Top 5 Newport Beach Historical Tours: See the Past
Thinking about checking out some hidden stories from Newport Beach? Well, you’re just a little bit in luck! Newport Beach isn’t really just eye-catching beaches and, very glamorous homes; as a matter of fact it’s almost, overflowing with loads of past that’s just sitting there, sort of, waiting to be discovered. From tales of early settlers to Hollywood’s golden era touch, is that the city really, kind of has stories layered like an onion. And, you know, what better way to uncover is that than, really, taking a historical tour? We’ve gone ahead, sort of, and looked at the, you know, best tours, and here are, like, our top picks. Ready? Let’s wander through time!
1. The Balboa Island Walking Tour
Balboa Island, oh my, is that just feels like stepping into a postcard! I mean, really, a walking tour right here, so, tends to be, your first encounter with Newport’s really delightful charm. A guide, so, will walk you down Marine Avenue, is that too it’s sharing anecdotes about, sort of, the island’s origins. I mean, this island went, arguably, from a sandbar to a bustling community, so, with its own fire department and, well, almost, a very strong sense of community. And, actually, keep an eye out for the, you know, really cute boutiques and, of course, is that the famous Balboa Bar— it’s a frozen banana dipped in chocolate. Now, very that’s just screams “Newport,” doesn’t it?
That’s so cool: This tour sometimes includes personal stories from longtime residents, really giving, arguably, an genuine peek into the island life. Read our full review: Balboa Island Walking Tour Full Review and Details.
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2. Newport Bay Boat Tour: A History Afloat
You want to experience Newport’s past, in a way, from the water? Very that, actually, takes a boat tour of Newport Bay. First, now, imagine gliding across the water as, obviously, the guide talks, still, about the bay’s past, and also it’s use in the, like, early days of shipping and trade. That’s almost too cool! Second, now, these tours often show the homes of, arguably, really famous celebrities from the, well, virtually, golden era of Hollywood. The homes, really, are quite something. That’s almost amazing! It really offers a perspective, like your, both, now, the history, and that of the, very, luxurious life here, and you know that is, still, kind of a thing. Plus, I mean, right, the views of the coastline? Perfect!
Boat Highlight: Quite a few tours make sure to, you know, pass by the, arguably, historic Balboa Pavilion, so, too it’s steeped in tales of big bands and dances from back then. Read our full review: Newport Bay Boat Tour Full Review and Details.
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3. The Sherman Library & Gardens Historical Tour
Do you want, now, a serene escape combined with, well, obviously, some learning? Basically, that the Sherman Library & Gardens offers walking tours that focus both, like, on the botanical beauty, really, and very that’s local history. As a matter of fact, the library itself houses a huge collection, usually, that documents the Pacific Southwest’s history. That is something. And, is that too it’s when walking through the, you know, very beautiful gardens, basically, a guide points out some plants, I mean, that they really had something to do with the region’s history. Plus, I mean, well, it’s just a little, very tranquil spot to spend an afternoon.
A thing: Always check their schedule, still, for, in a way, very special tours focused on different parts of Southern California’s history! Read our full review: Sherman Library & Gardens Historical Tour Full Review and Details.
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4. Corona del Mar Walking Tour: Seaside Stories
Corona del Mar, obviously, meaning “Crown of the Sea,” still, and tends to be, its name, arguably, so fitting. And so, you know, right, this walking tour actually takes you through the community, too it’s filled with elegant homes, in fact, so that have their own tales. The, sort of, guides really share stories about how, basically, this area evolved and actually became a very sought-after seaside spot. Really interesting stuff. Of course, too it’s there is Inspiration Point which offers outstanding views. Arguably, and they’re worth every step.
Walking Point: See if, basically, your tour has tales related to the, well, virtually, early film shoots right here; a ton took place in this picturesque setting! Read our full review: Corona del Mar Walking Tour Full Review and Details.
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5. The Environmental Nature Center History Walk
Something else, very slightly different but actually kind of fun is that the Environmental Nature Center actually offers walks that sort of explore the area’s natural history. I mean, the, obviously, center right here is so that protects local habitats, arguably, but also is that to have an, in a way, surprisingly rich story of how it evolved. That is actually very interesting! So a guided tour sort of covers the indigenous peoples, very early settlers, oh my, and the challenges and effort and very change, but also, anyway, this land went through. I mean, like, nature buffs? Right, this one is for you.
Tour Moment: Some of these excursions include simple lessons about indigenous plant life, just slightly tying humans’ story, arguably, with, that, with nature’s. Read our full review: Environmental Nature Center History Walk Full Review and Details.
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