Build Your Newport Beach Home Near These Top-Rated Parks

Newport Beach is home to dozens and dozens of parks. With each park having its own unique character and amenities, finding the perfect park to spend a little recreation time is a breeze. Residents of Newport Beach are graced with roughly 277 sunny days per year and many nearby parks in which to recreate and enjoy them. If you’re looking to build a home in Newport Beach, you may want to consider doing so near one of these top-rated parks or nature preserves:

Preserves and nature parks

Aside from the manicured grass and picnic tables that one might expect when envisioning a park setting, Newport Beach has a number of sprawling, noteworthy preserves, reserves, and nature parks. These untouched wilderness areas have maintained trails and provide a much-welcomed respite from daily life in the city. Some are home to rare or endangered species and efforts are taken to protect the areas from erosion and development.

Upper Newport Bay Regional Park – Also, known as Back Bay to local residents, Upper Newport Bay Regional Park is an approximately 1,000-acre nature preserve and ecological reserve. As one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California, bird watchers flock here in droves to catch migratory birds and rare or endangered species. There is an interpretive center, biking, hiking, and equestrian trails as well as restrooms and scenic overlooks. Your dog is permitted on a leash and you can stop by the gift shop to pick up souvenirs before you go.

_{Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Photo courtesy of All Trails}

Pacific Ridge Trailhead – Gorgeous, expansive homes of Mediterranean design dot the landscape along parts of the Pacific Ridge Trailhead. And, if you decide to come here in the spring, you may get rewarded with blankets of wildflowers. The trail can be challenging in parts with no real shade, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Crystal Cove State Park – Crystal Cove is not your average park in the traditional sense with its mix of land and sea activities and abundant natural beauty. With a little more than three miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove is one of the largest untouched spaces and seashores in Orange County. The beaches are popular among swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers while the backcountry is popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Buck Gully Reserve – Grab your hiking shoes and pack a light picnic to enjoy this untouched, coastal canyon reserve located near the Pelican Hills Golf Course in Newport Beach. Many parts of the hike are well-shaded which is a bonus if you’re planning on visiting the 1,200-acre Buck Gully Reserve in the warm summer months.

Parks with sports complexes

If you like to kick the ball around or play a little catch, then you want to build your Newport Beach home near one of these sports parks. With pickleball, basketball, baseball or softball, and soccer fields, you’re guaranteed to find something catering to your specific activity that’s near your home. Many of the Newport Beach parks with sports complexes or athletic fields also have community centers and youth or adult sports leagues.

Bonita Canyon Sports Park – This sports complex and park is located on Ford Rd. in Newport Beach. Bonita Canyon Sports Park is quite large and has a soccer field, tennis and pickleball courts, as well as baseball diamonds. There is also a basketball court, playground equipment, an amphitheater, and picnic and barbecue facilities.

_{Coastal Peak Park, Photo courtesy of Go Park Play}

Coastal Peak Park – Located on East Coastal Peak, Coastal Peak Park has athletic fields including baseball and softball diamonds, a basketball court, a soccer field, and hiking and walking trails. There are also covered picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and playground equipment.
Arroyo Park – This little-known park is a bit off the beaten path but has several sports amenities to help you get in some activity. You can find a nice basketball court, a baseball diamond, and a lighted soccer field along with picnic tables, playground equipment, and grills.

Picnic-perfect parks

When it comes to picnicking, some parks are better suited for al fresco dining and lounging than others. The good news is that Newport Beach has no shortage of perfect picnic parks. Whether you’re looking for green spaces with picnic tables, incredible ocean views, sprawling grassy areas to lay down a blanket, or barbecue facilities, you’ll find that perfect date night picnic spot or a quiet place to enjoy a leisurely meal outdoors.

_{Lookout Point Park, Photo courtesy of Only in Your State}

Lookout Point Park – In the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach is where you’ll find Lookout Point Park perched above Pirate’s Cove⁠—another Newport Beach hidden gem. Here, you’ll be treated to Balboa Peninsula views. There are no picnic tables or restroom facilities at this location, but there are benches, and the views make it all worth it. Simply bring a picnic blanket with tasty eats and you’ll have a picnic you won’t soon forget. Or, you can venture down to the beach below where there are barbecue pits and rocks where you can enjoy your meal.
Castaways Park – Arrive here early to watch the sunrise and enjoy scenic harbor views. Located above Back Bay, it’s a little bit of a hike but is the perfect place to have a breakfast picnic after working up an appetite.
Galaxy View Park – Another little-known park located in Newport Beach above Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is Galaxy View Park offering impressive bay views and spectacular sunsets. There are benches and grassy areas for you to sit and have a picnic at this quiet picnic spot.

Best Newport Beach parks for sunsets

Newport Beach is well-known for its stunning sunsets, and there’s no shortage of vantage points where you can take it all in. Many of the parks where you can view picture-worthy sunsets are situated on bluffs above beaches or feature stellar views of bays and harbors.

Inspiration Point – Perched atop a bluff in Newport Beach is Inspiration Point. Inspiration Point has arguably some of the best sunsets Newport Beach has to offer and is located in the Newport Beach community of Corona del Mar. Once here, you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views of the jetty and marina. Bring a picnic blanket and food to enjoy the sunset and take notice of the fabulous multi-million dollar Mediterranean, French and Spanish-inspired homes around the neighborhood.
West Jetty View Park – Located at the end of Balboa Peninsula on Channel Rd. and E. Oceanfront in Newport Beach is West Jetty View Park. This small-but-charming park overlooks a large beach and the Wedge, a popular surf spot. There are benches and picnic tables for you to take a seat, or you can put down a blanket on the grass and watch the boats go by while you wait for the sun to set.

Kid-friendly parks

Although you can take the kids to any park and let them release some steam, not every park has playground equipment for them to really enjoy themselves. The kid-friendly parks on this list all have amenities that both little ones and adults alike can enjoy:

San Miguel Park – Featuring handball and basketball courts plus a large combination baseball diamond and soccer field to keep the kids occupied for hours, San Miguel park is located on San Miguel Dr. in Newport Beach. There’s also playground equipment for various age ranges and plenty of grass for the kiddos to run around on and tire themselves out. Bring hot dogs or foods to grill on the provided barbecues and rest under covered picnic areas.
Marina Park – This nautical-themed playground has a huge lighthouse slide and makes for a fun day in the sun with the little ones in your life. You’ll find lots to do at this 10.5-acre park situated right on the beach with outdoor fitness equipment and basketball courts. There’s an on-site café, but you can also bring your own food to enjoy at the park’s picnic area.
Buffalo Hills Park – Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood is Buffalo Hills Park, located on Port Charles Pl. in Newport Beach. Aside from playground equipment to keep the little ones busy, there are also picnic tables, clean restrooms, barbecues, an athletic field, a baseball diamond, and a basketball court.

When you’re deciding where to build your Newport Beach dream home, you have many choices of locations to break ground. Selecting a location that suits your lifestyle and personal needs complemented with nearby parks and recreation facilities can only enhance your enjoyment of the area. With Eddie Hodges and the Opulent Design Build team, you will work hand-in-hand alongside a Newport Beach, CA custom home builder with more than 20 years of experience in renovating, designing, and building dream homes for satisfied clients. Specializing in the Newport Beach and South Orange County areas, Opulent Design Build knows the architectural aesthetic of the area and will work with you to achieve the home or renovation you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait another moment, get in touch to arrange a custom design-build or renovation project consultation today.