Can’t-Miss Summertime Activities in Newport Beach

The coastal city of Newport Beach, located in southern California, is an oasis for summer activities. The town is for its boat-filled harbor, piers, amusement parks, and gorgeous views, so where do you start? Whether you have a few days or the whole summer in Newport, here are the best ways to spend your days. Visit The Beach When you’re in Newport, the beach is a must. Luckily, there are plenty of relaxing beaches to visit if you have the time. Newport Beach Newport Beach is the most well-known beach in the area. The 8-mile stretch of sandy shore provides the perfect conditions for several activities. Popular outdoor activities on Newport Beach include fishing, swimming, surfing, and aquatic sports.   Corona Del Mar State Beach This half-mile stretch of beach is a swimmer’s haven. Framed by cliffs and a rocky jetty, Corona Del Mar State Beach is also popular with surfers and divers. The beach is also dog-friendly, so whether you have a dog of your own or just want to watch the pups playing in the waves, it’s guaranteed to bring endless smiles to your day. The Wedge The Wedge is known for its powerful and shore-breaking waves that create the perfect spot for surfers to spend the day. If you’re not an experienced surfer, you can still admire the ocean's beauty, and you won’t be disappointed doing just that. The Wedge is a must-see while you’re in Newport.  Little Corona Beach One of the more hidden beaches in the area is Little Corona Beach. This small-scale beach provides a more intimate vibe and is flanked on both sides by rocky reefs that offer spectacular diving. The beach is also well-protected from large waves, so families with small children don’t have to worry about the strong surf.  Amusement Parks Amusement parks are a no-brainer for family fun. Newport has several to choose from, but the Balboa Fun Zone is the area's favorite. This amusement park has been providing family fun since 1936, and with no admission costs, the Balboa Fun Zone is accessible to all. Regardless of the ages or interests of those in your group, there’s plenty to do, from taking a relaxing ride on the Ferris wheel to whale-watching.  Events  Fun events for the whole family are always happening around Newport Beach. At the peak of summer, enjoy The OC Fair, which takes place across July and August in Costa Mesa. This popular event often draws large crowds, and in 2021, there were more than a million attendees. Sawdust Art & Craft Festival in Laguna Beach is another local favorite that supports regional artists and artisans in an inspiring and whimsical setting. Hosting both summer and winter festivals, attending Sawdust Art & Craft Festival is a fantastic opportunity to support local artists.  Outdoor Shopping Outdoor shopping is a lovely summertime experience, especially for visitors. Newport is home to Fashion Island, a premier coastal shopping center with specialty boutiques, world-class department stores, and a diverse range of restaurants. Shopping here is a sophisticated yet relaxing experience — you can even enjoy picturesque Pacific Ocean views as you shop. Explore Nature To explore the outdoors further than beach life, head to the Sherman Library and Gardens. This beautifully curated horticultural retreat features a plethora of plants. The Gardens are nationally renowned, and when you see them in the summer, you’ll understand why. For a day on the water, consider stopping by Duffy to rent a boat and enjoy the sun and the sea with a ride around the harbor.If you’re looking for your own Newport Beach house, contact Annie Clougherty today. As one of Orange County’s top real estate agents, Annie is dedicated to helping you find your perfect beachside oasis.  

Ways to Volunteer in Newport Beach

Volunteering in your community is a wonderful way to give back and stay connected. Each city has a plethora of nonprofits that need attention and volunteers — so many that it can be hard to know where to start. But volunteering doesn’t need to be difficult! Look inward and consider what you’re passionate about. What type of volunteer work will bring you joy that you can give to others? For some inspiration, check out our list of ways to volunteer in Newport Beach and find your perfect fit. Newport Beach Animal Shelter The City of Newport has a partnership with the Home Free Animal and Rescue Sanctuary. If you’re interested in helping out the community’s animals, the shelter offers various volunteer opportunities. Donations of supplies and funds are always accepted if you’re short on time and want to make a difference. If you want to donate your time, the shelter gladly accepts volunteers to help with animal care. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County If you have a passion for helping children, Big Brothers Big Sisters is an exceptional mentorship organization to be involved in. The program will match you with a youth who is facing adversity. Your relationship will help support their future and create better outcomes, including a higher rate of graduation from high school and a desire and ability to attend college. Monthly Beach Clean Up If you love Newport Beach, you can help maintain it for future generations through an organized beach cleanup. Through over 80 organized cleanups, volunteers have contributed to the removal of 10,589 pounds of trash. There is an organized cleanup on the first Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 am. If you’re passionate about the environment, this is the perfect way to continuously contribute your time without making a huge commitment. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Food insecurity impacts more than you’d think, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is working to fight this. In Orange County alone, 450,000 people risk going hungry each month. You can contribute to this fight by volunteering with this life-changing organization. You can currently volunteer through virtual food drives. Eventually, opportunities to volunteer onsite will return to the Orange County community. Project Hope Alliance Project Hope Alliance is founded on the belief that all children deserve educational, psychosocial, developmental, and financial support, and this organization is devoted to making this possible for homeless youth. Get involved by volunteering, whether creating their Monthly Boxes of Hope, becoming a positive role model for children grades Kindergarten through sixth grade, or getting your company involved with PHA.If you’re interested in looking at homes in the wonderful and generous community of Newport Beach, contact Annie Clougherty today. Annie is actively involved in the Orange County community and would love to connect with you. Join Annie on a journey to find your perfect Newport Beach house.  

What My Son Loves About Newport Beach