Muth Interpretive Center can even be visited on a layover at Orange County Airport! It's a beautiful spot with a view of the nature preserve and nature exhibits to discover how these wetlands benefit us and what lives here. Everything is hands on and there's even room to stretch out and play. (Closed Mondays).

This has become a popular beach playground for Orange County families with its nautical theme and also sand right up to the harborside beach. Climb up to the lighthouse to take the slide. If you want to grab a bite, visit the Lighthouse Cafe next door.

If you happen to visit on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer, you might be lucky enough to take the free summer trolley! This post lays out where you can stop on your way down and then back up the peninsula.

There are two piers on the Balboa Peninsula. This is the most popular one with the Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier. Take a walk and enjoy the view or play at the playground.

Visiting Newport Elementary playground in the summer or after school hours makes for some fun right on the beach!

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is a hidden oasis of nature that you don't even know exists from the street. Park in the small parking lot, enjoy the nature center, and then take a walk of the grounds.

This is the perfect sunset park and you can pair it with #7 on the list to get in a playground, too! Views of the Newport Back Bay and Newport Harbor.

Nothing fancy, but it's close to Castaways Park and the Environmental Nature Center so it makes a great stop.

Newport Dunes is an RV resort and beach where you can play at the playground, dip your toes in the bay, or rent out one of the cottages for a longer stay. They often have events like outdoor movies and summer is filled with play in the bay.

Back Bay Science Center is only open to the public for limited hours during "Community Days." I find it to be the perfect gateway to the nature you'll find along Back Bay Drive and Newport Bay.

Sunset Ridge is one of my favorite parks and it's reachable via a pedestrian bridge that allows you to park and visit safely. It's at the base of the peninsula so a good place to start or end your day.

Ahhhh! One of my favorite beaches on the planet! Many sunsets have been enjoyed here along with beach days. Read my Beach Eats post to see photos of food and learn more about The Jetty restaurant here.

This park gets better and better. It's tucked back into a Corona del Mar neighborhood in close distance to a branch of the Newport Beach Library.

Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar is a small botanic garden with a lot of personality. We enjoy visiting everytime we go. During Summer 2026, it's undergoing a big improvement project so check the website and their social media for the latest.

It's been called Bunnyhenge and all sorts of other nicknames, but it's truly an awesome park with life-sized art exhibits and native plants scattered along the trails. Visit the main branch of the Newport Public Library here which has a new addition: Kit Coffee. There's even an Instagram for @kitatthelibrary !

Don't let the name fool you! This playground is just down the road from the Civic Center and it's a favorite with kids. There are peek-a-boo views of the harbor from here. You always have Fashion Island nearby for grabbing a bite or visiting Barnes & Noble. Bristol Farms has hot freshly-baked cookies for a sweet treat.

This park is so simple, yet a joy for the kids.

This spot is near #15 and it has 2 separate parking lots and playgrounds. One for older kids and one for younger. You'll like visiting both!

I always like to hit this one at sunset. It's up on a hill and the lighting is nice that time of night.

This one is even a bit higher up the hill than #17! Simple, yet easy to visit in a quiet neighborhood.

This one is always a favorite for those who visit. Sweeping views all around and just some fun play structures.