Newport Beach

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a coastal city in the state of California, in southern Orange County. The city is famous for its swimming and sandy beaches, while Balboa Island attracts visitors with its waterfront promenade, and shops and restaurants easily accessible from the ferry. The city's attractions include beaches from the Santa Ana River to the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park. Newport Beach is also famous for its good surfing, particularly between Newport Pier and the Santa Ana River. The city's port, Newport Harbor, is the US West Coast's largest recreational boat harbor and a popular spot for all boating activities, including sailing, fishing, paddling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Upper Newport Bay, also known as Back Bay, is surrounded by Back Bay Drive and a series of bike paths and trails that draw cyclists, skaters, joggers and walkers. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is an appealing location. This is a large coastal wetland in Newport Beach, a major stopover for birds on the Pacific Flyway. Dozens of species, some of them endangered, can be seen here. Whale watching is also a favorite in the area, with scheduled and charter boats departing directly from Newport Harbor. Whales and dolphins are frequently seen from the Balboa and Newport piers, and from the shoreline during migration season. Fishing is also particularly popular in Newport Bay, along the shores of Newport and at Newport Bay Jetty.