Newport Beach Has Trails. Beautiful, Surprising, Worth Every Step.

Newport Beach has a reputation built on the harbor, the coast, and the particular brand of effortless living that Southern California does better than anywhere. All of that is real, and all of it is worth your time. But tucked behind the waterfront, above the canyons and along the edges of the bay, Newport Beach has a hiking life that most visitors never find.

That's their loss. And quietly, your opportunity.

Crystal Cove State Park — El Moro Canyon Loop

This is the crown jewel. The El Moro Canyon Loop Trail is a moderately challenging 5-mile loop that winds through lush canyons, providing glimpses of blooming wildflowers, towering sycamores, and trickling streams. Ascending the ridges — an 800-foot elevation gain — rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail starts and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center just north of the Crystal Cove State Park Campground. Arrive early in June — the parking fills faster than the trail does.

Back Bay Loop Trail

This 10.5-mile loop offers a mix of relatively flat paved and dirt paths through the scenic wetlands of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve, with views of the shimmering Back Bay and encounters with several bird species. It is one of the most family-friendly trails in all of Orange County — wide, well-maintained, and gentle enough that the walk becomes about the scenery rather than the effort. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, including a handful of endangered species, and bring binoculars if birdwatching is your thing. Cooling sea breezes make this especially pleasant on warm June mornings.

Buck Gully Reserve

Tucked in the back canyons of Newport Coast near Corona del Mar, Buck Gully Trail is a 2.5-mile path that meanders through a serene coastal canyon, enveloping you in lush surroundings — a quiet surprise given how close it sits to the bustle of Pacific Coast Highway. Perfect for runners, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. Dogs welcome on leash.

Catalina Island — A Day Trip Worth Taking

This one requires a boat, but it earns the effort. Hop aboard Newport Beach's Catalina Flyer and spend a day on the quaint and charming Catalina Island — exploring sandy beaches, hiking trails, and coves. The island sits 26 miles off the coast and feels like a different country. The hike to the Catalina Airport in the Sky is one of the more surreal experiences in Southern California — a working airport on a ridge above the Pacific, with views in every direction that make you briefly reconsider every life choice that kept you on the mainland.

Where to Go:

• Crystal Cove State Park — 8471 N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach | crystalcovestatepark.org
• Back Bay Loop — Multiple entry points around Upper Newport Bay | Free
• Buck Gully Reserve — Newport Coast Dr., Corona del Mar | Free
• Catalina Flyer — 400 Main St., Balboa Pavilion, Newport Beach | catalinainfo.com