The only way to reach the townsite was by way of a long muddy road that circled around the head of Upper Newport Bay. Little civic improvement occurred until Highway 101 bridged the bay and the community was annexed to Newport Beach. Consult a tide table. The best beach-walking is at low tide. Begin at the east jetty of Newport Beach, where you'll see sailboats tacking in and out of the harbor.
Surfers tackle the waves near the jetty.
Proceed down-coast along wide sandy Corona Del Mar State Beach. The beach narrows as you approach the cove that encloses Little Corona Del Mar Beach. Snorkeling is good beneath the cliffs of both Corona beaches. Each area is protected from boat traffic by kelp beds and marine refuge status. A mile from the jetty, you'll pass well-named Arch Rock, which is just offshore, and can be reached at low tide.