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National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
8 of the best things to do in Newport Beach
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Set between long stretches of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged San Joaquin Hills, Newport Beach embraces the same laid-back lifestyle as its neighbouring Californian beach towns but is set apart by a distinctly upmarket feel. It was the setting for The OC, the early 2000s cult series about a well-to-do Orange County community, and you'll find stately mansions, boutique stores and restaurants serving seafood towers. But there's also whale-watching in the Pacific, a legendary surf break creating 30ft waves and a bohemian district of driftwood homes. The city is set a little over an hour's drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego, making it an ideal stop on a Southern California itinerary. Go whale-watching in the Pacific Ocean Newport Beach is one of the best places in the US to go whale-watching. It lies along a key migratory route for several whale species, as well as near the Newport Submarine Canyon and continental shelf, which fuel a rich marine ecosystem and make for ideal feeding grounds. Newport Coastal Adventure offers high-speed rigid inflatable boat tours into the open ocean for small groups, led by expert guides. Depending on the season, sightings may include gray whales (winter to spring), blue whales and humpbacks (spring to autumn) and even the occasional orca (year-round). Common dolphins are frequently spotted racing alongside boats in large playful pods, and bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins make regular appearances. Cruise along Newport's harbour The harbour is one of the city's defining features, stretching more than three miles from the Pacific Ocean into the calm waters of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve, known locally as the 'Back Bay'. It's lined with elegant homes, many with private docks, and several artificial islands, including village-like Balboa Island and exclusive Lido Isle. Explore it with an electric boat rental from Duffy. You can picnic aboard or dock at waterfront restaurants such as Lido Bottle Works, which is run by locals and serves craft beers and a tapas-style menu. For something more exclusive, Balboa Bay Resort offers a two-hour sunset cruise aboard a 42ft yacht, complete with a captain, seafood and Champagne. Step back in time at Crystal Cove Park Just down the Pacific Coast Highway is Crystal Cove State Park, spanning 2,400 acres of backcountry and three miles of shoreline. Along one of its most scenic waterfront stretches lies the Historic District, 46 beachfront cottages built between the 1920s and 1940s. It was once an enclave for artists, surfers and free spirits, who constructed homes from salvaged wood and even discarded film set materials. To preserve the area, the State of California purchased the land in 1979 and led a decades-long restoration project. Stays are available through the Department of Parks and Recreation; don't miss the warm beignets at Beachcomber Cafe or the daily, 5pm hoisting of the 'martini flag'. The Historic District was built between the 1920s and 1940s. It was once an enclave for artists, surfers and free spirits, who constructed homes from salvaged wood and even discarded film set materials. Photograph by Crystal Cove Conservancy Go shopping at Fashion Island Located a 10-minute drive from the harbour, Fashion Island is an open-air retail centre that's home to high-end boutiques and department stores. A standout is the multi-level Restoration Hardware Gallery, an exhibition-like space for luxury home furnishings, with a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the coastline. Alternatively, explore the Lido Marina Village, a waterfront neighbourhood where narrow streets are lined with stylish cafes and independent boutiques. Clare V is known for effortlessly chic clothing and accessories, while Aloha Collection — a Californian brand with Hawaiian roots — specialises in splash-proof travel bags. The marina-facing restaurants here include an outpost of Nobu and Malibu Farm, a Southern California-founded spot that celebrates organic, farm-to-table ingredients. Cycle the Newport Beach boardwalk For a front-row look at the city's beach culture, follow the boardwalk, a three-mile paved path along the Balboa Peninsula south of the main harbour. With its flat terrain and scenic views — stretches of sand on one side and beach cottages, surf shops and cafes on the other — it's ideal for exploring on two wheels. Rent an electric bike from 20th Street Beach and Bikes, then head south towards Newport Beach Pier. Just beside it, Dory Fleet Fish Market — operating since 1891 — sells black cod, lobster and spider crab straight from the boats. Before looping back, veer off to the Balboa Fun Zone for a ride on the vintage Ferris wheel and a frozen banana from Sugar 'n Spice. Dine on the catch of the day With its Pacific location, Newport Beach is home to exceptional seafood dining. Set in a historic fishing building, The Cannery serves the likes of blackened wahoo tacos and lobster rolls, plus meats like Wagyu beef. Set Steak & Sushi at the Pendry hotel attracts a sophisticated crowd with dishes like bluefin tuna pizza on a crisp tortilla base with ponzu aioli, while RH Ocean Grill at Fashion Island also impresses, serving seafood towers in a glass-roofed garden. Alternatively, The Mayor's Table at boutique Lido House hotel delivers sophisticated dishes such as Dungeness crab pasta with wild mushrooms and garlic cream sauce, or Wine Country lamb with carrot puree and dukkah spice crumb. After your meal, unwind with drinks at the rooftop bar, a popular weekend hangout. With its Pacific location, Newport Beach is home to exceptional seafood dining. Photograph by Visit Newport Beach Watch legendary surfing at The Wedge To witness some of California's most legendary surfing, visit The Wedge at the southernmost tip of the Balboa Peninsula. This famous break was created accidentally by a 2,000ft jetty, and it can produce waves that are up to 30ft high thanks to a wave reflection phenomenon: when a south or southwest swell hits, water pushes off the jetty and collides with incoming waves, forming soaring walls of water that attract skilled surfers from around the world. Visit in late spring or summer for the best conditions, and check The Wedge cam for updates. Inspired to get into the water? Surf schools along the Balboa Peninsula like Endless Sun offer beginner-friendly lessons and board rentals. To witness some of California's most legendary surfing, visit The Wedge at the southernmost tip of the Balboa Peninsula. Photograph by Visit Newport Beach Los Angeles and San Diego international airports are both a little over an hour's drive away. Although some neighbourhoods are walkable and bike-friendly, Newport Beach is a spread-out coastal city, so renting a car is advisable if you want to make the most of your visit — whether you're heading to nearby beaches, shopping districts or scenic hiking trails. Stay at Lido House, a chic boutique hotel on Lido Isle, steps from Lido Marina Village and close to the Balboa Peninsula. Designed to resemble a stylish beach house, the hotel's 130 guest rooms reflect its laid-back waterfront setting, with nautical touches and bright, modern interiors. There are also five cottages, each individually furnished by a Newport Beach designer. Rooms start from $393 (£293) and include perks such as beach gear, a local shuttle, surfboard and bike rentals, and a chauffeur service within a five-mile radius. This story was created with the support of Visit Newport Beach. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
USA Today
10-07-2025
- USA Today
Summer camp kids greeted by alien-like sea creature, ‘pandemonium' ensues
Children aboard a whale-watching vessel out of Newport Beach, Ca., on Wednesday appear to have thoroughly enjoyed their encounter with a bizarre-looking Mola mola. The accompanying footage, courtesy of Newport Coastal Adventure, shows the summer-camp kids erupting in 'pandemonium' as the slab-like behemoth appears alongside the boat. 'It's so big!' one child remarks. 'Why is it so big?' another kid asks. ALSO: Young elk exhibits remarkable speed while fleeing wolves in Yellowstone Newport Coastal Adventure stated via Instagram: 'Also called Ocean Sunfish, they aren't always this approachable but sometimes we get really lucky with a great floater. It turns out to be an incredible experience no matter your age!' Ocean sunfish, which feed primarily on sea jellies, are the heaviest bony fishes on the planet. They can measure 10 feet and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. They're often called gentle giants because of their docile appearance during most encounters. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium: 'The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) looks like the invention of a mad scientist. Huge and flat, this silvery gray fish has a tiny mouth and big eyes that vanish into an even bigger body with a truncated tail.' To be sure, although California whale watchers seek the truly giant leviathans, they will gladly stop for a Mola mola encounter.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Miami Herald
8 sea creatures stun onlookers in ‘exciting' sightings. Take a look
National 8 sea creatures stun onlookers in 'exciting' sightings. Take a look A white whale calf swimming with its mother off Australia created a memorable moment, while a pod of rare Baird's beaked whales surfaced in Monterey Bay, thrilling onlookers who waited for their return. People also observed a peachy orange baby killer whale rolling in the Salish Sea, and watched as rescuers freed a gray whale tangled in fishing gear 100 feet down in California waters. Read the stories below. Frosty, a white killer whale, was spotted off the coast of Newport Beach on April 29, 2024. Photo from Delaney Trowbridge/Newport Coastal Adventure NO. 1: 'EXTREMELY RARE' WHITE KILLER WHALE STUNS ONLOOKERS OFF CALIFORNIA COAST. SEE FROSTY 'When Frosty is swimming underwater, he is like this glowing white object.' | Published April 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniella Segura This species is seen less than once a year, even by the most avid whale watchers. Rajvi Khatri on Unsplash NO. 2: GROUP OF 'MYSTERIOUS' SEA ANIMALS SEEN IN RARE, 'BUCKET LIST SIGHTING' OFF CALIFORNIA There's not much known about this 'elusive and shy' species, experts say. | Published May 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Daye A rare white right whale calf was recently spotted off the coast of Australia, according to local news reports. Google Street View © May 2018 NO. 3: WHITE WHALE CALF SPOTTED WITH MOTHER OFF AUSTRALIA. WATCH THE HEARTWARMING ENCOUNTER The encounter was a 'rare treat,' officials said. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brendan Rascius A 'rare' humpback whale was recently spotted in the English Channel, photos show. Photo from Laura Lezman, UnSplash NO. 4: MIGRATING SEA CREATURE MAKES 'RARE' APPEARANCE OFF THE COAST OF ENGLAND, PHOTOS SHOW It was photographed leaping out of the water off the coast of Hastings. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brendan Rascius Researchers caught all 26 members of the J pod on camera, including a baby. Getty Images/iStockphoto NO. 5: BABY KILLER WHALE SEEN BOUNCING AND ROLLING OFF WASHINGTON. SEE THE PEACHY ORANGE CALF The Southern Resident killer whale calf is 'among the world's most endangered marine mammals.' | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner A dead sea creature was spotted off the California coast, officials said. Akira Hojo Unsplash NO. 6: 36-FOOT EMACIATED SEA CREATURE WASHES UP ON CALIFORNIA BEACH. ITS DEATH IS A MYSTERY Researchers will know the creature's cause of death in several weeks, officials said. | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Paloma Chavez A group saw a 'rare' sighting while whale watching in California, the company wrote on Facebook. By Matt Hardy NO. 7: ENTANGLED SEA CREATURE LEFT TRAPPED 100 FEET DOWN OFF CALIFORNIA. SEE RESCUE The sea creature quickly swam away after the two-hour rescue mission, officials said. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Paloma Chavez An 'exciting sighting' of a sea creature occurred in California. Getty Images/iStockphoto NO. 8: MASSIVE SEA CREATURES SPOTTED OFF CALIFORNIA COAST. SEE THE 'EXCITING SIGHTING' The group was able to see a plethora of sea creatures. | Published June 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Paloma Chavez The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
