Things To Do
Crystal Cove State Park
Some of our favorite beaches and tide pooling spots, full of special memories. Pack water and sunscreen and use the bathroom before you go down the hill to the sand. Plan for brunch or cocktails at The Beachcomber! The best place to park to walk down to the Historic District is at the Los Trancos Parking lot. It's not a good week for tidepooling unfortunately, but you may still spot some fossils at Pelican Point.
Disneyland Park
Need we say more? Take advantage of being in Southern California!
Balboa Island
The beachy, touristy heart of Newport Beach. If you're a fan of the TV series Arrested Development, or you just like bananas, be sure to get a frozen banana at Sugar 'n' Spice.
Newport Aquatic Center
Get out on the water! Newport Aquatic Center rents kayaks and paddle boards for exploring the Upper and Lower Newport Bay. Head up into one of the most pristine estuaries in California and see shorebirds (including the endangered Ridgway's Rail and California Least Tern!), fish, stingrays, invertebrates and marsh plants. Head down to the harbor and enjoy the punny boat names and spot some of the excessively large homes of classic era movie stars like Shirley Temple, John Wayne.
Coffee Nature
The best coffee in walking distance of the Ayres Hotel!
Flower Child
This is where we had our first date! We talked for hours on the patio of this healthy/hippie fast casual spot.
The Frida Cinema
A fabulous little independent movie theater in a happening neighborhood full of good restaurants. We love seeing all kinds of art house, independent, throwback and classic movies here.
The Camp
The Camp (and the similar space across the street, The Lab) is a walkable mixed retail and dining space with breweries, restaurants, eco-friendly shopping, live music and yoga. It's a great starting point for exploring some of the eateries on Bristol.
Aldrich Park
Aldrich Park at the center of the UCI campus is a wonderful place to walk among trees and sculpture gardens and admire the California Modern/Brutalist architecture that served as the set for the original Planet of the Apes movies.
Bommer Canyon Trail Head
This complex of trails near our house is one of our favorites for hikes, with varied scenery and the full loop rewards you with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Head out early to avoid the heat of the day and see road runners, lizards, cactus wren, and woodpeckers.
Bamboo Bistro
This Vietnamese restaurant is fresh and delicious and Amy's go-to for healthy take-out.