Things to do in Newport Beach CA
March 22, 2015 12:57 PM Subscribe
Looking for suggestions for cool/quirky places to see in an afternoon at Newport Beach (history, nerdy, technology, walks/views, etc.). I'll probably head down towards the beach, and take it from there. Bike rental is a possibility. Cheap-ish (non-fancy) seafood and Asian places would be appreciated. I could also stand a $20-25 cab ride each way to somewhere interesting. Thank you!
I'll be at the Marriott Spa and Resort. I did see this question from codacorolla, but it did not really ask what I'd like to know.
I'll be at the Marriott Spa and Resort. I did see this question from codacorolla, but it did not really ask what I'd like to know.
Best answer: Go to the Newport Pier. Walk around, hit the Crab Cooker at some point. Rent a bike and pedal south to the Balboa Pier. Head east to the Balboa Fun Zone for some kitsch. Take the ferry to Balboa Island. Walk or bike completely around the island, and head down its main drag. Head back over the ferry, head south, check out the Wedge (hopefully, surf's up and you can watch people much braver than you and I). From there, you can look south and see Little Corona, which may give you more ideas. Farther south is Laguna, even more interesting than Newport, actually. Reverse course to head back to the Newport Pier.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:06 PM on March 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:06 PM on March 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
By the way, the pedaling should be on the beach strand, not the main street that runs down the peninsula.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:09 PM on March 22, 2015
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:09 PM on March 22, 2015
Crystal Cove is nearby and is very nice.
posted by bq at 2:08 PM on March 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by bq at 2:08 PM on March 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Adding to what Cool Papa Bell said: If you're a fan of Arrested Development, have a frozen banana on a stick on Balboa Island. The Wedge breaks on south swells, usually only happening from mid summer through September. Your return ride from The Wedge could be along the bay side of the peninsula. Navigation is not as obvious, but that's why we have gmaps.
The Crab Cooker is an institution, and they know it - in a good way. When Nixon was president, his staff attempted to arrange a meal, which would have meant shutting the place to others. According to the owner, when he refused, the response was 'You don't understand. This is THE President'. The owner replied. 'No, you don't understand. This is THE Crab Cooker'.
posted by Homer42 at 2:35 AM on March 23, 2015
The Crab Cooker is an institution, and they know it - in a good way. When Nixon was president, his staff attempted to arrange a meal, which would have meant shutting the place to others. According to the owner, when he refused, the response was 'You don't understand. This is THE President'. The owner replied. 'No, you don't understand. This is THE Crab Cooker'.
posted by Homer42 at 2:35 AM on March 23, 2015
Response by poster: It was such a nice day that I just walked along the beach down to the Wedge - good suggestion, some boogie-boarders were out - and then back to Newport Beach pier. Crab Cooker was packed so I went to the pier, and watched the sunset and a bunch of people fishing off the end.
posted by carter at 9:19 PM on March 24, 2015
posted by carter at 9:19 PM on March 24, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:01 PM on March 22, 2015 [1 favorite]