Hike Balboa Peninsula - Pier to Pier - to Dinner at Malarkys

ABOUT THE HIKE: This hike provides what may be the best combination of both ocean and bay front walking experiences available in Orange County. From Malarkys, the hike takes 30th Street and the ocean front board walk south to the Newport Pier. At the pier, you have a choice. You can take a walk along the wet, hard pack sand and surf to Balboa Pier. Or you can walk the same 1.5 mile distance on the board walk to Balboa Pier. We regroup at the Pier, having rest rooms and drinking fountains. We then proceed through the Balboa Pier and Fun Zone area, returning along the sidewalk that fronts Newport Harbor and the ocean front board walk. We usually return to Malarkys for our optional post hike celebration around 8:15 PM.

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HIKING DISTANCE: 5 miles round trip on sand and/or boardwalk

HIKING TIME: 2 hours

HIKING DIFFICULTY: Advanced beginner hike with moderate pace. Flat, but the sand adds to the level of difficulty, if you decide to walk the beach.

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ADDITIONAL HIKE NOTES: If you wear shoes and long pants on the wet sand option, they may get wet in the surf. Evenings at the beach can be cool, so be prepared to layer up. Dogs are welcome on the hike, both on the sand and on the boardwalk.

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ABOUT THE POST HIKE: Mondays are now a cause of celebration! Malarkys is offering Sunset Hikers a Monday night dinner special that includes happy hour first drink specials ($3 draft beer) and choice of several premium burgers (including fries or salad) for six dollars with purchase of a beverage. Additionally, Malarkys is providing Sunset Hikers with free parking for our hike and with reserved table seating in the bar area for our dinner.

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DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: The 55 Freeway turns into Newport Boulevard within the City of Newport Beach... cross the bridge over Pacific Coast Highway onto Balboa Peninsula.... proceed down Newport Boulevard to 30th Street.... making a right hand turn into the Malarkys Irish Pub parking lot. (If you pass Newport Pier, you have missed our meetup location.) We will meetup in the parking lot near the restaurant entrance, with restrooms available inside.

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DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.