I've been coming to Inspiration Point for many years, and I still enjoy it every time I visit…read more I usually bring my dog here for a walk so She can enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the sunset with me. Sometimes I bring a blanket, sit on the grass, and bring some food to have a little picnic. It's a simple thing, but I always enjoy spending time here with the ocean view and the sound of the waves. I also like that they have bags available the area in case you need to clean up after your dog. I noticed there is a one of stations near the end of the street where you can grab them. From here, you can walk down toward little Corona del Mar and get closer to the beach. You can also walk on the sand, but personally I prefer staying up here because it feels cleaner and more convenient when I don't need to go down to the beach. Street parking is available nearby, but you may need to drive around a little to find a spot for parallel parking.

This is a truly beautiful place to stop by. We came here on a Friday closer to sunset and we had…read moreluck finding parking near by. From the main lookout, there's a downhill path that leads you to another scenic viewpoint. It's a great place to slow down and enjoy nature.

What an amazing day we had. I was there with my church Calvary chapel Chino Hills to get baptize…read more It was wonderful to see many people there . Parking was thigh. The Brea h was clean and perfect for the day .

It's all about rocks and caves. And a hidden cove?…read more Instagram and TikTok have probably made this once obscure beach in Corona del Mar way too popular, but back in the day, while the parents were beachgoing at nearby Corona del Mar State Beach, we preteens and early teenagers were exploring the caves at Pirate's Cove and scrambling all over the sometimes dangerous rocks. But our moms weren't within eyesight or earshot, so we ran and climbed and splashed and wrestled. It felt like every time I came here, I cut my hands or arms or shins on the rocks, but I didn't care, because I was learning independence, and I didn't dare complain in front of my friends. The sandy part of the beach itself can get completely swallowed by the high tide, so plan ahead. The Newport Harbor Jetty (and, to a lesser extent, the CDM State Beach Jetty) protect(s) the beach from waves, so there's no real bodyboarding or bodysurfing to be had. That's probably a good thing, too, because these rocks would be treacherous if this beach weren't completely enclosed within Newport Bay's entrance channel. The metal fences separating the deeper parts of the caves always scared me. I realized the fencing was to prevent children from getting where adults couldn't fit, because high tides could mean drowning or otherwise getting hurt, but it was still spooky. I believe my friend Michael tried to bend back the metal, but he couldn't, despite how rusty and old it seemed. The stairs down to the beach are much nicer and sturdier than they used to be. Otherwise, it looks and feels the same as it did thirty-five years ago.

Parking is not easy in the summer or weekends. It's a very small beach and gets crowded quickly…read more The tide pools are fun for the kids, you definitely need water shoes for them. There is a short walk down the hill to access the beach. Showers and bathrooms are at the top. Lifeguard on duty.

First time here, and I am coming back tomorrow!!…read more Parking could definitely be a challenge if you come on a weekend or in the summer. I went in the morning of a Sunday in January and was able to park for free on Ocean Boulevard. Then it is a beautiful short, walk down a slope and some stairs and then you've reached paradise. It's a small beach, so hopefully as long as it's not too busy you'll be able to get a spot on the sand. I saw a lot of snorkel, which were cool and the tide pools are just crazy Impressive. Just make sure you don't actually touch or take anything in the tide pool or I will be coming after you...

What a cute and quaint little island! I really loved visiting. There's plenty of free parking if…read moreyou drive down the residential streets, and you can see plenty of cute little homes. This would be a lovely place to own a vacation home. I absolutely love driving over the bridge with American flags flying on both sides; it's something you don't see often in SoCal. There are several cute shops on both sides of the main street, and there's really something for everyone. The island is known for two things: chocolate-covered frozen bananas and Balboa bars. I apparently missed the memo on the Balboa bars, but we got to visit both Dad's Donuts and Sugar 'n Spice for some frozen chocolate bananas, and they were lovely! I recommend coming in the morning to beat the rush. We brought lunch and went to the beach for a picnic on the park benches. It was a lovely day with family! I look forward to coming back to Balboa Island in the future!

We went on a cloudy weekday in late March. We parked in the parking lot on Palm street and took the…read moreferry there. At around 10:30 in the morning, there was plenty of parking available. We paid about $11 for 4 hours which comparing with Santa Monica is reasonable. On our way we also saw free street side parking , but those spots are not close to the ferries. There is a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to where the ferries are. You will have to cross a couple of streets. The ferries are pretty basic but they have capacity for 3 cars as well. Adults pay $2 each to get to the other side. They ONLY accept cash. There and back, the wait time was under a couple of minutes. The island itself is clean and serene. Other than a minimart, a fishing gear shop and a grocery store, there weren't any shops on the oceanfront walkway and no signage as to where you can find any stores. We walked for a bit and then returned to the mainland and Balboa village. Overall, we loved how clean and family friendly the beach and the pier and the island were. If we lived closer, we would visit more often for sure!

Wonderful summer spot for families with YOUNG KIDS!!!…read more Lots of different ways to play: Large grass area Lagoon/bay with sand and seashells Playground with lots of slides There are also lots of PICNIC TABLES at this location so it's easy to set up for breakfast or lunch. It's a very fun and safe environment for our kids and makes our summers days more fun! Our 3 year old enjoys the playground and the lagoon too. You have to PAY FOR PARKING but that's pretty normal for Newport Beach. We usually find parking very easily near here. Also, there are PUBLIC RESTROOMS and showers to rinse off available inside & next to the "lighthouse" - another thing that makes this spot easier with kiddos!

the place to go with small kids! mix of beach, playground, and garden area to play soccer!…read more be sure to go early because parking can be a challenge. the light house is currently under renovation but will be available by april. i love this place

Corona del Mar State Beach might honestly be my favorite beach in the world…read more This is where I proposed to my wife. It is where we did our engagement photos and later our pregnancy photo shoot. It is where I take my dog for walks and where I have spent nights around the fire pits watching some of the most beautiful sunsets in Orange County. The water here also feels warmer than most beaches in the OC, which makes it even better. This place holds a lot of special memories for me and continues to be one of my favorite spots to slow down and appreciate where I live.

My girlfriend and I love this beach. Its very low key. Not many tourists or non locals come to this…read moresmall beach. Pretty clean white sand, and lots of rocks and small areas to go fishing, and pick up and collect sea shells and clams. Parking can be a challenge tho. So just be careful with that. Not very many local restaurants or shops, so you will need to barbecue and mainly bring your own food. But it is still a fun beach.

Haven't been back here in so long and so glad we finally came back for father's day. We spent the…read moreafternoon here soaking up the sun, eating lunch, and even walked to crystals cove shake shack. Super clean beach with great vibes. Fyi, parking is $20.

Parking is $20 now. The beach is beautiful. Lots of hiking trails to explore, tide pools or a short…read morewalk down to the beach. The trail down to the beach is very short and steep in a couple lots. Some areas in the northern parking lots have a long boardwalk you can walk down and tide pools. There are several parking lots so you need to figure out what you want to do and which lot to park in for your needs. The parking lot closest to beachcomber they don't allow any parking unless you are handicapped for the restaurant. Don't really know why, it's a state run park.

The alluring blue skies and lovely light golden sands catch my eye…read more The birds nearby are just waiting for the right moment to poop on people, I have been warned. I parked on a street near the fire station and then walked over, a little over a mile. Once at the Wedge, you can experience some amazing ocean views and amazing views in general. Please listen to the song I am parodying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f9160gInZ0 While you are reading my review. Divine In cool and sunny weather The sand and skies together Here on this lovely beach You're skies So blue and lively dee-eep Light golden sands, are so pretty You're the sweetest beach Enjoy the Wedge so calmly On lovely rocks with glee Beware of all the birds that roam They will poop from sweet the sky ay ay Divine In cool and sunny weather The sand and skies together Here on this lovely beach

A great retreat that offers lots of sandy beaches, waves and water, views of boats very closeby,…read moreawesome homes nearby, and even some small cliffs across the harbor with more really nice homes, as well as ample green grass and beautiful trees!! Parking is very easy to find on the streets in the neighborhood. Not too crowded but still plenty of people to give a warm community feel. An awesome place for great photos as well!!