“Before you even tee it up, you’re in awe,” says world-renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio, with whom we partnered to create the two courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

Few course designers have left a bigger mark on modern golf than Fazio, who designed nearly a quarter of Golf Digest’s list of America’s 200 greatest courses — more than any designer. And Pelican Hill is his favorite place to play. “You’re looking at the ocean, the greenery and native plants,” he says. “You know you’re at one of the finest golf facilities ever.”

Golf Magazine has recognized the courses with its Eco-friendly Green Hall of Fame award for advanced water conservation programs that save water while also preventing runoff from reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a prospective yacht owner, or simply planning a leisurely journey in a Duffy e-boat, you’re sure to discover new ways to have fun on the water in Newport Harbor.

As the owner of CRC Marinas, including Balboa Marina, Villa Cove Marina, Bayside Marina and Bayshore Marina, Irvine Company has worked for years to beautify the waterfront. We pride ourselves on offering best-in-class service to tenants and guests, with meticulously maintained docks that include an array of exclusive boat slips and elegant, bayview dining.

Chris and Angele Jester love sailing so much that they have made it their life’s work. “We are a local Newport Beach family,” Angele says. “Our two kids, now 20 and 17, grew up on the water.”

The couple operates SailTime/PowerTime Newport Beach with 34 boats docked at Balboa Marina. The vessels range from Beneteau and Jeanneau sailboats to Lagoon catamarans, powerboats, Duffys and ElectraCraft, which they describe as floating living rooms.

The Jesters’ fleet is available for charters (through Newport Beach Sailing Charters), sailing lessons (from Newport Beach Sailing School) and rentals for day trips or longer excursions around the harbor. The nautical duo also owns Sailtime Newport Beach, an innovative lease-share service for those who want the pleasure of sailing without the expense and time commitment of owning a yacht. “It’s a perfect try-before-you-buy scenario,” Chris says. “Like boat ownership on training wheels.” For those who go on to buy, the couple has that covered, too, via their Newport Beach Yacht Sales company, also at Balboa Marina.

The Jesters have docked boats at CRC Marinas since 2007. In 2019, they consolidated their various boating businesses at the Balboa Marina on Coast Highway and Bayside Drive. “It’s such a great one-stop location for our customers,” Angele says, citing the ease of access and ample free parking.

With four sandy beaches covering 3.2 miles, Crystal Cove State Park offers many options for ocean-loving locals and visitors. Float above the protected kelp forest on a stand-up paddle board or snorkel among the orange Garibaldi fish. On the sand, tour the Historic District, where more than a dozen movies have been filmed, including “A Few Good Men” and “Beaches.”

Low tide is the best time to enjoy the wonders of the beach at Crystal Cove State Park. That’s when visitors can check out the four rocky tide pools, brimming with tiny sea life from barnacles to bat stars to baby octopuses. The stretch of sea between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach is a protected state reserve, meaning please look but don’t touch tide pool residents.

A span of 18 miles of trails offers plenty of room to run in Crystal Cove State Park. The trails provide beach access for an additional workout. Experts say that running on sand can build strength, burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. It’s a lower-impact exercise that can protect joints while working muscles in new ways. Not a runner? No worries: Enjoy a leisurely stroll instead.

Rolling hills with views of the ever-changing Pacific Ocean make this blufftop trail inviting in every season. The paved road follows the bluffs, with several options to cross over to the beach for a different kind of hiking challenge. Choose your pace and your preference: You’ll love the variety.

This 4.6-mile loop is challenging at times with a few steep climbs, but the surrounding beauty makes the effort worthwhile. After it rains, the hills turn vibrant green, contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean, while spring brings a profusion of yellow and purple wildflowers. Park at Pacific Ridge Trailhead at the top of Newport Coast Drive.

Feeling energetic? Choose this 9.4-mile loop trail, beginning in the El Moro Canyon parking lot. A few challenging inclines will bring you a great feeling of accomplishment as you hike amid coastal sage scrub and, if you’ve timed it right, end by enjoying sunset at the beach.

This hidden gem of a coastal canyon offers the rare opportunity to hike along a creek and across four metal bridges that were placed by helicopter in 2012. Shade and abundant wildflowers make this 4.6-mile trail a particular joy in spring. Park on Poppy Street.