Newport Beach offers fine, soft sand with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy yourself. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all bask in the warmth of beautiful Southern California winter and summer days. Pelicans and seagulls also enjoy Southern California’s year round Mediterranean climate.

This five-mile stretch of beach boasts a bevy of activities. Swimmers and sunbathers flock to the beach in summer and winter, capping off their day in the sun with a night of casual or fine dining. Skate, bike and board rentals are popular, and surfing off the jetty is prime. The vibe at the Balboa Peninsula is youthful and fun.

This is an ideal place for cycling and skating, but keep in mind that parking is limited and you might have to walk a few blocks to get to the sand. Newport Beach has a lengthy bike trail, which extends around most of the peninsula. Riding along the boardwalk is fun and a great way to check out some of the most expensive real estate in Southern California. Many of the houses on the boardwalk are available for summer rentals, another great option to experience living life on the beach.