Newport Beach (CA) - Hiking & Biking (and Brewpubs too)

[DJensen]

We are headed to Newport Coast next week and looking at hiking and biking activities. I have the All Trails app and that gives very good information about trails, but interested in any favorites of Tuggers? It looks there are many options right around the resort.
Also, looking at possibly renting bikes or e-bikes. I know that there are some tours via the resort or bike rentals an tours in Newport Beach. If anyone has biked in the area, are there good safe routes/trails that one can take? I don't mind riding on the shoulder of the road as long as well marked and ample space for car and bike to coexist.
BONUS request - any suggestions for restaurants gastropubs, brewpubs or breweries in the area? I generally look at Google, but again - Tuggers know best!!
Thanks

 

[BJRSanDiego]

We are headed to Newport Coast next week and looking at hiking and biking activities. I have the All Trails app and that gives very good information about trails, but interested in any favorites of Tuggers? It looks there are many options right around the resort.
Also, looking at possibly renting bikes or e-bikes. I know that there are some tours via the resort or bike rentals an tours in Newport Beach. If anyone has biked in the area, are there good safe routes/trails that one can take? I don't mind riding on the shoulder of the road as long as well marked and ample space for car and bike to coexist.
BONUS request - any suggestions for restaurants gastropubs, brewpubs or breweries in the area? I generally look at Google, but again - Tuggers know best!!
Thanks

When we go on our annual vacation to NCV, I almost always taka hike down to Crystal Cove (right below the Marriott) and then up and down the beach. Some of the access (paved) walks to the beach are steep so pay attention. I typically walk from my unit down to the beach and stop at the Beachcomber restaurant for a beer (prefer Stone Delicious or Descuetes Sculpin IPA) before grabbing the Marriott bus back to NCV.

I have also hiked up the road by NCV that goes North along the canyon. I also do "urban" hikes around the entire complex.

Woody's Wharf on Balboa peninsula looks like a dive from the outside but has good food and beverages and decent prices. It is right on the bay so there is a pleasant view of the dockage. They have some nights with nice specials (lobster, prime rib, etc.).

If you like wine, Laguna Canyon Winery and McClain Cellars are both enjoyable.

I look forward reading other responses from other tuggers of some craft breweries.

 

[davidvel]

When we go on our annual vacation to NCV, I almost always taka hike down to Crystal Cove (right below the Marriott) and then up and down the beach. Some of the access (paved) walks to the beach are steep so pay attention. I typically walk from my unit down to the beach and stop at the Beachcomber restaurant for a beer (prefer Stone Delicious or Descuetes Sculpin IPA) before grabbing the Marriott bus back to NCV.

I have also hiked up the road by NCV that goes North along the canyon. I also do "urban" hikes around the entire complex.

Woody's Wharf on Balboa peninsula looks like a dive from the outside but has good food and beverages and decent prices. It is right on the bay so there is a pleasant view of the dockage. They have some nights with nice specials (lobster, prime rib, etc.).

If you like wine, Laguna Canyon Winery and McClain Cellars are both enjoyable.

I look forward reading other responses from other tuggers of some craft breweries.

Sculpin is Ballast Point, not Deschutes.

 

[SmithOp]

I live in the area, but would never bike on the roads around here, too many distracted drivers.

We bike from the north end of Bolsa Chica State Beach, you can go all the way down to Newport Beach on the beach bike path about 10 miles each way. Lots of places to stop with picnic tables, nice and flat, and sights to see. PCH and Warner there is a Jack in the Box with a free parking lot behind it at the start of the bike path. Parking in the State Beaches is $15, we buy the annual Explorer Pass. There is a branch off the beach at Brookhurst that follows the flood channel up into Costa Mesa Fairview Park. You could do the reverse ride if you rent a bike in Newport Beach / Balboa peninsula.

There is a bike path that starts in Seal Beach, on the north side, it follows the flood channel inland into Long Beach. The beach parking lot is an hourly pay lot.

For hikes, we like Top of the World in Laguna Beach. Take PCH into Laguna Beach, at the last light next to the main beach turn left on Park Ave. Follow Park Ave all the way to the top of the mountain until it dead ends, turn left and it ends at Top of the World trail head, lots of trails branch out from there. Street parking or there is a small city park with a parking lot, either way you will see lots of hikers parking there. We always stop at the small Greek place, Adonis, to get a gyro wrap, it's right at the corner of PCH and Park Ave.

 

[Carlsbadguy]

When I lived in Long Beach I always used the bike path down the la River to Seal Beach and Huntington Beach.