The Southern California Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Our all-seasons destination is known for its golden sand beaches, towering palm trees, and sunshine. Most of our visitors enjoy soaking up the beautiful weather and views from the comfort of a beach chair. If you get antsy lazing around, then check out the other opportunities for Newport Beach outdoor recreation. From seaside biking trails to whale watching cruises, there are several outdoor activities for you to try!
When you’re ready to plan your trip, request our free Newport Beach Vacation Guide. This guide contains helpful information on what to do and see while you’re here, including more outdoor activities!
Request Your Newport Beach Vacation Guide
5 Great Outdoor Activities in Newport Beach
1. Surf the Wedge
Surfing is the No. 1 outdoor activity in Newport Beach, CA. The shores of Orange County offer some of the best surf on the West Coast and keeps locals and visitors alike coming back again and again! Whether you’re a novice or lifetime surfer, there’s a Newport Beach surfing spot for your ability level.
Newport Beach Pier
Beginners and longboarders will love shredding just north of the Newport Pier. Here, you can expect steady swells and lots of room to spread out, which is perfect for those who’re still getting comfortable on the board.
54th Street and 56th Street Jetties
The series of jetties between 54th and 56th Streets is another popular spot for surfing in Newport Beach. The jetties offer mid-size swells with lefts and rights, so it keeps your ride exciting! To access this surf spot, head up to the northern end of Newport Beach to access this area near West Newport Park.
The Wedge at Newport Beach
The Wedge is one of the most famous surfing destinations in Orange County. This stretch of sand at the end of the Balboa Peninsula serves up plenty of waves that routinely exceed 30 feet. Experienced wave riders flock to this iconic location and spend hours on end testing their skills in these towering swells!
Surfboard Rentals & Lessons
Need to rent a board or take a lesson during your trip to Newport Beach? Here are a few local favorites:
2. Rent a Kayak or SUP
If you’re not feeling adventurous enough to surf, consider kayaking or paddleboarding! Both are great options for someone who wants to enjoy a more peaceful afternoon on the water. Balboa Fun Tours & Rentals offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals. It’s a great way to sightsee around Newport Harbor! Rentals range from $55-$120 for full-day rentals.
3. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park covers 2,400-acres of backcountry wilderness. While you may not imagine that Orange County has unexplored terrain, you can discover it at this California state park. Here, you can explore beautiful beaches and 18 miles of hiking trails. It’s also a great spot to view marine wildlife with a tidepool exploration!
4. Whale Watching Cruises
The Pacific Ocean is home to millions of species of mesmerizing wildlife. You can view impressive marine life for yourself with a whale watching tour in Newport Beach. There are two whale watching seasons in Southern California. Blue whales travel along the coast during the fall and the summer, and grey whale season takes place between December and April.
Staking out a spot on the beach, Corona del Mar State Park, or Crystal Cove is the best way to view these magnificent marine creatures from the land. But if you want to get closer to the action, we recommend embarking on a whale watching cruise.
Here are some of our favorite whale watching tour companies:
- Newport Whales
- Cruise Newport Beach
- Ocean Explorer Cruises
- Newport Coastal Adventure
- Davey’s Locker Whale Watching and Fishing
- East Meets West Excursions
5. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is the best spot in Orange County for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. We believe the Upper Bay Trail is the highlight of any visit to this nature preserve. Situated on a bluff overlooking the bay, the 2.4-mile Upper Bay Trail is a fantastic way to soak up the beauty of this area!
Newport Beach Bike Rentals offers a variety of standard and electric bikes that guests can rent half-day, full-day, or overnight. If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that you can rent child attachments or surrey bikes for an easier ride.
Rest Your Muscles at One of Our Newport Beach Rentals
Return to your rental home with Burr White Realty after a day of exploring Newport Beach outdoor recreation. Our Newport Beach rentals are the perfect place to rest from a day of adventure. Whether you want to soak your muscles in a warm bath or prefer a nightcap on the patio, you’ll find it’s easy to relax during your stay with us.
Browse a full catalog of our rentals to start planning your trip to Newport Beach, California!