Top Rated Attractions in Newport Beach

A paradise for surfers, the Wedge is the name given to a particular location off the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The spot is called so owing to the huge wedge-like waves that occur here due to the outstretched Newport Beach Jetty that lies in the path of the incoming tides from the North Pacific Ocean. With waves reaching as high as 30 feet (nine meters) at times, the Wedge occupies a very special place on the bucket list of most surfers and adventure seekers.

Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.

If you have long dreamed of piloting an airplane or a fighter jet, then a trip to Flightdeck Air Combat Center will be a dream come true. Offering simulations in F-16 fighter jets and Boeing 737-700s, visitors get to feel the rush of participating in air combat missions and aerial maneuvers. The center provides a hands-on, immersive experience where participants can engage in air combat missions, test their skills, and feel the adrenaline rush of aerial maneuvers. The friendly staff is well-equipped to prepare you for your first flight and answer any questions you may have before the simulation begins.

Have an adventure at Adventure City! This theme park has a lot of exciting rides and attractions. Watch a performance at the Children's Theater, take a ride on the Freeway Coaster, win a prize at the arcade and hug a rabbit at the Petting Farm. This theme park is a fantastic attraction where you can bring your whole family, though the majority of the rides are geared towards children rather than teens and adults.

Knott's Berry Farm, home to the Peanuts characters, has been a long-time favorite for families visiting the Orange County area. You'll find culturally-themed areas including Fiesta Village, Indian Trails and Independence Hall, where visitors get a look at the influence of these cultures on California life. There are also themed rides such as the Xcelerator and Montezooma's Revenge. Other areas such as The Boardwalk feature rides like Supreme Scream which, measuring in at an astounding 312 feet (95.098 meters), is the tallest structure in the county. Overall, if you're looking for something to please the kids (and maybe give yourself a rest), Knott's is a truly excellent choice.

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.