Things To Do
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
The hotel provides additional amenities including access to the spa (eucalyptus steam room and saltwater pool), beach cruiser bike rentals, and a shuttle to Corona del Mar State Beach.
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona del Mar State Beach is a popular place for swimmers. The half-mile long sandy beach is framed by cliffs and a rock jetty that forms the east entrance to the Newport Harbor. While you're there, venture up to Inspiration Point to...be inspired.
Fashion Island
The hotel room block is located in Fashion Island, so cruise into the large outdoor mall for some great food! Some of our favorites are Canaletto Ristorante, Cucina Enoteca, Fig & Olive, Great Maple, Hopdoddy, Red O, and Atomic Creamery.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is the ultimate sanctuary for family-friendly beach experiences in Newport Beach. Whether you’re here for spring break or summer vacation, our Water Park is open for you and your family to show off your balancing act by jumping on a stand-up paddleboard or challenging the wind to a duel.
Rent an Electric Duffy Boat to Explore Newport Harbor
Come and relax with family and friends while you glide the local waterways of Newport Harbor. Their boats hold up to 12 passengers and rentals last for 2 hours. Stop at the store to get some drinks and snacks before enjoying a cruise through Newport Harbor. You can find deals on Groupon but note that they are typically only available for weekday reservations.
Hiking or Biking at Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of back country wilderness and an offshore underwater area. Crystal Coves trails are steep and provide limited shade so bring water and sunscreen. The ocean views are worth the trek!
Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Davey's Locker whale watching & dolphin cruises view giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, several species of dolphin and much more. Their sport fishing trips offers fishing trip lengths varying from the popular ½ day (5 hour excursions) and ¾ day (full day excursions) to overnight trips and longer.
Newport Beach Pier
Newport Beach includes more than eight miles of beaches that stretch from the Santa Ana River jetty to Crystal Cove State Park and border Newport Bay. Newport Beach has a lengthy bike trail, which extends around most of the peninsula. Riding along the boardwalk is fun and a great way to check out some of the most expensive real estate in Southern California. There are several bars and restaurants near the pier if you need a break from the sun. Some of our favorites are Dory Deli, Mutt Lynch's, and Baja Sharkeez.
Clint Carroll Surf School
Clint Carroll Surf School offers private one-on-one surf lessons and group surf lessons for all ages and levels of surfers including beginners, intermediate and pro surfers. Check for a deal on Groupon and be sure to book your lesson in advance.
The Wedge
The Wedge is a spot located at the far east end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California known for its large wedge shaped waves that makes it a popular spot for surfing. Stop at the Wedge after a bike ride down the Peninsula to watch the waves and surfers.
Hiking or Biking at Top of the World
With approximately 4,500 acres of wilderness and natural open space land, Top of the World makes for a great day of hiking or mountain biking. Trails range from fire roads (easy dirt road walking) to difficult terrain. These are the trails Paul and Rachel hiked for their first date.
Huntington Beach Pier
Measuring 1,850 feet in length, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, it symbolizes the heart of Huntington Beach. Spend time at the beach or wander down Main Street for numerous food and drink options.
Huntington Beach Bonfires
A visit to Huntington Beach isn’t complete without a traditional beach bonfire. Three out of five of Surf City USA’s distinct beaches house fire pits, including Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Pro tip: Spend the day at the beach to save yourself a fire ring. They are first come first serve.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstorm Center for the Arts is one of Southern California's most famous arts complexes. Check the schedule in advance to see which Broadway musicals are in town during your visit.
South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping mall in California and the 4th largest in the United States. Window shop Gucci, Cartier, Rolex, and Versace and then maybe actually buy something at Zara or the Gap. We also highly recommend Din Tai Fung if you get hungry. Plan ahead and put your name in before browsing as the line can get long around normal meal times.
Golfing at Tijeras Creek Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf at our reception venue! Call for discounted rates available for our wedding guests.
Watch an Angels MLB game
Check out an Angels game in Anaheim! We go see the Tigers take on the Angels at least once every year. Arrive early and eat/drink at Golden Road or Karl Strauss breweries across the street from the stadium.
Disneyland Park
Watch Dreams Come True at the Happiest Place on Earth… What more is there to say, it’s Disneyland!
Knott's Berry Farm
What began as a road-side berry stand in the 1920s is now a 57-acre theme park featuring 40 rides including roller coasters, family rides, dark rides and water rides.
The Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary is a retired British ocean liner that sailed primarily on the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967. The ship is now permanently moored in Long Beach and serves as a museum, hotel, and restaurant...and is rumored to be haunted!
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium on a 5-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, United States. It is situated across the water from the Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction.
Day Trip to Catalina Island
Take the Catalina Flyer out of Newport Harbor for a day trip to the island. Leaves Newport at 9am and departs the island at 4:30pm. Buy tickets for the Flyer in advance and arrive 30-60 minutes early to get a good spot on the boat (both ways). Bring medicine if you get seasick or plan to sit on one of the outside levels of the boat to enjoy the view. There are several different types of activities in Avalon (beach club, glass bottom boat tour, zipline, ropes course, backcountry tour) but don't miss the golf cart tour for amazing views of the island.
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
San Diego showcases the stories of some of the more than 3,700 animals that call The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park home.
LEGOLAND California
Legoland California is a theme park, miniature park, and aquarium located in Carlsbad, California, based on the Lego toy brand. Opening on March 20, 1999, it was the third Legoland park to open, and the first outside Europe.
SeaWorld San Diego
Looking for an amusement parks to visit? SeaWorld San Diego offers exciting rides, up-close animal encounters and more.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Spend your day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and stay for dinner at CityWalk before heading back to Newport Beach.