Top 15 Things To Do In Newport Beach's Corona Del Mar, California

things to do in Corona del Mar
Sheela
Sheela 
Updated
| 6 min read

Corona Del Mar is located in Newport Beach, California. It is a beautiful place that lives up to the moniker “Crown of the Sea”. The stretch of sand is home to several chic shops and vintage cottages. There are also many restaurants that offer delectable cuisines to patrons. There are two main beaches; namely Big Corona Beach and Little Corona Beach. For those who enjoy being active, these beaches provide the best opportunities for jogging and strolling. Regardless of how you intend to spend your day, there are many things to enjoy here. Read below to find out more about the best things to do in Newport Beach’s Corona Del Mar, California.

1. Stand at Lookout Point

Lookout Point 'Little Corona' Newport Harbor
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CharleBernardo used under CC0

Lookout Point is situated in Corona Del Mar. This park offers stunning views of Pirate’s Cove at State Beach and the Balboa Peninsula. Some people book this site for small wedding ceremonies. Enjoy the sight of the waves crashing on the wall. Regardless of the season or the weather, the views obtained from this spot are unmatched.

Lookout Point

Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Lookout Point

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Hike at Buck Gully Trail


Buck Gully Trail is the place where you can unleash your adventurous streak. The trail is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long and is located just outside of Newport Beach. This area is especially great for those who also want to take in scenic views along the way. Arm yourself with a camera if you intend to take on this hike that is suitable for all skill levels. As the trail route has little shade, you will need to ensure you have enough water in hand.

Buck Gully Trail

Address: San Joaquin Hills Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657

Price: Free

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3. Visit John Wayne's Gravesite


If you do not already know, John Wayne, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has his final resting place in Newport Beach. Wayne was a big hit in movies like Red River and Rio Bravo, and in his career, he made more than 170 films. A heavy smoker, he lost his life to stomach cancer in 1979. His gravesite sits in a cemetery that has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This grave can be accessed via the main gate of the cemetery.

John Wayne Gravesite

Address: 3500 Pacific View Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Price: Free

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4. Stroll around Sherman Library & Gardens

rac190615 218 Corona del Mar, Sherman Gardens - Perennial Garden, Nemesia sp, Celosia argentea cv Plumed Cockscomb, Calibrachoa sp, Euphorbia hypericifolia cv, Dianthus barbatus cv Sweet William
Source: Photo by user cultivar413 used under CC BY 2.0

Sherman Library & Gardens is a gorgeous place spanning over 2.2 acres (0.89 hectares) of horticultural land. The well-manicured gardens feature patios as well as a conservatory. The gardens are always filled with seasonal flowers and decorated elegantly with fountains all throughout. There is also a museum that contains a variety of living plants. You can explore and find out more about their species and history. The library specialises in the history of the Pacific Southwest and contains documents that explain various aspects of southern California, Arizona, and so on. There are more than 15,000 volumes in this library.

Sherman Library & Gardens

Address: 2647 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Sherman Library & Gardens

Opening hours: 10:30am - 4pm (daily)

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5. Find this unspoiled spot called Hidden Beach


Hidden Beach in Newport to this day still remains relatively unspoiled. This is because it is not very known or popular to tourists. The beach is very secluded and often difficult to reach. However, it is spectacular, and one will be able to capture great shots of the surroundings. Spend a few hours here playing in the sand and sea while soaking up the sun.

Hidden Beach

Address: 2901-2999 T St, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Visit Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary

Posted by Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary on Thursday, 19 September 2019

Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary was constructed with the prime intention of providing a site where people can sit and remember the lives of those buried there. Enter the park and you will be greeted by open courtyards. The landscaping across the property is stunning, and there are many beautiful fountains all around. From this site, one will also be able to enjoy the commanding views of Corona Del Mar. While you remember friends and families who have passed, it is also worthwhile to take a stroll around the grounds.

Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary

Address: 3500 Pacific View Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Spend time at Corona Del Mar State Beach Park

Corona del Mar SB Nima1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zereshk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Corona Del Mar State Beach Park is situated at the channel entrance of Newport Harbour, within the Corona Del Mar neighbourhood. This public park is operated by the city of Newport Beach. There is a vast open space where people can walk, play, and run around. There is also a huge parking lot that allows people to park their vehicles within the vicinity. The beach adjoining the park is a highly popular spot among swimmers. Framed by cliffs, the entire area offers stunning views of the ocean.

Corona Del Mar State Beach Park

Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Corona Del Mar State Beach Park

Price: Free

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8. Eat lunch and shop at Roger's Gardens

Posted by Roger's Gardens on Friday, 4 October 2019

Roger’s Gardens is a beautiful store that is located in San Joaquin Hills Road, close to the heart of Newport Beach. A wonderful time awaits in this store the minute you walk through the entrance. Here, one can sit down and enjoy some delectable food served at the open-air restaurant. There is also an expansive garden that is home to several species of plants and flowers. There is a nursery as well as shops where one can engage in some retail therapy. This place also hosts workshops and seminars from time to time, and they also have an online store.

Roger's Gardens

Address: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Roger’s Gardens

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

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9. Picnic at Irvine Terrace Park

Posted by Alicia Jacobson on Saturday, 8 June 2019

Irvine Terrace Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. It is tucked away in Corona Del Mar, a neighbourhood that sits along the Pacific Coast Highway. This astoundingly serene park offers stunning views of Newport Harbour as well as the Pacific Ocean. This is a great spot for one to enjoy sunset views as it sets over the water. There are also some amenities for kids like toys, a playground, and climbing walls in the area.

Irvine Terrace Park

Address: 721 Evita Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

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10. Relax at Mind Prossage Spa

Enjoy your week-end with a great massage at Mind Prossage Massage Health Club in Corona del Mar Call us 949-675-5900 for a reservation

Posted by Mind Prossage Thai Massage & spa on Saturday, 26 September 2015

Mind Prossage Spa is the place to visit to enjoy a rejuvenating massage experience in the midst of a busy holiday. This is an upscale massage parlour that offers authentic Thai spa services. Masseurs are professional and hospitable, and prices are reasonable and will prove to be worth every buck. All therapists are certified and have received several years of massage therapy training.

Mind Prossage Spa

Address: 3617 East Coast Hwy b, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Website: Mind Prossage Spa

Opening hours: 10am - 8:30pm (daily)

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11. Hike the trail at Grant Howald Park & Community Youth Centre

Posted by Shae Mc Kenzie on Saturday, 13 April 2019

Grant Howald Park is a recreational site where several activities take place throughout the year. The park is located right next to the Community Youth Centre. There is also a bike trail in the vicinity. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this park, as there are many trails to undertake. There are even some playgrounds where kids can have fun, as well as picnic spots for families.

Grant Howald Park & Community Youth Centre

Address: 3000 5th Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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12. See the 90-year-old Goldenrod Footbridge


Goldenrod Footbridge is a highly prominent structure located in Corona Del Mar. This 90-year-old bridge connects two sides of Goldenrod Avenue. It has a rich history behind it and tells the story of a time when leaders of the city tried to make the neighbourhood a popular destination. There are many homes around the bay area and in Corona Del Mar, so this bridge serves as an easy means of accessing the beach.

Goldenrod Footbridge

Address: 401 Goldenrod Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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13. Savour American food at Summer House

Tonight's dinner special...Warm SPINACH SHRIMP salad. You must come in and try this amazing dish! Soooo yummy

Posted by Summer House on Friday, 27 May 2016

To savour quality American food at Newport Beach, head to Summer House. This restaurant is located on the Pacific Highway, in the heart of Corona Del Mar. Here, diners are presented with a contemporary and interesting menu filled with American-style comfort food. The lunch and dinner menu contains fares like soups, salads, and sandwiches, to name a few. Cocktails made here are handcrafted with love and taste really delicious. A must-try concoction is the berries and bubbles. The ambience of the restaurant is laidback and welcoming.

Summer House

Address: 2744 E Coast Hwy Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Website: Summer House

Opening hours: Sun, Mon - Thurs: 10am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm

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14. Enjoy fresh air at Begonia Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Begonia Park is the perfect place where one can enjoy a fabulous picnic. Located in Corona Del Mar, this spot is one of the few Orange County parks that features stunning views of the ocean. It also boasts one of the largest green areas where children can have fun playing. Plus, there is a playground with swings that kids will surely love.

Begonia Park

Address: Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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15. Have a burger at the Place

Hamburger
Source: Pixabay

The Place is a popular restaurant located in the centre of Corona Del Mar. This is a neighbourhood sports bar and grill and is best known for being the “home of the Flame Burger.” Staff at this establishment are knowledgeable and will go out of their way to help diners make the right selection. Starting from appetizers to desserts, everything here is spectacular.

The Place

Address: 2920 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

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Enjoy Newport Beach

For a rejuvenating experience or to refresh your mind, Newport Beach’s Corona Del Mar is an ideal spot to visit. With so many diverse things to do, you will find yourself in good company, having the best time.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Sheela, a devoted mother to two remarkable young children, takes immense pleasure in family travel experiences. With a well-traveled history spanning numerous countries, her passion lies in the...Read more

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