Newport Beach
 

I have a couple of days to kill in Newport Beach while my spouse is at a meeting. Ideas?

Whale watching, kayaking, biking, surf lessons, rent a boat.

Shop til you drop at Fashion Island/South Coast Plaza/Laguna Beach
Brunch/lunch on the sand at the Beachcomber restaurant in Crystal Cove State Park
Wander Balboa Island, take the ferry across to the Peninsula, ride the Ferris wheel, play see ball, walk on the pier

play skee ball

Depending on the time of year . . .

In summer the Orange County Fair goes for about a month in nearby Costa Mesa that is actually a lot of fun, and has great "oldies" concerts at night (by "oldies" I mean anyone from Dylan to the B-52s, so it spans a few decades).

Laguna Beach is also close by and worth a day's visit.

And again, in summer, in Laguna, there's the festival of the arts, Pageant of the Masters. Sells out every year.

Visit Corona Del Mar beach. lovely for walking in the sand under the cliffs, or admiring the show of wealth on land and sea.

When?
Will you have a car?

With a car drive down the coast and visit Laguna Beach, Dana Point & San Clemente. Drive to Balboa Island and look around the cute shops and ferry to the Peninsula. Park and look around there and walk the pier.
http://goo.gl/maps/bvKOQ

Drive back on the Newport Peninsula to the little shopping center on the water Lido Island. Although, I haven't been there in awhile and don't know what shops are there.
http://goo.gl/maps/F1ze1

Drive up the coast to Huntington Beach.

Eat lobster at the Crab Cooker!

February 26 - March 1. Car possible.

Whale watching from Dana Point is half-price on one weekday, either Wednesday or Tuesday, I think.

There's this, also: http://www.newportwhales.com/prices.html

BTW, Newport Beach is one of our favorite areas. You will have lots to do, without wandering too far away. As others have said: Laguna Beach, Balboa Island, Huntington Beach, Dana Point. All are very close together. The Ritz at Laguna Niguel is a gorgeous property to visit, also.

If you enjoy plants and flowers, you might like to visit Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar. It's right on PCH and has a very nice little cafe where you can join the "ladies who lunch". Seriously, their gardens are lovely and good for an hour visit.

1. Wander Marine Ave on Balboa Island all the way to S. Bayside Dr. There is a pedestrian walkway all the way around "the big island" (to distinguish it from "the little island" connected by a bridge.) Great views and homes to drool over.

2. Return to Marine Ave for a frozen banana (yes, it is typed correctly) at Sugar and Spice. There is a friendly rivalry between S&S and its competition on the same block, Dad's. Knowlegeable beach types only go to S&S. Dad's is for hodads.

3. Walk to BI ferry and take the ferry over and back from peninsula. Nominal cost. Ferry ride and beauty of the harbor is the main draw; not much on the peninsula side for tourist (other than The Wedge).

4. Best dinner in the area at Basilic on Marine Ave. Very small and reservations are a must.

5. Rent a Duffy Boat (small easy-to-use electric boat) for a closer view of the harbor area and a day (or hour) on the water.