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How To Spend One Day In Newport Beach

View of Balboa  Peninsula in Newport Bea
(credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Newport Beach is one of the most popular cities to visit in Orange County. Shopping, surfing, kayaking and fine dining can all be enjoyed in a single day if you know where to go. Tourists and locals alike flock to this famous beach town for quality entertainment and perfect, sunny weather. Whether it's your vacation destination or a quick layover, here are five must-see attractions to complete during your one day in OC.

Brown Pelicans Thrive In Wake of DDT Ban And Establishment of Earth Day
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Newport Aquatic Center
1 Whitecliffs Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 646-7725
www.newportaquaticcenter.com

Launch the kayaks early in the morning when the water in the Newport Back Bay is perfectly calm and glassy. The Newport Aquatic Center is your point of entry to one of the region's greatest ecological reserves. The Back Bay is the inland delta in Newport Beach that attracts up to 35,000 migrating birds in the wintertime. It's a beautiful place for nature enthusiasts to kayak, hike or bike while viewing a plethora of wildlife.

Mediterranean Food
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Trattoria Mediterranean Cuisine
216 1/2 Marine Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92662
(949) 566-9525
www.trattoriamediterranean.com

After a couple of hours on the water, you'll be famished and ready for a bite to eat. Travel down to Balboa Island where you'll find authentic Italian food in a quaint and casual setting. Trattoria Mediterranean Cuisine is a small restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner. This cozy family establishment offers delicious pasta dishes at affordable prices. Once you're done with dinner, you can walk off the extra calories by taking a stroll around the island or browse the local boutiques.

Related: Weekend Getaways Near Orange County

balboa-fun-zone
(credit: Balboa Fun Zone)

Balboa Fun Zone
600 E. Bay Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
www.thebalboafunzone.com

Once lunch has settled, you may consider taking the longest Ferris wheel ride of your life at the Balboa Fun Zone. This little amusement park is located on the Balboa Peninsula and can be accessed from the mainland by ferry. The famous Ferris wheel has been in operation since 1936 and gives riders an unsurpassed view of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. When your feet are back on the ground, stop by the arcade, shops or grab some funnel cake. They're all a memorable part of this anachronistic getaway.

Shopping & Style Malls, Fashion Island
(credit: shopfashionisland.com)

Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-2000
www.shopfashionisland.com

Although Balboa Island is great for boutique shopping, you'll want to stop by a real OC mall to appease the shopaholic in you. Fashion Island is great for anyone in need of retail therapy. This outdoor mall boasts mega department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Macy's as well as designer shops such as Kate Spade and M. Fredric. Whether you're looking for art, handbags or skinny jeans, you're sure to find what you need at Fashion Island.

5 Free Newport Pier and Beach kristi
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

Newport Beach Pier
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-3309
www.newportbeachca.gov

Your trip to Orange County is not complete until you've walked through the sand with bare feet and visited the pier. The Newport Beach Pier is a historical landmark located at the center of the Balboa Peninsula at Oceanfront Boulevard and 21st Place. The pier stretches 1,032 feet and is open until midnight. It's the ideal place to witness a true California sunset before you wrap up your day in paradise.

Related: Best Beaches In Orange County.

Truc Dever is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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