The mild climate and beautiful beaches draw millions of visitors to Newport Beach each year. With an abundance of water activities to offer, our waters are home to one of the largest pleasure-boat harbors in the world. In addition to our breathtaking landscape, we have world-class shopping, restaurants and hotels for visitors to enjoy. Whether Newport Beach is your destination for a weeklong seaside vacation or a weekend business conference, our city is a wonderful place in which to work and play. From the Mediterranean-style walkways of Fashion Island to the small boutiques found in our many villages, shopping enthusiasts can find everything under the sun. With nearly a dozen “neighborhood centers” featuring an array of family-run businesses, Newport Beach caters to both residents and visitors. Many of the city’s shopping areas offer spectacular waterfront views for a truly unique experience. Leisure Time Activities Newport Beach has a vast number of leisure activities to choose from. In addition to relaxing on our beautiful beaches and strolling around our unique villages, there are several outdoor activities to take part in.

Back Bay Sprawling across approximately 800 acres in Newport Beach is the Back Bay ecological reserve. Upper Newport Bay is one of the few remaining estuaries (where fresh and salt water meet) in Southern California. Home to nearly 200 species of birds, many hikers, bikers, runners and bird watchers enjoy passing their time at this coastal wetland.

Golf Courses Whether you enjoy practicing your swing on a putting green or teeing off with friends for a relaxing round of golf, Newport Beach provides you with many options. The city is known for its exceptional year-round golfing and offers three public and two private golf courses, some of which have ocean views.

Newport Harbor Newport Harbor is touted as one of the finest small boat harbors in the world. Over 9,000 vessels are anchored in its tranquil waters, where recreational and commercial boats of all sizes can be found. Both visitors and locals take advantage of the many boat rental and yacht charter opportunities to enjoy the Harbor’s beauty.

Beaches It comes as no surprise that a major resource in our city is our water— Newport Beach is comprised of 23 square miles of ocean. In fact, Newport Beach leads the county in water quality measures to ensure that beach goers can enjoy our natural resources. From the tide pools at Little Corona to the legendary surf at The Wedge, our beaches are as diverse as the people who visit them.

Water Activities In addition to visiting our beaches, we have numerous water activities to offer. Board the famous Catalina Flyer for a 75-minute, 26-mile trip to the island of Catalina. Or catch a local charter to go whale watching—December through April are the best months to spot these magnificent creatures. Year-round sportfishing is popular in local waters, and if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can charter a boat to Catalina to catch “the big one.” Authentic Italian gondola cruises are also offered on the bay—gondoliers serenade patrons while winding through the canals of Newport.

Parks, Fields, Gymnasiums & Community Centers Newport Beach boasts 47 parks (27 of them public) which are comprised of: 10 community centers, 30 playgrounds, 19 athletic fields, 18 tennis courts, 7 full basketball courts and 8 half-basketball courts. Covering 25 square miles total, there is no shortage of outdoor recreational space when it comes to living in Newport Beach. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes and outdoor activities in which residents of all ages can participate.

Arts and Culture From the richly diverse exhibitions at the Orange County Museum of Art to the in-depth historical displays at the Newport Nautical Museum, Newport Beach provides its community with a unique cultural experience. Located only minutes from the Costa Mesa’s Orange County Performing Arts Center and Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters Festival, Newport Beach is central to exploring the Orange County fine arts scene.

Libraries There are four public libraries serving the residents of Newport Beach. These fine institutions offer everything from book discussions to children’s programs to distinguished speakers.

Newport Beach is approximately 40 square miles, of which 22 square miles is water. Areas officially incorporated into Newport Beach include Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills, and Balboa Peninsula.

Information provided by Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce http://www.newportbeach.com/default.asp