Quick and fun way to get to Balboa! My 2.5 year old loved riding the “car boat.” We walked on with a big stroller and the Captains helped us get onto the boat- super friendly guys! Very affordable ($2 total for myself and 2 little kids.) Two ferries are always running so we had no wait on either end of our trip. Cash only, pay on the boat. A fun & affordable way to experience the bay.

The best most fun thing on the Peninsula!!! I love how rain or shine. The ferry always runs you know during Covid. They never shut down. It was almost surreal, riding the ferry with no passengers or no boats on the ocean. It’s a Newport Beach tradition and very cool so ride the ferry people.!!!

Our ferry ride was incredibly smooth and efficient from start to finish. Boarding was quick and well-organized, and the staff were friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. The ride itself was fast and steady no bumps, no delays, just a relaxing trip with great views along the way. The seating was clean and comfortable, and everything ran right on schedule. It was such a pleasant experience overall. Whether you’re commuting or just sightseeing, this ferry makes traveling easy and enjoyable. I’ll definitely be choosing this route again!

I had such an amazing time along with unwinding and taking it all in after being away from home. It’s certainly not my first time but absolutely enjoy it and it’s my favorite every time I’m home. If you love the ocean as much as I do, this is it!

I LOVEEEE BALBOA ISLAND FERRY, it's incredible cheap!! My trip was only 7 dollars compared to 40 bucks a normal ferry would charge. It's honestly SOOOOO amazing, it reminds me of a punt ferry, so amazing, absolutely recommend!!

$2 each way. Cash only. Two ferries constantly run on most days. The best deal in these parts. Very efficiently run.

This is an excellent way to cut your commute time from Balboa Island to Newport Coast without having to go all the way around. The ferry is inexpensive and very short and a must do addition to your visit to Newport. Been operating for many decades and is a quick entertaining attraction for anyone visiting Newport and Balboa Island.

Great experience very clean. It gets busy and sometimes it’s kinda hard to find parking spots but eventually you’ll find one different restaurants, walkways, friendly neighborhoods. Like I said, it’s a good experience, especially for families you can rent bikes and more.

Balboa Island – A Hidden Gem in Newport Beach! Balboa Island is an absolute treasure! From the charming waterfront homes and cozy shops to the peaceful boardwalk strolls with stunning harbor views, everything feels like a postcard. The ferry ride adds a nostalgic touch, and don’t miss the famous Balboa Bar—delicious and iconic! It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day with family or friends. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Orange County!

Balboa Island is a charming and picturesque island located in Newport Beach, California. It's known for its beautiful waterfront homes, quaint shops, and friendly atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy strolling along the boardwalk, indulging in local restaurants, and taking part in various water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The island has a cozy, small-town vibe and is famous for its historic carousel and delightful frozen banana treats. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or explore the local culture, Balboa Island has something fun for everyone!

A Memorable First Visit to Balboa Island Over Memorial Day Weekend My first experience at Balboa Island was nothing short of amazing. It was truly an honor to be there during Memorial Day weekend — a time when the community was alive with celebration, reflection, and appreciation. This charming private community in Newport Beach has a special kind of magic that makes you want to come back again and again. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the peaceful, coastal atmosphere and warm, friendly people. The island feels like a hidden gem, filled with beautiful homes, clean streets, and stunning views all around. You get the sense that Balboa is more than just a location — it’s a lifestyle. While exploring the area, I had the pleasure of supporting a local small business — OC GS Down With Citrus, founded by Garrett Drew. I grabbed a fresh, delicious lemonade that was perfect for the warm holiday weekend. It’s always inspiring to see young entrepreneurs bringing great energy and quality products to the community. One of the highlights of the trip was riding the Balboa Island Ferry. It gave us a scenic route across the water where we got an up-close look at luxurious yachts and boats. It felt like the whole island was celebrating that extra Monday off, and the waterfront views were nothing short of breathtaking. The vibe on the island was elevated by the cars that lined the streets — I saw everything from Bentleys, Maybachs, and G-Wagons to a sleek Ferrari. The mix of coastal charm and luxury made for a truly unique atmosphere. Balboa Island is a place I’d absolutely recommend visiting, especially during a holiday weekend when the community spirit is high. Whether you’re taking in the views, enjoying the local food and drinks, or simply soaking up the ambiance, there’s something here for everyone. I’m definitely looking forward to returning in the near future.

Had a great time, I loved the island, and the auto ferry was so cool and only paid 5 dollars for two with vehicle. Just loved the place. I will go back again.

Omg. It’s beautiful island and beach around the island. First time we been here. Will be back again. Love it !

Fun to take the car ferry to the island for some shopping. Nice clothing shops, & some nicer souvenir type shops and also had coffee at a cute street shop. We went in October and finding parking was somewhat hard. I would hate to try & find parking during the summer vacation months.

Condensed high-end fashion. A lot of high-end stores like Apple Store, Macy’s, Nordstrom‘s Lululemon, etc., and many small boutique stores I’ve never heard of. Restaurants and fast food for different price levels. Like five guys Chick-fil-A, panda express, etc.. Was there on a Saturday afternoon. Found parking but It took a little time. A nice food court area and some nice restaurants spread around shopping area. Check the Google site to see the list of great restaurants.

Nice views, some cool architecture, and the koi pond is very pretty and peaceful. Good place for people watching and strolling. I mostly get in some good walking/move goals - more so than actually buying anything.

Fashion Island is a lovely outdoor shopping destination! The stunning fountain displays are a real highlight, creating a beautiful and relaxing centerpiece. Adding to the charm are the adorable koi fish swimming in the surrounding ponds – they're delightful to watch. Plus, with its wide selection of great brand shops, it offers a truly enjoyable and stylish shopping experience

Not only a normal mall 🥹 first time seeing the architecture like this. Visited outdoor mall before Irvine spectrum but I think this place is 💯💯💯 love walking and sitting around here. Other people in the store also nice and helpful too. It's close to the beach if anyone want to combine short trip here

Such a nice mall! Great to hang out with friends and family. They have a cute little Koi pond to hang out around. I saw a lot of kids enjoying their time watching the fishes swim.

Fashion Island Mall has many of the big names in fashion along with two large department stores. Aside from a very pretty koi pond, the place doesn't have any character. The worst part is that the ladies' facilities have only 2 stalls. There was a line of 15 women waiting. For a mall that presents itself as upscale, it really didn't make me feel like coming back or to recommend it to visitors.

Fashion Island is a premier open-air shopping destination in the heart of Newport Beach, blending coastal California charm with a luxury retail experience. The center features a well-curated mix of high-end brands like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s, along with designer boutiques, lifestyle stores, and popular fashion retailers. Beautifully landscaped with ocean views in select spots, the atmosphere is relaxed, walkable, and distinctly upscale. Dining options range from casual cafés to elevated restaurants like R+D Kitchen and Canaletto, making it easy to spend an entire day shopping, dining, and enjoying the coastal breeze. With its mix of fashion, food, and scenery, Fashion Island is more than a shopping center—it’s a refined destination for locals and visitors alike.

One of my favorite place. Newport Beach Pier is beautiful no matter when you go, early mornings are peaceful, afternoons are sunny and lively, and sunsets are always unique. If you look closely, no two evenings are ever the same! Parking can be a bit pricey, but you can usually find a spot unless it’s a holiday. The beach itself is clean, with soft sand and gentle waves, making it great for families. A must-visit if you’re in the area!

Balboa Beach Pier – ★★★★☆ Came on a Saturday around 1pm—perfect timing. Plenty of parking available, either through the app or at meters. The pier and beach were clean, and the restrooms were well-maintained. Nice cool breeze made it a great beach day. Tips: • Bring towels and an umbrella for shade • Arrive early afternoon for best parking • Sunscreen and flip-flops recommended! Balboa Pier – Easy to park, hard to leave. 🌴🌊

Balboa Pier in Newport Beach stands as one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks. Built in 1906, it offers both historic charm and modern-day leisure, making it a destination that appeals to families, couples, and solo visitors alike. The pier extends gracefully into the Pacific Ocean, providing panoramic views of the coastline and the endless horizon. Its atmosphere balances relaxation and energy—fishermen casting lines, surfers riding waves, and visitors strolling or simply taking in the ocean breeze. At the end of the pier sits the classic Ruby’s Diner, a retro-style restaurant that enhances the nostalgic experience with its vintage décor and all-American menu. The sunsets here are particularly unforgettable, as the sky transforms into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, mirrored beautifully on the water’s surface. Surrounding the pier, Balboa Village and the Fun Zone add further charm with arcades, ferry rides, and local shops, creating a lively community feel. Despite its popularity, the pier maintains a sense of calm and openness that makes it distinct from more crowded Southern California spots. Parking and accessibility are convenient, though summer weekends can bring larger crowds. Overall, Balboa Pier is a quintessential coastal experience, blending history, natural beauty, and recreational charm in a way that captures the timeless spirit of Newport Beach.

A must visit place The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore creates a soothing symphony 🎶. A gentle breeze whispers through the air, carrying the scent of salt and sea 🌊. The pier stretches out like a welcoming arm, inviting a leisurely stroll.🚶‍♀️ This tranquil setting offers a much-needed escape from the everyday hustle. 😌 It is a perfect place to simply breathe and be present in the moment. Parking is free after 6 pm. #Beach #Ocean #Tranquility #Peace #Nature #Escape #Relaxation

My wife and I made a trip out to Newport Beach from Colorado for our anniversary and we couldn't be more happy with our decision to do so. Everything from the food to the whale watching and the walk down the pier was so amazing. We stopped off to watch the waves crashing up on the beach and all the people enjoying the holiday weekend.

Wonderful beach, nice parking close to the sand and water. Close to the streets with coffee shops and gifts. Water was really warm in the end of august.

It’s such a pretty, quiet area! Love coming to this pier and enjoying the scenery and the walk, it’s less busy than other piers, which is nice.

This was where I got my first taste for big surf as a kid. The Wedge has some unbelievable power- far beyond anything else in Southern California. Every wave barrels and when the sand and swell direction are just right- there is some makeable ones.

If you haven’t been to the wedge, put it on your bucket list during a big Swell. It’s a lot of fun to watch the surfers catch amazing waves.

Best spectator spot for big wave surfing. The waves jack up due to the presence of the jetty and wave refraction, launching bodyboarders and surfers into the air, like a cannon. One swell can 'bounce' off the jetty and merge with the larger swell, creating a larger, thrilling double wave. The result is a hollow, thumping closeout that breaks in as little as 6 inches deep and sends water flying. A strong backwash pulls swimmers in and it's hard to get out. Reserved for the experts. On bigger days, lifeguards will warn the spectators if they get too close. Images depict 4-6 foot swells.

One of the TOP Bodysurfing spots in the world. Unfortunately The Wedge was flat when we visited in April-2017. But the place is very beautiful. The way there even by car is fantastic. Extremely beautiful neighborhood. Nice houses, eyes for detail -> The people there are to be congratulated. Worth the ride. (Look for Newport Beach. The Wedge as I understand is the specific spot besides the river - that beach) Nice place!

Haven’t seen it in four decades and The Wedge is still just as crazy beautiful! Don’t go in the water unless you’re a good swimmer!!

When it's on, look out! Great surf videos from this famous location

If you want to see some big waves and some awesome surfers check out the wedge!

It's a fun place to spend the afternoon with your family. Harbor cruise is a really good way to see Christmas lights. The food is OK priced and the rides are $6 a person per ride. There is a very strong fish/sulfur smell in between the boats docks and the fun zone. You can avoid buy walking out to the street if you get sick from bad smells. Also it gets very busy so make sure to get there extra early if you want to find parking or even better take a lift.

We had about 45 min to kill so we stopped here to take the grandkids on the ferris wheel whic ended up being kind of spendy. I think it was 6$ per person for about a 5 minute ride. It’s kind of fun. It’s right along the water by the ferry. The girls liked the trampoline more than the Ferris wheel but I think it was 8$. They had to weigh at least 30 pounds and they got to jump for maybe 5 minutes.

This place holds a special significance for me, as I've been coming here since childhood. Now, it's a joy to share these cherished memories with others by bringing them here and capturing their own experiences through my photography.

Really good experience for younger kids. They had a blast on the Ferris wheel, arcade and jumper.

I recommend bringing your kids here and letting them have fun, I see some other reviews of people saying this is “rundown” but i disagree this is a historic place and should be talked about / taught to kids that way, kids don’t see things that way and judge unless we put those views on them, let them enjoy the history and make memories here. We loved exploring the little shops and going on the Ferris wheel & playing some games we also rented a Duffy boat and watched the sunset on the Duffy, we saw dolphins & sea lions and beautiful views at sunset 🌅 Also love the ferry it’s so iconic and I mean where else can you take a 5 minute fun ferry ride

Fun time with your family. Weekdays are less busy. Lots of different shops to see and buy from or just walk by. Pay to park.

Okay place for family day out, not so much things to do though just couple of rides and arcade. Also Parking in the garage was 25 dollars for the whole day or 6 bucks an hour, and for the restaurants in the area Prices are kinda high but We all know family entertainment can be expensive. They do have Ferris wheel 🎡 I guess it's about $5 a person for the ride. Also they have a place to rent bikes, harbor cruises, whale watching. Overall it's fun place to go with family and friends specially when you have kids

beach is very beautiful. has space available for beach volleyball. has a good amount of bathrooms stalls but they dont have anything to dry your hands with, like air dryer or paper towels

The only OC beach I know that has street parking without paying. Beautiful beach that the water is clean with some seaweed. Overall the sunset is nice and a place to go for a swim. Pay parking is available but I prefer street parking if available on the weekdays.

One of my favorite beaches that I’ve visited! Had a huge amount of parking, lots of beach’s space and the waves were awesome, definitely bigger than expected but still had a lot of people bogey boarding and swimming and restrooms on hand! Highly recommend this for a good beach visit if your in the area

Such a beautiful beach! Close parking was a great plus. The variety It has to offer. Is that it's right by the Newport Harbor, giant rocks to climb on, bathroom accessibility and such a clean Beach! It's also a very cool hangout for youth because it's somewhat secluded in its area.

One of the best and beautiful parts of Southern California. Corona del Mar is a beautiful and distinguished area. Wonderful estates and pristine beaches. A great family spot.

Came on a weekend afternoon and was surprised to find plenty of parking — big plus! Maybe it’s just the off-season. The sunset was beautiful, but the beach feels more like a spot for family or friends to hang out than a quiet place to enjoy the ocean view.

It has a beautiful ocean view and much to do at the beach. The sand is clean, and there are many fire pits for people if you want to grill. Public toilets are available. There's one place to order food, but they close early by 5 pm. Paid parking is $21.00 for three hours on a Saturday.

This is a small garden area that has a library, small store and even a restaurant looking out at the garden. There’s blooming flowers full of color, green houses, koi fish pond, and welcoming staff. It was fun walking around and checking out all the trees, flowers and fish and turtles. They even have a small scavenger hunt that kids can participate in which was really fun as we walked around. The store was cute but the library was closed. There was a small patio that you can just sit and enjoy the area and the bathroom are next to the store. The restaurant seemed busy during the week around 1:00 pm. Think it would be nice to return to visit the restaurant to sit out in the patio area enjoying our meal.

Love this beautiful botanical garden and library! Each time the magical environment transfers me to heaven and back. Exotic plants and flowers, beautiful gift shop that you can always find a unique souvenir and Dahlia 608 restaurant at the garden is a must to experience. Go there! You won’t be disappointed.

This place is absolutely stunning and breathtaking. The atmosphere is so lively and fun! The gift shop has a great selection of items. Make sure to take some time to visit this incredible garden! 🪏🪴

Lovely gardens! The best gift shop too! I’ll stop here for gifts in the future. Well curated. Nice variety. I don’t love succulents but their succulent garden is just gorgeous. Quirky, vintage, unique library featuring local city books and archives.

A great afternoon escape in Newport Beach. Perfect size to appreciate natural beauty of the gardens without having to do miles of walking.

I've loved visiting here many times in the past and would normally give the Gardens between 4 and a half and 5 stars. But on our most recent visit a few days ago. the Gardens looked to have somewhere between 25 and 30 percent of their space closed or removed. The gift shop (where I've bought Christmas presents) became a gift "table", several restrooms were closed (and apparently the restaurant space is closed too?) and a few benches where we loved to sit are now gone. I know there's a SUBSTANTIAL renovation project either in progress or about to happen. I just wish the greeters would have been a bit more transparent or honest about what we were going to see. I for one would rather return when the whole space has been restored to glory.

Honestly one of the best $5 I have ever spent. This beautiful garden offers so much and every corner is breathtakingly gorgeous. There are so many different types of plants and decorations, everything is so colorful and aesthetic. Especially during Christmas time the decorations are incredible. This place is perfect for a date, you can take so many beautiful pictures.

It is a nice beach with nice sand. There is a bathroom (with flush toilets) at the start of the pier. The lifeguards drove by several times in a truck. The water was cold, 68 degrees, but it was still swimmable. There is also a shower to wash off.

Such an amazing beach to go to. The boardwalk is very long and has a little bit of everything for every type of person! Great vendors, fresh markets, makers market, shops, food! Kid and dog friendly too. Highly recommend

Beautiful, clean beach. The staff at all the stores I visited were polite and pleasant. The cupcakes at Sprinkles were delicious. The auto ferry to the island was fun. I definitely recommend it for the kiddos. Perfect weather. Pricey parking, but the streets are clean and the infrastructure in general is well maintained, so it's worth it.. I look forward to my next visit

Newport Beach offers a quintessential Southern California beach experience, though a few practical considerations are worth noting for visitors. Without a doubt, the beach at Newport is a major draw. The sand is consistently clean and well-maintained, inviting long strolls, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The ocean water is generally clear and enjoyable for swimming or surfing. A significant hurdle for many visitors is parking. It can be incredibly difficult to find a spot, especially on weekends or during peak season. Even with early arrival, prepare for a hunt and potentially a bit of a walk to the sand. For those really struggling, exploring options like parking at nearby establishments like Starbucks or other restaurants (with a purchase, of course) might be a last resort on exceptionally busy days, though this is not a guaranteed solution and depends on the specific establishment's policies. The proximity of the (near the 32nd Street pole) is a huge plus. It's incredibly convenient for grabbing snacks, drinks, or any forgotten beach essentials. Beyond the supermarket, the area boasts a good selection of restaurants and, of course, Starbucks, offering plenty of food and beverage options throughout the day. One notable positive is the visible and effective security presence, which contributes to a feeling of safety and well-being while enjoying the beach. However, a significant area for improvement lies with the public restrooms. They are consistently not clean, which can be an unpleasant experience for beachgoers. It's advisable to plan accordingly or be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions when needing to use the facilities. Newport Beach remains a beautiful and enjoyable destination with its pristine sands and convenient access to food and drink. While the parking situation and cleanliness of the restrooms are definite drawbacks, the strong security presence and overall beach experience still make it a worthwhile visit for those willing to navigate these challenges.

The thing I like the most about the beach is no spot Is really a bad spot when you are there to relax. We parked away from the busy pier, and were still able to enjoy a calming beach experience. I go to the beach to take naps

I wish I could have more time to enjoy it… seems very fun, a lot of local shops and the beach is beautiful 🤩 I will be back soon

Very clean. There was a major volleyball event happening, so might have been a little biased, but it was a very nice, family friendly atmosphere.

It's a fun place to spend the afternoon with your family. Harbor cruise is a really good way to see Christmas lights. The food is OK priced and the rides are $6 a person per ride. There is a very strong fish/sulfur smell in between the boats docks and the fun zone. You can avoid buy walking out to the street if you get sick from bad smells. Also it gets very busy so make sure to get there extra early if you want to find parking or even better take a lift.

We had about 45 min to kill so we stopped here to take the grandkids on the ferris wheel whic ended up being kind of spendy. I think it was 6$ per person for about a 5 minute ride. It’s kind of fun. It’s right along the water by the ferry. The girls liked the trampoline more than the Ferris wheel but I think it was 8$. They had to weigh at least 30 pounds and they got to jump for maybe 5 minutes.

This place holds a special significance for me, as I've been coming here since childhood. Now, it's a joy to share these cherished memories with others by bringing them here and capturing their own experiences through my photography.

Really good experience for younger kids. They had a blast on the Ferris wheel, arcade and jumper.

I recommend bringing your kids here and letting them have fun, I see some other reviews of people saying this is “rundown” but i disagree this is a historic place and should be talked about / taught to kids that way, kids don’t see things that way and judge unless we put those views on them, let them enjoy the history and make memories here. We loved exploring the little shops and going on the Ferris wheel & playing some games we also rented a Duffy boat and watched the sunset on the Duffy, we saw dolphins & sea lions and beautiful views at sunset 🌅 Also love the ferry it’s so iconic and I mean where else can you take a 5 minute fun ferry ride

Fun time with your family. Weekdays are less busy. Lots of different shops to see and buy from or just walk by. Pay to park.

Okay place for family day out, not so much things to do though just couple of rides and arcade. Also Parking in the garage was 25 dollars for the whole day or 6 bucks an hour, and for the restaurants in the area Prices are kinda high but We all know family entertainment can be expensive. They do have Ferris wheel 🎡 I guess it's about $5 a person for the ride. Also they have a place to rent bikes, harbor cruises, whale watching. Overall it's fun place to go with family and friends specially when you have kids

If you have the time, take the trip. The views are stunning. The dogs can walk down the trails and hunt for lizards. Once you get to the beach, you'll need to hike back up the hill. The trail is something that a wheelchair could handle.

I love inspiration point! There is always street parking available and it’s a gorgeous view. I recommend going to the Corona Del Mar farmers market on Saturday, pick yourself up a little treat and enjoy the view. The farmers market is about 2 blocks from inspiration point!

Had some time to kill and wanted to drive around since the weather was so nice! Stopped here and then continued up to “the viewpoint” on the Newport Coast road. This is an easy 1hr round trip to kill some time and see the most beautiful views of the ocean I have seen yet. Absolutely stunning and the homes are nuts!!! After the viewpoint I went to “Top of the World” in Laguna beach and drove back to the airport via the canyons. Even during rush hour this was an easy trip to make and was a highlight of my trip!

One of the best places to enjoy the southern California sunset and the boats into or out of Newport. Plenty of street parkings with walk ways going down to the beach.

Totally proposed here and she said yes! It’s a great view, especially at night. I would recommend bring a romantic partner here.

It's absolutely beautiful! There were a lot of people. At the entrance there was more seaweed than I preferred to touched so I shyed away from getting in the water. However, when I took the walk to the otherside that stopped me with a wall... there was much less stuff in the water. I stepped on a carpenter bee and a nice gentleman caught out help from a life guard. He also helped me get the stinger out of my toe after I used my fingers to pull the bee off of my foot. The lifeguard was as helpful as he could be. I appreciate the kindness from them both.

Every time I find myself in the enchanting Newport Beach area, I make it a point to visit and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. Although today was blanketed in a soft, mysterious fog, the charm of the shoreline remained captivating. The muted colors of the ocean and the gentle sound of the waves created a serene atmosphere that made my visit truly enjoyable.

This place keeps getting worse every year. To start, in the last five years they have closed ALL water side trails to hikers. This was the best part about coming here. 90% of the interesting native plants and animals are down in the tidal zone. Closing all single track hiking trails only makes the other hot and dusty road trails that much more crowded. When I am hiking I want to see no cars, bikes, or other people, just nature. Closing the water side trails makes this place a joke. On top of this they cemented the once nice crushed granite parking lot and made the spaces tiny. This is why locals now park on the street, they don't want dented cars! Just too many people at this place now. They should just close this whole park down and fence it off for just the wildlife if they are not going to let people hike down at the waters edge. All you are going to see on the dusty dirt roads are cars, bikers, and hikers surrounded by dry brown fields. I posted some pictures of the lower waterside trails to show you what you are now missing!

Amazing place to take a walk anytime if the day and even more beautiful during sunset! I wish it hadn't taken me 25 yrs to finally decide to explore the area. I was always deterred by the smell that sometimes accompanies the tide changes. Haven't noticed it at all now that I frequently ride my bike down the trails that go around the back bay.

This was a nice walk/hike. There are several trails to choose from so you can make your own trail. The weather was great and you get a nice breeze in this area. Would definitely come back.

If you’re looking for an easy to moderate walk, I highly recommend checking out the Nature Preserve. There are several trail options to choose from, including paved paths that are perfect for a scenic run. I’ve been coming here for years and love the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also a free parking lot available, but it tends to fill up quickly on weekends—so plan accordingly!

Open preserve on Santa Ana River that opens to the ocean. Nice trails - dirt and paved, with great lookouts.

There are two nature centers and a rest area with faded panels about wildlife. Plenty of walk out platforms. Two lane road and a bit of slanted gravel lakeside. Only thing is it isn’t a total loop. Had to cross via pch south side and jamboree north side with some diverted in residential streets.

First time here and I was blown away by the wide open views and variety of trail options. I wasn’t expecting such a peaceful escape in the middle of the city. You’ll see everyone here—from first-time visitors and families with strollers to runners, joggers, and even pet parents. It’s definitely a spot for all kinds of outdoor lovers.

This nice little spot was pretty quiet the weekday morning we were there, which also meant we easily found a spot parking along the street at the top of the hill. The beach got pretty busy by lunchtime. Bring water shoes; the tide pools are fun but the rocks hurt my bare feet. I also scraped up my feet playing around in the waves because of the rocks. They make such a beautiful sound when the water moves them in and out with the tide, but -- ouch.

Our favorite beach in Orange County! This beach has it all - nice soft sand, comfortable waves you can swim in, rocks and arches for beautiful pictures, and a nice cliff view to get you inspired. We discovered this place incidentally while on our way to Corona Del Mar. However, we loved it so much that we now go here way more! There’s street parking at the top (which can be difficult to find at times) and then a wide paved walkway to the bottom. It is handicap accessible because of the walkway, but I imagine it will be difficult to go back up due to its steep incline. Overall a must-visit while you are here in Orange County :)

This beach is awesome. The tide pools are so much fun to explore that you could look for hours. The beach itself is clean and has excellent views.

Great place to come and experience the awesomeness of nature! Come and see the rocks and tide pools. Bring the kiddos and let them explore and learn stuff. 😎

Really nice place we had a little incident with sting rays my dad got sting by one 😩

I love this beach! It’s a small cove with calm surfs for boogie boarding and swimming. There are rocks to climb on and tide pools to explore, which are great for helping kids learn about the ocean’s sea life. There is a steep hill but no stairs to climb and everything can be wheeled down to the beach. Bathrooms and showers are available as well. My kids grew up coming here and still love it as adults. It’s not usually as crowded as the picture below portrays-this was Labor Day weekend, 2019.

This is a great little out-of-the-way beach. It's our favorite to visit when in southern California!

Party of 4 - 2025 Halloween Boutique Theme: Midnight Market This is my first ever Roger’s Gardens experience which I definitely enjoyed! We arrived early 8:30a to snatch a good parking before the gang arrives for RG’s first day of Midnight Market opened at 9a. It took about 10 mins until we reached the entrance of Midnight Market tent which was not bad at all. We went around the store at least 3x just to make sure we didn’t miss anything! As far as selections, you will find plenty of unique furnishings and Halloween decors. And yes, it may be bit on the $$$ side for some but one can justify the originality of each and every piece. RG is not your typical William Sonoma, Sur La Table or Home Goods for that matter. Having said that, I’ll make sure to be ready on October 3rd for their Christmas Boutique opening! Note to self: Reserve at least 4 hrs for next visit!

Expensive but awesome nursery, with amazing gift items and truly impressive Halloween and Christmas boutiques. Hard to find ornamental and rose breeds. Fancy gifts and home decor year round. Amazing restaurant location on site (Farmhouse at Rogers gardens, make a reservation if you don't want to wait 1 hour year round)

I enjoy Roger's Gardens. I'm more of a DIY'er and I get so much inspiration, but for those with less of a hands-on approach It's a treasure trove of quality products and beautiful nursery items and plants. The displays and patios and fountains are beautiful, and the store displays are set up in pleasing themed sections. Blues here, beach there, reds just there, rustic and elegant has their place too.

This is one of my favorite places to go, especially at the holidays. If you like wandering in to a place with beautiful gifts, ornaments, plants, and flowers, you will really enjoy this place. You can go online and take a look at their website and it’ll give you a preview of what they have. For anyone who wants to wander and take your time, just be careful and bring a small purse or bag. It’s very easy to hit things and knock things over because they have so much. What makes it unique to something like an Armstrong Gardens or a nursery is that they put the high-end touch on it. You have several rooms of interesting gifts and decor, then rows of beautiful plants and water fountains. They have real Christmas trees you can buy, but their artificial trees are top notch as well. They have small gifts that are affordable, to really expensive gifts and patio furniture. I bought hanging flower arrangements there that have lasted years to Christmas ornaments that I still use. It’s great to go during Halloween when they have several rooms set up with all sorts of great decor. It’s best to go random times during the week when it’s not busy. It has very little parking and is popular so going off hours is your best bet to enjoy versus going on a weekend. Other options are to park across the street behind the gas station and walk over if you do go on the weekend. Just be prepared to be moving around people as it does get packed. The farmhouse restaurant that’s attached to the back is also a great place to go. The best is when you go at Christmas and you’re sitting in open air seating and you can smell the fresh Christmas trees as you eat dinner. This is a place I go to whenever I want to cheer myself up.

One of my favorite nurseries to visit! You can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon here. The midnight market is also a lot of fun to walk through to get you in the halloween spirit 🎃

I will be the first to admit that this place is beautiful. The low stars is to put a caution out in the universe that this place is outrageously overpriced. If that’s your tax bracket go and enjoy, but if you’re more of a Home Goods shopper, this place is an exercise in outraged frustration. Zoom in on the pics to take a look at the prices. Also, enjoy the Christmas magic 😉

I like to come here for the landscaping displays all around this site. Gives myself great ideas for jobs i am working on. The plants and planters seem to be different everytime. Colors and designs are great. Also would like to say. Thank you to Debra who helped us with some of pathos. Great person working there. She gave my customer some great tips with plant ideas. I learned somethings as well. Debra Hope this message finds you. I was wearing purple shirt, and wanted to buy a customers dog. 50% off.

I’ve enjoyed the Fun Zone Boat Company’s harbor tours many times. They’re an easy way to get out on the water and enjoy the bay. Also, the skippers are always knowledgeable and the sea lions out on the buoy are adorable. But today, the company really took care of us. My 90-year old mother wanted to go look at the sea lions, but she doesn’t move very fast, so we were running late. Hank and his people were so kind and accommodating. And then after the cruise, our rental car broke down and had to be towed, and again, Hank and his team were so helpful and so supportive, even though I fear we were really causing him trouble. It’s so nice to find such lovely people in the world. Thank you!

My son and I took the 45-minute sea lion tour last wknd. It was a wonderful experience that started with a friendly face at the ticket booth and continued with a skilled captain that took us on a neat tour! The homes were fun to gawk at and the sea lions were adorable. My 13 yr old had a great time! 45 minutes was perfect, there's a tiny emergency bathroom on the boat, and you can bring your own food/drink. We'll do it again!

Great wonderful tour! Loved the front ticket guy and our tour guide

What a wonderful way to experience the sunset than being on the water. Although this is not the most lavish of vessels to sail on, it has its perks. Small and compact allowing you to get to see some areas of the harbour that would hinder a larger vessel. While out on the seas please don't forget to bring you something to toast away the beautiful sunset as you cruise the open waters. As the sun sets please be mindful and have something to cover up with, as the weather starts to change getting a tad bit cooler. A restroom is provided on this vessel which I can say is very very small. The friendly and funny staff do there very best to give you a memorable experience while on board. Have your camera and or phone ready for some of the most spectacular views as you sail in and out of the harbor.

This was a very good trip. The prices were very reasonable and well worth the trip. You don’t go very far out into the ocean but you do get some good views and we saw a good amount of Seals. Very beautiful views of the sights around as well. The boat fits a lot of people and the tour guide was very cool. Answered all of our questions.

Do this tour every time I get the chance, there are a couple different tours you can pick. Love the one that shows you all the expensive gorgeous homes. Tour guides are always funny. Good way to cruise around the island and see the sights for a reasonable price. It is amazing how big the sea lions are up close!

These guys always do an amazing job. The captains are funny and informative.