts in their fleet. Be it any event, from weddings to Christmas parties, the yachts offer a one-of-a-kind experience as you sail the blue waters of the Pacific. You can select from a variety of menus, both buffet and à la carte, and delight everyone with the delicious food and drinks.
If the air inside one of the area's many malls seems too stuffy for you, head to Newport Pier for a day of shopping and dining right on the water. Whether you are in search of a quick buy for a day out on the beach, or are looking for souvenirs to bring back home, you can find it among the many shops and restaurants in this bustling oceanfront area. Here you can pick up an OC sweatshirt to properly emulate those moody walks by the waves, or get the kids some toy shovels to built expert sand castles. Then stop by one of the many kiosks for a fruit smoothie for the ride home, but before you go make sure to walk out to the end of the pier for some great views of Catalina Island and the surrounding beaches.
Marina Park is a recreational space with fun activities in water as well as in the park. The park offers indoor as well as outdoor party space, games for kids and also has kayaking facilities. Open since 2015, the park provisions for Nautical themed play ground, outdoor cafe, water activities, fitness center and also has catering services for any party or event.
The Environmental Nature Center is a must-visit for every nature lovers touring Newport Beach. It’s a beautiful attraction lined with native plants and trees where several bird species dwell. A getaway for birding enthusiasts as well as those who love hiking, the center is a perfect break from city noises. It is dedicated to teaching children as well as adults about sustainable development and waste management, in addition to other subjects that aid in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Newport Landing Sportfishing offers fishing trips for everyone. Privately charter or rent one of six boats or join one of the daily trips open to the general public for a half day or 3/4 day fishing trips. Local trips allow you to fish in areas from Long Beach to Dana Point, including Laguna Beach. Catch Barracuda, Halibut, Calico Bass, Red Snapper, Giant Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, and many other species. The 3/4 day fishing trips allow you to fish near Catalina Island and over 40 miles of coastline. Newport Landing Sportfishing’s fleet has state of the art electronics, huge live bait systems, spacious indoor/outdoor seating, and full amenities including a full service snack bar/kitchen. For those who don't enjoy fishing, but still love being out on the water and would like the chance to spot a whale, the whale excursions offer a truly unique opportunity for the whole family. For reservations on the open boat, to book a charter or a whale watching reservation; give them a call.