Take a ferry to this island located about 20 miles off the coast of Newport Beach. Ferries leave from multiple harbors along the O.C. coast. Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, etc. Check the website for more details. (A heliport is even available from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina).
We also list Crystal Cove in the Work Out section, but there's just too many opportunities for outdoor fun here to keep it in one category. Diving, snorkeling, hiking, biking, walking trails, miles of sandy beach, and of course open water swimming. An athletic-minded paradise for sure.
One of two large malls in O.C. -- Fashion Island is closer to the water than South Coast Plaza. Bloomingdales, Macy's, Neiman Marcus and all the usual chain stores are here. Fatburger is here too if you want some beef.
It used to be the El Toro U.S. Marine Base, but now it's a huge park with all sorts of activities and fun including a Sunday farmers' market, antiques market, art gallery, free sports equipment (soccer, bocce, frisbee, jump rope), carousel, and the Great Park Balloon.
One of the most notable Franciscan missions in California. Over 200 year old monument that offers tours through its 10 acres of gardens and structures.
Moe B’s Watersports Rentals at Newport Dunes Resort & Marina is a fun place to
See the birds and wildlife of Back Bay from the water. Tours, which are led by trained naturalist guides, leave from Newport Aquatic Center and Newport Sea Base. Participants can choose from a kayak tour, a canoe and BBQ outing, or a pontoon expedition, which includes a trip to the Back Bay Sci
Shops, restaurants, and intersting people watching along Newport Beaches' sand and surf. We entered an address of one store just to give you an idea of where the Boardwalk is, but obviously it stretches quite a bit farther north and south.
Scenic, Tom Fazio-designed course that meanders through the Saddleback Mountains. Weekday greens fees are $110 and Friday through Sunday fees are $150 (both include cart). See the website for more info.
We're not huge fans of dance clubs, but if you're looking for a place to have a couple cocktails and mingle with some OC BP, this place will do. Pool tables and a restaurant also on-site. And, be sure to get a load of the 2,000 gallon shark tank--you can't miss it.
One of OC's two mega-malls with upscale shops and everything else you typically find. No Neiman's here, so if you need something from that store, head to Fashion Island. You will find Nordstrom, Sak's, Macy's and a variety of other places to spend your hard earned cash.
We recommend as a place for a cocktail--though they do serve dinner too. Wednesday evenings for live jazz music is a good choice. If you don't care for the scene or prices, Yard house is on the same block, but it doesn't have the same uniqueness as Sutra.
Okay, this place is cool and unique. Talk about a destination for the athletic-minded, The Camp is a multi-retail/use facility dedicated to an active, healthy lifestyle. We wish there were more of these athletic-focused malls--it would save on gasoline, that's for sure.
One of only two Vans skateparks in the country (other location is in Orlando). Twelve bucks will get you inside this skating utopia. Visiting skaters can experience 20,000 square feet of street course, a combi pool, a pee wee area, mini ramps, a vert ramp, and an outdoor street course.
