If you plan to go sailing in Newport Beach, you can visit many great destinations. The good news is they're easy to get to, even if you are only out on your cruise for a few hours.
While Newport Harbor itself provides beautiful views to taken in while you enjoy your sail, once you are out on the open water, you have the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, and some fantastic sunsets. You'll feel like you're in a movie! As well as being a millionaire!
Here are the top pics of places you can visit when you're sailing in Newport Beach.
And when you hire one of our powerboats, it means you only need to take a short journey to take in some great destinations.
5 must-see destinations when sailing in Newport Beach
Emerald Bay/ Emerald Cove: 15 mins from Newport Harbor
Known as "E-bay' by the locals, Emerald Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful, clean, and pristine beaches in Southern California.
Part of Laguna Beach, having a boat allows you to enjoy this gorgeous beach without the multi-million-dollar price tag residents pay.
Why? The beach itself is private. You can only go on this half a mile stretch of pristine sand if you are personally invited by a resident of the gated community of Emerald Bay.
If you get the golden ticket, a park is located in the cove with grass areas, a tennis court, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and fire pits.
The highlight is, of course, Emerald Cove, where the water is picture perfect aquamarine and clear as crystal.
With the golden white sand, you would be forgiven for thinking you had come across a tropical island.
People visit for snorkeling and diving as the water is so clear. It's around 20 feet deep in places, and you can see right down to the ocean floor.
It's also a great place to moor up and enjoy a party. On busy days you may find you aren't the only ones who've had the bright idea to visit.
Catalina Island
With its palm trees and powdery white sand, a trip to Catalina Island is one of the best things to do in Newport Beach if you want to take a more extended cruise.
Although it's just 20 miles from the California ports, this destination is a world away from the West Coast's frantic pace.
Home to Native Americans for centuries, its incarnations have included a port for pirates and smugglers and was home to miners and the military.
In the 1900s, chewing-gum guru William Wrigley Jr. sent the Chicago Cubs there to train.
With hundreds of moorings, it's easy to find a spot. But make sure you book ahead. It's around $55 per night for a 40- to 49-foot boat and an overnight stay. The moorings in Avalon Harbor and Descanso Beach are first come, first served.
Enjoy a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants and take a stroll along the promenade.
Dana Point
Dana Point is known as the "Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World.
With a wide variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, and dockside dining, it's an excellent destination for families and groups. Take in the stunning sunsets and harbor views as you relax on deck.
Highlights are the Festival of Whales, the Tall Ships Festival, and the Holiday Boat Parade. The Brig restaurant has outdoor patio seating, and Beach Harbor Pizza is known for the best pizza slices in Dana Point.
Crystal Cove
The State Park is situated in one of Orange County's biggest examples of the natural seashore. Located at the southernmost tip of Newport Beach, the area is an eclectic blend of natural beauty and contemporary architecture.
Sail along and enjoy 3.5 miles of pristine, uninterrupted coastline. If you keep your eyes open, you're likely to see hikers, campers, and trailblazers enjoying the coastal paths.
If you want to venture ashore, there's an enclave of 46 cottages built in the 1920s and 30s. Situated around Los Trancos Creek's mouth, they're an example of an early 20th century Southern California coastal development.
Corona Del Mar
Corona Del Mar means "Crown of the Sea," and there is no doubt this stunning coastal hamlet lives up to its name.
Locals refer to it as "CdM." It's classed as part of Newport Beach, but its vintage cottages have a personality all of their own.
The waves are usually reasonably gentle at Big Corona, which is officially the Corona Del Mar State Beach. This makes for great swimming and snorkeling. There are multiple volleyball nets and fire pits if you want to get off your boat and hit the beach.
Meanwhile, Little Corona's tidepools are the perfect place to take kids so they can check out any little critters that are lurking among the rocks. You may even get to see an octopus.
Captain America Boat Rentals offer a host of destinations you can visit, whether it's for a sunset cruise, a brunch, a few days on the ocean, or just a few hours on a boat. You can click here now to check out our latest offers.
Want to stay even more local? Here's what you can do
But if you don't want to leave Newport Beach Marina, you can take your time cruising around and soaking in the sites.
Take a trip to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail and watch the world go by. Woodys Wharf Restaurant, and Mama's Restaurant are very popular dock and dine spots in Newport Harbor.
Back Bay is just a short cruise to its calm waters. There you can keep your eyes open for the local wildlife in and out of the ocean. You'll have the opportunity to watch sea lions and dolphins. Blue herons, along with snowy egrets, frequent this stunning coastline.
Conclusion
There are so many beautiful places you can visit from Newport Harbor.
Here are our tips on sailing times. Take advantage of an early morning sai. Everyone goes for sunset and it’s just as beautiful.
Plus the ocean conditions are the most favorable in the morning.
The best times out of the year to sail are from September through January. The summer is the most ideal for sailors but the ocean winds are stronger due to intense land heating.
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