Harbor Pointe Dr, Corona del Mar / Spyglass

MacArthur Blvd is one of the main north/south thoroughfares in Newport Beach. It’s a fast way to travel from the 73 toll road to Fashion Island Shopping Center and Pacific Coast Highway, offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. MacArthur Blvd. has 4 lanes in each direction, so traffic usually isn’t a problem.

As you exit the 73 and travel south, Upper Newport Bay is on the right. This nature preserve is surrounded by cliffs topped with multi-million homes. Continuing south, upscale neighborhoods (some gated) and luxury condos line each side of the road.

As MacArthur winds by Big Canyon Country Club, the ocean comes into view. At San Joaquin Hills Road, on the left is Roger’s Gardens, which claims (rightly so) to be “America’s Most Beautiful Home and Garden Center.” On the right is Fashion Island, one of the premier shopping centers in Orange County (the other is South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa). South Coast is an indoor mall, but Fashion Island is open-air with beautiful landscaping, fountains and an ocean view. It’s a great place to hang out and grab a snack even if you can’t afford to shop at Niemen Marcus or Bloomingdales.

Next on MacArthur is the Newport Beach Public Library, one of the best in Southern California. The city of Newport Beach allows anyone to apply for a library card. A block from the library, MacArthur ends at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The drive from the 73 to PCH is about 3 miles, a quick ride through one of the most beautiful areas of Orange County.