Corona del Mar translates to Crown of the Sea in Spanish. It is also a neighborhood in Newport Beach, California. A small and relaxed community, Corona del Mar is known for its beaches, secret coves, parks, vintage shops, and scenic views of landscaped gardens and the open sea.
Visiting Corona del Mar soon or hoping to explore more of it during your trip? Below are some of the top things to do in Corona del Mar!
- Visit the Corona del Mar State Beach or the Big Corona
What’s a trip to Corona del Mar without actually heading to the main attraction? The Corona del Mar State Beach, also known as the Big Corona, welcomes you with stunning views, wide open spaces, and great waves perfect for surfing. Looking to spend more time on shore rather than by the water? This beach features beach volleyball nets.
- Hang out with the sea lions
Set in Inspiration Point on the southside of the main beach, you can find a bluff or a rounded cliff, overlooking the amazing view of the ocean. If you are lucky, you might also catch the sea lions basking under the sun and people-watching. This is also a favorite spot for viewing the sunset while having beach picnics.
- Enjoy the beauty of Pirate Cove in secret
If you prefer a more quiet time by the beach, away from the big crowds, head north from the main beach. Go past the big rock formation and you will find a grassy area. There is a trail and a bit of a hike to the rocky area, but after this is a peaceful cove with calm waters. This spot is also accessible from Lookout Point Park, another great place to enjoy the scenic coastal views of Corona del Mar.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
For a more active time by the beach, you can also try renting a kayak or a paddleboard to explore the many secret coves of Corona del Mar. In contrast to the open waves of the beach, the Newport Harbor helps keep the waters calm and stable, ideal even for first-timers in kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Explore tide pools
Tide pools offer some of the most biodiverse places in the world, with the creatures here surviving the always changing conditions of these pools. This unique setup also results in interesting rock formations in the area. Stroll by the local tide pools, but remember not to touch anything! Appreciating the creatures just by sight would do. Common creatures here include sea anemones, sea urchins, crabs, sea stars (or starfishes), and sometimes even the colorful nudibranchs.
- Hike Buck Gully Reserve
A 300-acre nature reserve by the coast, this reserve is home to various endangered plants and animals. Being surrounded by so much foliage, one might forget they are by the beach. For casual walks or quick runs, the reserve trail spans 4.4 miles round-trip, with a river on the side, and paths lined by trees.
These are just some of the many things you can do in Corona del Mar. Don’t forget to spend some time for a leisurely stroll along the vintage shops and chic restaurants in the area.
Interested in living by the beach and checking some of the properties in Corona del Mar? Our professional real estate agents will be happy to guide you. Get in touch with Clarence and Jennifer of the Yoshikane-Toyama Real Estate Group. Call 714.501.7132 or contact us here.