The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitetravel CALIFOR Come to Newport Beach Samantha Morgan discovers what Newport Beach in Califor- nia has to offer visitors to the southern coastal city. N ewport Beach in southern California is like the Monaco of the US, with its sizeable boat- filled harbour and 10 miles of pristine coast- line. Balboa Peninsula has two piers - New- port Beach and Balboa. The area also has the Balboa Fun Zone, an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and ocean views. The local beaches include The Wedge and Corona del Mar State, while one tourist attraction is the Orange County Museum of Art, exhibiting modern and contemporary works. This coastal city, divided into ten distinct neighbour- hoods, offers unique experiences for visitors, from surf- ing, yachting and whale watching to dining at some of the best restaurants and exploring the fantastic natural surroundings. Its golden sands are some of the finest in California, and the beaches range from small coves such as Corona Del Mar, surrounded by rocky reefs for spec- tacular diving, to spacious Newport Municipal Beach, a five-mile stretch backed by a boardwalk for strolling, skating and cycling. An array of whale species, including grey whales, most often spotted in winter and spring, and blue whales, who tend to appear in the warmer months, surround Newport Beach’s waters, which is more than the land mass. Visitors can watch from the land or head out by boat for face-to- face sightings, with plenty of operators offering group tours and private excursions. A surfer’s paradise and one of the surfing capitals of the world, the coastal city also attracts pros and beginners seeking to take to the waves. First-timers can enjoy the gentle waves just north of Newport Beach Pier, while more seasoned surfers should try popular spots such as 15th Street and 56th Street. Only experienced surfers should brave The Wedge, the biggest swell in Southern California with the potential for 30ft waves drawing in crowds worldwide. The Dock & Dine initiative allows nautical lifestylers to enjoy incredible menus from enticing restaurants without leaving their boats. Attendees can sail through the har- bour and dock at one of the many waterfront restaurants to consume delicious meals onboard, surrounded by beautiful water views and the cool ocean breeze. Crowned Orange County’s best culinary community, Newport Beach features everything from freshly caught seafood and beach bites to farm-to-table feasts and gour- met dining. Each neighbourhood has a unique culinary identity, from iconic restaurants like Nobu and Roth- schild’s to local favourites and frequent new openings. Take advantage of the opportunity to try a frozen banana at Sugar 'n Spice, serving Newport Beach's favourite sweet treat since 1945. The historic Crystal Cove State Park allows visitors to stay at rustic campsites in an undeveloped woodland setting. El Moro is a 2,200-acre chaparral canyon on its southern edge with 18 miles of adrenaline-inducing hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. Offshore lies a 140-acre underwa- ter park, a great discovery for snorkelers and scuba divers. Upper Newport Bay, one of Southern California's most extensive, pristine coastal wetlands, provides hikers with the 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop Trail.