Newport is Huntington Beach’s more refined older sister. With less coastal parking lots and varied topography, the uncrowded beach front and frequent generation of surf appeal to every level of swimmer, bodysurfer, or boarder. This stretch of beach has a special place in my heart. It is where I sat towers for the city as a lifeguard, and where I met my husband, who still drives the yellow rescue boats every summer.
At its northern point, Newport Beach has wide sandy beaches with great spots for swimming and surfing. Depending on swell direction, this area can also be home to some giant rip currents that can pull even experienced swimmers out to sea pretty quickly. From 56th Street to the Newport Pier, rock jetties were constructed using materials from Catalina and Colorado, in order to prevent erosion. Use caution when swimming near these outcroppings and heed the flags on the towers. Think of them in terms of a stoplight: red = stop, it’s dangerous, yellow = use caution and green = go, it’s safe. Between towers 40 & 44, you will find a swimming area free of hard boards (yellow flag with black circle, known as “blackball”) when surfers abound in other areas.
Just to the north of the Newport Pier is your best bet for small surf and shallow waters, perfect conditions for long boarders and novices. There are plenty of shops along the parking lot that rent equipment and great places to grab drinks or a bite to eat. Try Dory Deli just off the parking lot at the Newport Pier, or a little walk will get you to Sessions West Coast Deli for amazing gourmet sandwich offerings. At the base of the pier, you will find the silver statue dedicated to Ben Carlson, a fellow lifeguard and friend, who died in the line of service.
Heading on from the pier, you can make your way down Balboa Boulevard, or opt to take the boardwalk instead. At 15th Street, you will pass the newly developed Marina Park Community and Sailing Center, a 10 acre nautical playground great for families with young children. The bay is usually a bit warmer and lacking the large surf that can hammer the ocean facing beaches. Here you can rent sailboats and kayaks for some fun on the calmer water. On the beach side, check out the 15th Street Surf Shop for a well curated selection of local wares.
Once you reach the end of the peninsula, you have arrived at the origin of California bodysurfing lore, the Wedge. On a big day, the surf produced here can get well over 20 feet. Due to the long rock entrance channel wall and the slant of the beach at this point of the coast, when the swell hits just right, the surf can have both enormous size and fantastic shape. If you are lacking ocean experience, it’s best to leave it to the experts and just take in the show.
Stay: Lido House, or for a special occasion, Dorymans Oceanfront Inn
Eat: For breakfast, it’s Alta Coffee House. Lunch in Lido Village at Bear Flag or Circle Hook. Dinner at Lido Bottle Works, Zinque for French faire, or Mozza for upscale pasta and house made pizzas. Drinks afterwards at Malarky’s Irish Pub.
MAKE THE TRIPS 
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