Newport Beach

Use the tide to time the beach: a low tide uncovers the tide pools at Crystal Cove. Newport has its own NOAA tide station, Newport Beach, which publishes predictions only.

Newport Beach wraps around Newport Bay, a harbor full of yachts, with long sandy beaches on the ocean side. Visitors come for the sunset from the old pier, the sea lions in the harbor, and the big waves at The Wedge. It is relaxed, and it is expensive.

On the water:

• The Wedge — at the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, where winter swells can make 30-foot faces. Watch from the sidewalk; only experienced big-wave surfers paddle out.
• Balboa Peninsula — a 2-mile stretch of beach, calm enough for families at the north end, with The Wedge at the south end.
• Newport Harbor — rent a kayak or paddleboard (the Newport Aquatic Center rents both), take a harbor cruise, or watch the sailboats. Whale watching boats leave from Newport too: gray whales migrate December through April, and blue whales are often seen in summer.
• Crystal Cove State Park — just south of town, with tide pools, backcountry trails and the historic Beachcomber Cafe on the sand.

The Balboa Island Ferry, a short ride across the harbor, takes you to Balboa Island, where you can walk the bay front, get a frozen banana and browse the shops on Marine Avenue. Walk or bike across the little bridge to Lido Island for quiet streets, waterfront homes and views of the bay.