The best Newport Beach activities and attractions are often found in the water. Enjoy year-round water sports such as surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and body surfing, thanks to the area’s beautiful Mediterranean-like climate.
Newport Beach also boasts an active community of walkers, runners, cyclists, and Segway riders. With extensive boardwalks, bike routes, and trails, there are plenty of paths for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Sports & Recreation in Newport Beach
Surfing
Newport Beach is renowned as one of the world’s surfing capitals. Among its many beaches, The Wedge stands out for its powerful and awe-inspiring waves. Surfers flock to the coast of Newport Beach early in the morning, spending their days studying the swells to catch the perfect sets.
Sportfishing
Newport Beach is an angler’s paradise, offering fantastic sportfishing opportunities both from land and sea. Deep-sea fishermen can reel in Yellowtail, Sculpin, Sea Bass, Perch, and Rockfish from boats launching out of Davey’s Locker.
Golfing
For those who prefer land-based recreation, Newport Beach offers excellent golfing options. The Resort at Pelican Hill, ranked as the “No. 1 Golf Resort in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, features 36 holes of championship golf with stunning oceanfront views.
Whether you’re hitting the waves, casting a line, or teeing off, Newport Beach offers a variety of recreational activities to enjoy.
The Wedge Newport Beach
The Wedge in Newport Beach is renowned for its powerful and awe-inspiring surf. Known for its shore-breaking waves, The Wedge is more of a place to admire than to engage directly. This spot, boasting the biggest swell in Southern California, is a must-see when visiting Newport Beach.
The Wedge Surfing
The Wedge is famous for its potential 30-foot waves, making it a hotspot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing rather than traditional surfing. The massive waves attract some of the most skilled bodysurfers in Newport Beach. However, the strong backwash can create new waves that crash into oncoming surfers and bodysurfers, adding to the challenge.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture videos of the impressive sets. To check the surf conditions before heading to the end of the peninsula, you can use the Wedge cam to see if the big waves are rolling in. The best times of year for higher surf at The Wedge are during the summer and fall seasons.
From May 1 to October 31, a Blackball flag is raised, prohibiting the use of any type of board at The Wedge between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. During these hours, only bodysurfing is allowed.
Sightseeing at The Wedge
If the surf isn’t up during your visit, you can still enjoy the stunning oceanfront homes right on the sand or sit at the jetty and watch boats come in and out of the harbor. The Wedge is also a popular spot for locals to catch the sunset and watch the beautiful orange orb melt into the Pacific Ocean.
Explore The Wedge Newport Beach, where you can experience some of the most impressive waves and breathtaking views in Southern California.
Newport Beach Beaches & Parks
Newport Beach boasts pristine California beaches with 10 miles of coastline perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, consistently ranking among the best in the state. Millions of visitors flock to Newport Beach annually to enjoy its sand, pier, ocean, and boardwalk. One of the most famous spots for witnessing monstrous surf is The Wedge at 2172 E. Ocean Front. Thirteen Newport Beach beaches have received a 5-star rating from the Natural Resources Defense Council, with Newport Municipal Beach earning top honors.
Find a Newport Beach with Recreational Fun
- Evening Beach Activities: Enjoy a warm fire and dig your toes into the cool sand, an ideal way to spend time with family or friends as the sun sets. Fire rings are located at Corona del Mar State Beach, near the Balboa Pier.
- Upper Newport Bay Beach: One of the premier recreational beaches in Newport, it features the 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop Trail, perfect for hiking and biking. The Back Bay Science Center offers a hands-on learning experience about the estuary’s marine and wildlife species.
Newport Beach also has numerous parks equipped with play equipment, baseball/softball diamonds, and basketball courts for all ages to enjoy. Explore the diverse recreational opportunities that Newport Beach’s beaches and parks have to offer.
