Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach

We pass Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach all the time while driving on Coast Highway between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

Do you know where the Jack in the Box is at the corner of Coast Highway and where you turn onto the Newport Peninsula at Balboa Blvd?

Well, diagonally across that huge intersection is a hill covered with drought tolerant plants. It almost looks like a vacant lot from the street. The only clue that a park sits above this spot is this sign — and some stairs off Superior and a walking ramp off Coast Highway.

But even in my wildest dreams, I didn’t imagine the park treasure that sits on the bluff overlooking the ocean. The sheer scale of it is awesome.

At the high point on the east side of the park, a beautiful butterfly garden complete with pavers in the shape of a monarch.

Then gaze across an expanse of lawn and see the playground and picnic area sitting at the west end of the park.

Directions to Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach: The park is at the corner of Coast Highway and Superior/Balboa Blvd (Superior turns into Balboa Blvd as it crosses Coast Highway).  You’ll want to approach the park from Coast Highway, because the parking is actually off the northbound (heading AWAY from the beach) side of Superior. You will need to park in the pay lot and walk across the pedestrian bridge to the park. (Park Address: 4850 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach – which won’t get you to the parking lot so look at the map ahead of time!) MAP TO SUNSET RIDGE PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

• I like that it’s almost a “secret park” — it’s not visible from the street and I haven’t heard many people talk about it
• There’s a path that winds all the way around the park and up through a beautiful butterfly garden
• Did I mention views of the ocean? Well, there’s views of the ocean and a nice ocean breeze!
• I’m a sucker for the realistic-looking climb-on lizard and frog – not to mention the tree tunnels (how fun are these for kids?)

• The playground is very near the picnic and restroom area
• Wooden log slides and pretty fast green tunnel slide (although it’s not too steep)
• Rocks, ladders, and logs for climbing and a bridge on the main part of the playground

• Nice shade covers over the picnic area and to a lesser extent of coverage over the playground
• Follow the footprints around the playground for pretend
• 2 bench swings and 1 baby swing
• The reason why you plant native plants is so that native wildlife has a habitat. I saw this in action near the butterfly garden. I saw all sorts of small birds and other wildlife at this end of the park.

Be Aware:

• Because it’s near the beach, it can be cooler than inland locations so make sure you bring a jacket if you think you’ll get cold
• There were dogs at the park when I visited first thing in the morning and there was more than one spot on the sidewalk where owners did not pick up the dog waste — but that will depend on the day.
• Even though you can’t see the street here, you can HEAR it. It is a busy intersection below you and there is a constant but low hum from all the traffic.
• It’s a bit of a hike to get from the parking lot to the playground – and a pain if you forget something in the car. You need to pay to park in the Superior lot and then walk over the bridge.

Luckily, with the new pedestrian bridge that opened in Fall 2024, you DON’T need to go across a very busy street anymore! We used to have to WATCH those drivers turning right. And you also don’t have to walk uphill or upstairs into the park. Even though the ramp made it possible for strollers.

Checklist:

• Recycled rubber and sand play surface
• Parking lot is up Superior a half a block from Coast Highway – it is a pay lot (but machines haven’t been installed quite yet)
• Restrooms appear to be locked (and probably are at night) but you don’t need a code to get in – they are open 6am-10pm during the day
• Drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations at restroom building, in butterfly garden, and the parking lot
• Soccer field
• Baseball diamond
• 2 charcoal grills
• Picnic area sits just above the playground
• Easy access to beach bike trails
• Convenient restaurants at the corner of Balboa Blvd and Coast Highway near Jack in the Box — Al Cappuccino Coffee House, a donut shop that serves MUCH more (think breakfast sandwiches and avocado omelettes), and Chronic Tacos breakfasts.
• Official City of Newport Beach web page for Sunset Ridge Park
• Nearest public libraries: Newport Beach Public Library branches

Parks nearby Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach:

• West Newport Park in Newport Beach
• 38th Street Park
• Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park Playground
• Marina Park

Originally published in June 2018.

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