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Home » Playgrounds by City

Castaways Park in Newport Beach

Castaways Park in Newport Beach is one of the best spots in Orange County to take in views of the Newport Back Bay and Newport Harbor.

Directions to Castaways Park in Newport Beach: There are a lot of ways to get here! You can take Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the 73, and even the 55.  It’s at the corner of Dover and 16th Street near Newport High School. You can set the map to a satellite view so you can see the parking lot in relationship to the paths. (Park Address: 700 Dover Drive, Newport Beach) MAP TO CASTAWAYS PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

  • Unbeatable views
  • Flat, paved path perfect for little feet and walks after the rain
  • It's big!  The path winds along the bluff top and heads in towards the bay.
  • Very stroller-friendly and relatively flat
  • Points of interest: benches overlooking the harbor, a veteran's memorial statue, a native plant demonstration garden
  • Walk the loop: Walk from the parking lot out to the point overlooking the harbor, then loop back around and continue in front of the row of houses to a lookout point, then either head back the way you came -- or turn down the eucalyptus-lined path that will lead you back to Dover and a wide sidewalk leading back to your car by way of Bob Henry Park (restrooms).
  • Great for birdwatching -- especially pelicans and other waterfowl

Be Aware:

  • NO playground
  • NO restrooms
  • Path is shared with bikes and scooters, so keep your eyes out

Checklist:

  • Parking in dedicated lot at the corner of Dover and 16th Street in front of the church (it looks like a parking lot to nowhere, but it quickly leads out onto the bluff top)
  • Paved paths
  • Dogs are allowed on leash - and I always see quite a few people walking dogs
  • Stroller-friendly and bike friendly
  • Official Newport Beach post about Castaways Park

Nearby Nature Centers & Park:

  • Environmental Nature Center
  • Muth Interpretive Center
  • Bob Henry Park
  • Find more parks in the area using my Central OC Park Index

Originally published in March 2012.

More Playgrounds by City

  • Marina Park in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula
  • Newport Dunes Beach Cottages and Resort Overview
  • Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor
  • Sheep Hills Park: That Green Area Between Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. Humbly sharing playful OC outdoor places to fit your tight budget through this unofficial and free community resource filled with time-tested recommendations from parents/caregivers like you.

More about me

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