This article is part of the series "Your Guide to the Real O.C."
The Beach
Image: Nataliej
Head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. Laying out over the sand (and a towel) on a warm day is a great way to catch rays, catch up on your reading, or perhaps even catch a date. Beaches in Newport Beach city limits include Newport, Balboa, and Corona Del Mar.
Image: Bright Green Pants
Is the water more your style? Great, because Newport has some amazing surfing and body-boarding ready waves.
Image: Tylerdurden1
Grab a board and head out to the water, it's usually warm enough to go without a wetsuit year round, so take advantage!
Balboa Fun Zone
Image: Miss Shari
This area really was great for kids of all ages. There is a merry-go-round, ferris wheel, and a whole bunch of history (it's been around since 1936). Unfortunately, they have been dismembering the Fun Zone for the past couple of years and nothing else remains besides the two rides. In its place will stand a nautical museum sometime in the future.
The Piers
Image: Ryan Wolter
The picturesque Newport Pier provides not only for lovely photographs, but also has a great little restaurant towards the end of it. It's a romantic little place, and you're best off to be seated just before sunset.
Image: Imagoarticulus
Balboa pier is at the more southern end of the Newport Beach strip. It's a great place for fishing for smaller fish, so be sure to grab your reel and rod before leaving home. If you're lucky, you can even see some starfish at low tide. To finish off a long day, don't forget to stop into Ruby's (on the pier) for a burger and a shake.
Newport Harbor
Image: Marj K
Newport Harbor is touted as one of the finest small boat harbors in the world. Both visitors and locals take advantage of the many boat rental and yacht charter opportunities to enjoy the Harbor’s beauty.
Image: Marj K
Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for boaters, the city of Newport Beach is trying to push out all sea lions from the harbor. However, maybe you can catch one of these cuties on camera, poking their heads out from the water.
OC Museum of Art
Image: Poncho Dehesa
If you're an art and design fanatic like myself, a must is to stop over at the Orange County Museum of Art. They have a rotating collection and tons of exhibits. Check their site for more information.
Fashion Island
Image: Mine Beyaz
Who wouldn't love to spend the day at the mall. Entrapping the essence of every lady's fantasy, Fashion Island is an aesthetically beautiful and fully loaded place to indeed use up the entire day and night on. With anchor stores, like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus and plenty of boutique shops, you're sure to find the right outfit for the occasion. As a special treat, stop into Teusher Chocolates and Cafe to enjoy one of their delicious, gourmet truffles.
Newport Aquatic Center
Image: NicaMom
Before you get ready to leave Newport Beach, be sure you checked off the Newport Aquatic Center on your list. They have classes and rentals for kayaking and rowing. I personally prefer the kayaks, but either way both are great to roam around the water in. Enjoy Newport!
