Corona del Mar

Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, California (A)

This walking tour features Corona del Mar, a hidden gem in bustling Orange County, California. The tour features the Corona del Mar State Beach, which has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Southern California, as well as the adjacent community, which is rife with fascinating boutiques and restaurants. The entire walking tour covers 4.8 kilometers and takes five hours. It is accessible for people of all ages and walking abilities.
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Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Corona del Mar
Guide Location: USA » Newport Beach
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (A))
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 3.0 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Author: Daniel Coats
Author Bio: I am a lifetime resident of Southern California and know the Orange County and Inland Empire regions by heart. I'm currently a college student and donate my time volunteering with the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Corona del Mar Plaza
  • American Cancer Society Discovery Shop
  • Sherman Library and Gardens
  • Corona del Mar Shopping District
  • Inspiration Point
  • Tidepools at Corona del Mar State Beach
  • Corona del Mar State Beach
  • Panoramic view of Newport Harbor
  • Ruby's Diner
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Corona del Mar Plaza

1) Corona del Mar Plaza

The Corona del Mar Plaza, the starting point on this tour, is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach between Avocado Avenue and Mac Arthur Boulevard. This upscale open air shopping center includes Bristol Farms, an upscale grocery store with in-store dining; as well as Gelato Paradiso; which has some outstanding Italian ice cream; Gulfstream Seafood House, where Pacific oysters are shucked to order for customers; and a Tommy Bahama Store, which includes a bar and restaurant, among a total of 26 stores and restaurants. Right behind the shopping center is the Newport Beach Public Library, which has an outstanding collection of used books for sale at the Friends of the Library Bookstore, with prices starting at 50 cents. The library is currently open Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m.
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American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

2) American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

Ever wanted some expensive clothing but could not afford the prices? The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop is the answer! The boutique sells men's and women's suits, children's clothing, dresses (even wedding dresses) as well as fine furniture and bric-a-brac items for outrageously low prices! For instance, almost all suits are under $20. Plus, the American Cancer Society has strict requirements on the condition of items it sells, so all items are only gently used and in excellent condition. And, you are supporting cancer research and help for cancer victims and their families by patronizing the store. The shop is open Mon-Tue 10:00am - 5:00pm; Wed-Fri 10:00am - 6:00pm; and Sat-Sun 10:00am - 5:00pm.
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Sherman Library and Gardens

3) Sherman Library and Gardens

A unique California experience, the Sherman Library and Gardens is a 2.2 acre horticultural retreat with beautifully landscaped Southwest gardens in the midst of well preserved mission style buildings. The Library collects materials on the history of the Pacific Southwest region and features occasional shows, exhibits, and classes. The Gift Shop contains items of interest to interior designers, landscapers, and gardeners everywhere. The grounds even include Cafe Jardin, an outdoor dining experience with a mixture of California and French cuisine. The Sherman Library and Gardens are open daily (except major holidays) from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 12 to 16. Children under 12 are free and there is free admission for everyone on Mondays. Check out their website at www.slgardens.org to find out the latest events.
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Corona del Mar Shopping District

4) Corona del Mar Shopping District

A short walk along the Pacific Coast Highway takes you to the heart of the Corona del Mar Shopping District, which is represented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce (see their website at www.cdmchamber.com for a complete list of shops and restaurants). Among the interesting shops in this very interesting business district is Five Crowns, (3801 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625-2599), a British pub and steakhouse complete with the enclosed red telephone booth outside and Chronic Tacos (3601 E. Coast Hwy. Ste. A, Corona Del Mar, CA) a hole-in-the-wall Mexican eatery serving delicious tacos, burritos, and the like at great prices. See's Candies (3501 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625) offers delicious chocolate delights that always includes a free sample with a purchase. This shopping district is constantly evolving, so there's always a pleasant surprise for every visit.
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Inspiration Point

5) Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean that are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset on a clear day. It has been the subject of several paintings and is regularly frequented by artists. In winter with optimal viewing conditions, you might be able to see whales doing their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico at this location, as well as vistas of Catalina Island. There are benches and pay binoculars at this location. A short but steep paved walkway from this overlook leads down to the sandy beaches of Corona del Mar State Beach. The famous tide pools are located directly below this viewpoint.
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Tidepools at Corona del Mar State Beach

6) Tidepools at Corona del Mar State Beach

Of particular interest to children or anyone interested in nature are the tide-pools and sea-stack formations at the southern end of the Corona del Mar State Beach. The tide-pools contain sea life (such as seahorses and sea-stars) as well as urchins and barnacles. For those interested in the animal life in the tidepools, check out the website at http://library.thinkquest.org/J001418/animals.html, which is produced by the Oracle Education Foundation and has a lot of information on these interesting ecosystems. Please be aware of rip currents in the water around the rock formations, however. Television buffs will be interested to know that the cove here, called Pirate's Cove Cave, was used in the filming of Gilligan's Island.
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Corona del Mar State Beach

7) Corona del Mar State Beach

The Corona del Mar State Beach is the ultimate California beach experience and is especially good for families with young children or retired persons because the beach itself is rather short (only about a quarter mile long) and is very walkable. The coastal jetty also shelters the water here, making it good for swimming and wading. The beach itself is free, but it costs $15 for the day to park. You can get around this fee by parking in the neighborhood, but please pay attention to no parking signs. The beach has restroom facilities, showers, and a lifeguard on duty.
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Panoramic view of Newport Harbor

8) Panoramic view of Newport Harbor

Ocean Boulevard offers a panoramic view of the Newport Harbor as well as a large area of coastal Orange County, including views of the Huntington Beach Pier, Costa Mesa, the high rises of South Coast Metro, the Queen Mary and other ships docked at Long Beach, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula on a clear day. Picnic benches and pay binoculars are available to maximize the view. This site is also an ideal viewpoint every December, when Newport Beach hosts the annual Christmas Boat Parade, and this viewpoint offers the best views of all the boats decked out in their holiday best. Check www.christmasboatparade.com for dates.
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Ruby's Diner

9) Ruby's Diner

A throwback to an era gone by, Ruby's Diner is a 1940's themed restaurant that serves continental cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and diner. The waitresses wear period costumes and oldies music plays in the establishment, along with authentic old-fashioned surfboards and other artifacts from the California beaches at that time, enhancing the feel of that era. Open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Stop by for a salad, soup, burger, sandwich, or seafood, or just try their famous banana split ice cream delight or a milkshake. Phone 949.673.7829.