Guidebook for Costa Mesa
Shopping
I would recommend this as a good place within walking distance that has it all. You'll find places to eat, shop, bars, a theater, a nightclub, a nice gym with a pool and soon a bowling alley.
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Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas
1870 Harbor BlvdI would recommend this as a good place within walking distance that has it all. You'll find places to eat, shop, bars, a theater, a nightclub, a nice gym with a pool and soon a bowling alley.
The most popular mall....um...in the world. I'm making up the statistic but if you like shopping you can't skip South Coast Plaza.
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Brookstone
3333 Bristol StreetThe most popular mall....um...in the world. I'm making up the statistic but if you like shopping you can't skip South Coast Plaza.
An outdoor mall equipped with coy ponds and a HUGE xmas tree during the holidays. Good place to take your purse dog and people watch. This is where you're likely to spot the "real housewives of OC".
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Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrAn outdoor mall equipped with coy ponds and a HUGE xmas tree during the holidays. Good place to take your purse dog and people watch. This is where you're likely to spot the "real housewives of OC".
Albertsons
7201 Yorktown AveHuge grocery store within walking distance of the apartment.
We don't have Walmarts in Costa Mesa but we do have a Kmart withing walking distance of the apartment.
Kmart
2300 Harbor BlvdWe don't have Walmarts in Costa Mesa but we do have a Kmart withing walking distance of the apartment.
Home of the OC Fair. I look forward to this every summer. OC Swap meet is held here every weekend as well as food tuck night on Tuesdays I think, craft fairs, car shows, irish festivals etc.
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Equestrian Center
905 Arlington DrHome of the OC Fair. I look forward to this every summer. OC Swap meet is held here every weekend as well as food tuck night on Tuesdays I think, craft fairs, car shows, irish festivals etc.
Good place to go shopping, catch a movie and grab some dinner. Live music in the courtyard sometimes.
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Metro Pointe at South Coast
901 S Coast DrGood place to go shopping, catch a movie and grab some dinner. Live music in the courtyard sometimes.
Outdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc. Formerly "The Block in Orange".
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The Outlets at Orange
20 City Blvd WOutdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc. Formerly "The Block in Orange".
Irvine Spectrum Center
Outdoor shopping mall with a theater, dining etc.
The District at Tustin legacy
2437 Park AveOutdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc.
5 Points Plaza
18593 Main StPlaces to shop, eat etc.
Drinks & Nightlife
The most popular dive bar in town equipped with peanut shells on the floor and bathrooms that smell like vomit. You can drink beer by the pitcher, shoot pool, play shuffleboard and laugh at locals.
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Goat Hill Tavern
1830 Newport BlvdThe most popular dive bar in town equipped with peanut shells on the floor and bathrooms that smell like vomit. You can drink beer by the pitcher, shoot pool, play shuffleboard and laugh at locals.
My favorite local pub. Staff is awesome, drinks are strong and the bands get the place hoppin. Cover charge on weekends if you get there late.
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The Harp Inn
130 E 17th StMy favorite local pub. Staff is awesome, drinks are strong and the bands get the place hoppin. Cover charge on weekends if you get there late.
Formerly "The Galaxy"....I've still never been but from what I understand, it's a great venue to catch a show.
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The Observatory
3503 S Harbor BlvdFormerly "The Galaxy"....I've still never been but from what I understand, it's a great venue to catch a show.
Great Pizza and a great dive bar. Locals still call it "The Hole" because it used to be the "Rabbit Hole".
Anchor Bar
2675 Irvine AveGreat Pizza and a great dive bar. Locals still call it "The Hole" because it used to be the "Rabbit Hole".
About as divey as Newport gets. Gets it's name from the popular surf spot "Blackies" that the bar overlooks.
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Blackie's By the Sea
2118 W OceanfrontAbout as divey as Newport gets. Gets it's name from the popular surf spot "Blackies" that the bar overlooks.
The oldest bar in Costa Mesa. It's a dive but it's a bar and it's stumbling distance from the apartment. Cash only but ATM inside.
Tony's Place
2052 Newport BoulevardThe oldest bar in Costa Mesa. It's a dive but it's a bar and it's stumbling distance from the apartment. Cash only but ATM inside.
Food Scene
This is probably my favorite place in all of Orange County to eat. Excellent tacos, salads and more. My favorite is the chicken asada burrito, the hacienda black bean chicken salad or blue moon salad.
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Caliente Southwest Grill
22017 E 17th StThis is probably my favorite place in all of Orange County to eat. Excellent tacos, salads and more. My favorite is the chicken asada burrito, the hacienda black bean chicken salad or blue moon salad.
Like Thai food? Don't go here without me! I love Thai food and this is my favorite. Try the red curry chicken or the spicy basil noodle. And don't forget the pan fried dumplings or cream cheese wonton
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Bangkok Corner
2360 Newport BlvdLike Thai food? Don't go here without me! I love Thai food and this is my favorite. Try the red curry chicken or the spicy basil noodle. And don't forget the pan fried dumplings or cream cheese wonton
One of my favorite lunch spots. California/Asian fusion. Most popular is the combo salad. Go for their lunch specials...pick two of their salads, soups or fried rice dishes. A good, inexpensive meal.
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Ho Sum Bistro
3112 Newport BlvdOne of my favorite lunch spots. California/Asian fusion. Most popular is the combo salad. Go for their lunch specials...pick two of their salads, soups or fried rice dishes. A good, inexpensive meal.
Good lunch specials, cheap breakfast and best fries in town. Make sure you order the beer battered ones!
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Woody's Diner
3461 Via LidoGood lunch specials, cheap breakfast and best fries in town. Make sure you order the beer battered ones!
The closest food to my apartment. Good tacos and quesadillas. They also have breakfast burritos.
Taco Jr
2101 Harbor BoulevardThe closest food to my apartment. Good tacos and quesadillas. They also have breakfast burritos.
One of my favorite pizza places in OC. Unfortunately, they do not deliver to my apartment.
Al's New York Cafe
1673 Irvine AveOne of my favorite pizza places in OC. Unfortunately, they do not deliver to my apartment.
Original Pizza
3100 Irvine AveOne of my favorite pizza places and a good bar downstairs. See Anchor Bar.
Zen Sushi
2900 Newport BoulevardExcellent sushi. A little pricey but happy hour is a steal. Half off rolls and $1 saki!
Sushi Town
2346 Newport BlvdGreat sushi, fun staff and excellent prices. Try the Hot Night Roll!
One of the most popular breakfast joints in OC. Prepare to wait for a table.
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Side Street Cafe
1799 Newport BlvdOne of the most popular breakfast joints in OC. Prepare to wait for a table.
Alta Coffee
506 31st StBest chai tea ever! Good sandwiches etc too.
A dog friendly cafe with good grub and friendly service. Kilo would give it two thumbs up if he had thumbs.
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Sit Stay Cafe
328 11th StA dog friendly cafe with good grub and friendly service. Kilo would give it two thumbs up if he had thumbs.
A local favorite, family dining, Mexican restaurant. If you're lactose intolerant, don't even bother! Everything is served piled with cheese. mmm....cheese.
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Mi Casa
296 E 17th StA local favorite, family dining, Mexican restaurant. If you're lactose intolerant, don't even bother! Everything is served piled with cheese. mmm....cheese.
Another local gem. Been going here since I was a kid. Hole in the wall restaurant with checkered table cloths, memorabilia on the walls, inexpensive but decent Italian food and good pizza.
Doria's Haus of Pizza
1500 Adams AveAnother local gem. Been going here since I was a kid. Hole in the wall restaurant with checkered table cloths, memorabilia on the walls, inexpensive but decent Italian food and good pizza.
Family owned restaurant and yummy Italian food. Small place with limited seating. Prepare to put your name in and have a drink at the pub next door. Try the fried risotto appetizer.
Basilico's Pasta e Vino
21501 Brookhurst StFamily owned restaurant and yummy Italian food. Small place with limited seating. Prepare to put your name in and have a drink at the pub next door. Try the fried risotto appetizer.
Lotus Bistro
325 Old Newport BlvdBest Pho in town. I get the veggie pho with chicken broth and the veggie eggrolls. YUM!
Treat your body right and get a juice from Nektar. My favorites are the Toxin Flush and the Sublime.
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Nekter Juice Bar
474 E 17th StTreat your body right and get a juice from Nektar. My favorites are the Toxin Flush and the Sublime.
Personally, I think it's for yuppies that like expensive, mediocre salads. I don't need to valet my car and wait in line only to spend $20 on lunch. But it's very popular so if that's your thing...
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Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
234 E 17th StPersonally, I think it's for yuppies that like expensive, mediocre salads. I don't need to valet my car and wait in line only to spend $20 on lunch. But it's very popular so if that's your thing...
Wahoo's is great and the original, the very first Wahoo's, is located in Costa Mesa on Placentia but doesn't come up on this map for some reason.
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Wahoo's Fish Taco
1862 Placentia AveWahoo's is great and the original, the very first Wahoo's, is located in Costa Mesa on Placentia but doesn't come up on this map for some reason.
Family owned and been here forever. Great lunch specials. Mounds of food for very little dough. My favorite is the Onion Beef.
Golden Dragon Restaurant
2023 Harbor BlvdFamily owned and been here forever. Great lunch specials. Mounds of food for very little dough. My favorite is the Onion Beef.
One of my favorite places for breakfast. Their pancakes are delicious but I can't resist ordering the BLT and onion rings...yes, even for breakfast.
Pancakes R Us
212 E 17th StOne of my favorite places for breakfast. Their pancakes are delicious but I can't resist ordering the BLT and onion rings...yes, even for breakfast.
This is where I go for Sunday Brunch. Good value, delicious omelets and endless mimosas.
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El Torito
34521 Golden LanternThis is where I go for Sunday Brunch. Good value, delicious omelets and endless mimosas.
Popular french bakery. Great place to grab a coffee and a croissant before hitting the beach in the morning. They also make yummy sandwiches and salads.
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C'est Si Bon Bakery
149 Riverside AvePopular french bakery. Great place to grab a coffee and a croissant before hitting the beach in the morning. They also make yummy sandwiches and salads.
Mags Donuts & Bakery
2947 Harbor BlvdHam n cheese croissants. Nuff said.
This place has some very unique donuts including a bacon donut! Pricey but worth it once in a while for the adventure.
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Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
270 E 17th StThis place has some very unique donuts including a bacon donut! Pricey but worth it once in a while for the adventure.
I prefer to support local coffee shops over Starbucks or the like. This place has friendly service and yummy bagel sandwiches. If it disappoints, Starbucks is on the other corner.
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Shirley's Bagels
270 E 17th StI prefer to support local coffee shops over Starbucks or the like. This place has friendly service and yummy bagel sandwiches. If it disappoints, Starbucks is on the other corner.
El Matador
1768 Newport BlvdFood is ok, amience is pretty good, tequila selection is EXCELLENT!
All you can eat salad bar, soups and bakery items. Love this place. I never go without a coupon though.
Souplantation- Costa Mesa
1555 Adams AveAll you can eat salad bar, soups and bakery items. Love this place. I never go without a coupon though.
A "speak easy" inconspicuously located behind Pitfire Grill. Great ambiance, friendly staff and amazing specialty cocktails. Try the Dementa if you like ginger. A bit pricey at $10/drink but worth it.
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Pie Society Bar
353 E 17th StA "speak easy" inconspicuously located behind Pitfire Grill. Great ambiance, friendly staff and amazing specialty cocktails. Try the Dementa if you like ginger. A bit pricey at $10/drink but worth it.
El Toro Bravo Tortilleria
745 W 19th StFor the most authentic Mexican food in Costa Mesa.
Arts & Culture
Haven't been since I was a kid but if you're visiting OC, you can't skip Disneyland.
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Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrHaven't been since I was a kid but if you're visiting OC, you can't skip Disneyland.
Like theater? Check out a show at South Coast Rep. Located across the street from South Coast Plaza which would be a good place to grab a bite to eat beforehand.
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South Coast Repertory Theater
655 Town Center DrLike theater? Check out a show at South Coast Rep. Located across the street from South Coast Plaza which would be a good place to grab a bite to eat beforehand.
Concert venue within bike riding distance. Lots of inexpensive shows avail during the Orange County Fair.
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The Pacific Amphitheatre
100 Fair DrConcert venue within bike riding distance. Lots of inexpensive shows avail during the Orange County Fair.
Methanol fueled bikes racing an oval track, going from 0-60mph with no brakes. If that's not a good time, I don't know what is. Come for sidecar night or Harley night or go during the fair.
International Speedway Inc
88 Fair DrMethanol fueled bikes racing an oval track, going from 0-60mph with no brakes. If that's not a good time, I don't know what is. Come for sidecar night or Harley night or go during the fair.
An awesome amusement park and Knott's Scary Farm is fun for Halloween too.
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Knots Berry Farm
8039 Beach BlvdAn awesome amusement park and Knott's Scary Farm is fun for Halloween too.
A great venue to watch a show! I've been sneaking in here since I was a teenager. (not so easy to sneak in anymore since they've developed the land around it)
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Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
A great venue to watch a show! I've been sneaking in here since I was a teenager. (not so easy to sneak in anymore since they've developed the land around it)
Santa Ana Zoo i Prentice Park
1801 E Chestnut AveWho doesn't like the zoo?
Everything Else
Like adventure? Like watersports? Go to NAC and rent a kayak or outrigger for the day and tour the Newport Bay. This is where my team launches our boats.
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Newport Aquatic Center
1 Whitecliffs DrLike adventure? Like watersports? Go to NAC and rent a kayak or outrigger for the day and tour the Newport Bay. This is where my team launches our boats.
This is where I take Kilo to unwind after a long day of being tormented by the cat. He loves it.
Bark Park
890 Arlington DrThis is where I take Kilo to unwind after a long day of being tormented by the cat. He loves it.
Kilo likes this beach. It's a long stretch of beach with LOTS of dogs for him to place with.
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Huntington Beach Dog Beach
Kilo likes this beach. It's a long stretch of beach with LOTS of dogs for him to place with.
Main Street HB is a good place to grab a happy hour, take a walk on the pier, have brunch or just sit around a people watch. It's also home to the US Open for surfing every year and pro-volleyball.
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Huntington Beach
Main Street HB is a good place to grab a happy hour, take a walk on the pier, have brunch or just sit around a people watch. It's also home to the US Open for surfing every year and pro-volleyball.
Indoor rock climbing gym. Fun adventure to do with a friend or on a date. Groupons are often available.
Rockreation Sport Climbing Center
1300 Logan AveIndoor rock climbing gym. Fun adventure to do with a friend or on a date. Groupons are often available.
I haven't been yet but I've heard this place is super fun and a good work out. If you like to bounce and feel like a kid again, check it out!
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Sky High Sports
2970 Airway AveI haven't been yet but I've heard this place is super fun and a good work out. If you like to bounce and feel like a kid again, check it out!
Gym located withing walking distance at The Triangle. Equipped with an indoor pool, spin room, basketball and racquetball quarts.
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24 Hour Fitness
555 W 19th StGym located withing walking distance at The Triangle. Equipped with an indoor pool, spin room, basketball and racquetball quarts.
Older and not as nice as the newer 24 Hour Fitness at The Triangle but you don't need an "ultra sport" membership to go here.
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24 Hour Fitness
555 W 19th StOlder and not as nice as the newer 24 Hour Fitness at The Triangle but you don't need an "ultra sport" membership to go here.
Local Junior college within biking riding distance. I've taken lots of classes here over the years.
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Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview RdLocal Junior college within biking riding distance. I've taken lots of classes here over the years.
Vanguard University
55 Fair DrThe apartment is in close proximity to this small, christian university.
This shop is excellent! Great wine selection and inexpensive wine tastings Thurs-Sat. The owners are personal friends of mine. Tell Spreti that Jessika sent you and she'll pick something nice for you.
Anne's Boutique Wines
270 E 17th StThis shop is excellent! Great wine selection and inexpensive wine tastings Thurs-Sat. The owners are personal friends of mine. Tell Spreti that Jessika sent you and she'll pick something nice for you.
This is my outrigger team. IMUA IMUA IMUA!!! We launch out of Newport Aquatic Center. Come join us for a practice sometime. Visit us on the web at www.imuaocc.com
IMUA Outrigger Canoe Club
1 Whitecliffs DrThis is my outrigger team. IMUA IMUA IMUA!!! We launch out of Newport Aquatic Center. Come join us for a practice sometime. Visit us on the web at www.imuaocc.com
Hey foreign exchange students! My apartment is nearby if you can't stand your new hosts and wanna get away. :)
GEOS Languages PLUS
Hey foreign exchange students! My apartment is nearby if you can't stand your new hosts and wanna get away. :)
This is where I work in case you forgot your contacts at home or if getting an eye exam is on your list of things to do while on vacation.
Old Newport Eye
522 Old Newport BlvdThis is where I work in case you forgot your contacts at home or if getting an eye exam is on your list of things to do while on vacation.
In case of emergency...this is the closest hospital. It's also where I was born!
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Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
1 Hoag DrIn case of emergency...this is the closest hospital. It's also where I was born!
The Home Depot
2300 Harbor BlvdAlways nice to have a Home Depot within walking distance.
Do the American thing and go to a baseball game! Go Angels!
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Angel Stadium i Anaheim
2000 E Gene Autry WayDo the American thing and go to a baseball game! Go Angels!
Home to the Anaheim Ducks and also a good place to watch a concert etc.
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Honda Center
2695 E Katella AveHome to the Anaheim Ducks and also a good place to watch a concert etc.
Goes on forever!....well not forever, but it's long. There is a bike trail that runs along the river 30 miles between Newport Beach and Riverside.
Santa Ana River Trail
Santa Ana River TrailGoes on forever!....well not forever, but it's long. There is a bike trail that runs along the river 30 miles between Newport Beach and Riverside.
One of the best views Orange County has to offer. There is some good hiking around here or just drive there and pull over for some stunning pics.
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Verdens Top
West RidgeOne of the best views Orange County has to offer. There is some good hiking around here or just drive there and pull over for some stunning pics.
Sightseeing
Take a stroll on the pier & through the Dory Fleet, go surfin, have Sunday brunch at Sharkees or breakfast at popular local spot Charlie's Chili or wet your whistle at any of the many bars around.
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Newport Beach Pier
1 Newport PierTake a stroll on the pier & through the Dory Fleet, go surfin, have Sunday brunch at Sharkees or breakfast at popular local spot Charlie's Chili or wet your whistle at any of the many bars around.
A historical landmark and a great hike to get to with an incredible view. Hollywood takes about an hour to get to from Costa Mesa.
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Hollywood Wigs
6530 Hollywood BoulevardA historical landmark and a great hike to get to with an incredible view. Hollywood takes about an hour to get to from Costa Mesa.
Popular beach destination in San Diego. Just a 90min drive or less depending on traffic.
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Pacific Beach
Popular beach destination in San Diego. Just a 90min drive or less depending on traffic.
One of our Channel Islands.Great for diving, kayaking, camping and hiking or stay in town for shopping, dining and site seeing. The Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer can take you there in 90min.
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Santa Catalina Island
One of our Channel Islands.Great for diving, kayaking, camping and hiking or stay in town for shopping, dining and site seeing. The Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer can take you there in 90min.
Popular surf spot. Be careful. this is place is known for its large surf and shore breakers. Don't break your neck. But do bring a camera.
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The Wedge
E OceanfrontPopular surf spot. Be careful. this is place is known for its large surf and shore breakers. Don't break your neck. But do bring a camera.
A great local hike with an amazing view, especially on a clear day. Good for beginners through advanced. too many hikes to list here. Download the AllTrails ap for more.
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Crystal Cove State Park
8471 North Coast HighwayA great local hike with an amazing view, especially on a clear day. Good for beginners through advanced. too many hikes to list here. Download the AllTrails ap for more.
Surprised this is listed as being in Corona. This is one of my favorite hikes. It's not too hard, shady in spots and dog and kid friendly. Again, check the AllTrails ap for more local hiking trails.
Holy Jim Trail
Holy Jim TrailSurprised this is listed as being in Corona. This is one of my favorite hikes. It's not too hard, shady in spots and dog and kid friendly. Again, check the AllTrails ap for more local hiking trails.
There are several Duffy boat companies in Newport. I don't have a favorite. Just check Groupon or LivingSocial for deals. You haven't done Newport Beach until you've toured the bay in a duffy.
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Duffy Electric Boat Company Sales and Rentals Newport Beach
2001 West Coast HwyThere are several Duffy boat companies in Newport. I don't have a favorite. Just check Groupon or LivingSocial for deals. You haven't done Newport Beach until you've toured the bay in a duffy.
A nice place to take a walk/run or bicycle ride, get some fresh air and take in the view. Dirt or road depending on the trail you choose.
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Upper Newport Bay Naturbevarelsen
2301 University DrA nice place to take a walk/run or bicycle ride, get some fresh air and take in the view. Dirt or road depending on the trail you choose.
Fun place to surf and camp on the beach and home to one of my favorite events of the year, The Doheny Blues Festival. Takes place in May. Make camping reservations early at wwwreserveamerica.com
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Doheny State Beach
Fun place to surf and camp on the beach and home to one of my favorite events of the year, The Doheny Blues Festival. Takes place in May. Make camping reservations early at wwwreserveamerica.com
Entertainment & Activities
Take the ferry and walk around Balboa Island, grab a frozen banana and take a ride on the ferris wheel. Or grab a slice and play ski ball. Good happy hours, ocean breeze and stunning sunsets.
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Balboa Pavilion & Fun Zone
700 Edgewater PlTake the ferry and walk around Balboa Island, grab a frozen banana and take a ride on the ferris wheel. Or grab a slice and play ski ball. Good happy hours, ocean breeze and stunning sunsets.