8 “Green” Ways To Celebrate Earth Day This Year in Newport Beach
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, 2026, which marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. And in an effort to celebrate and preserve our planet’s beauty, we’re eager to live as eco-friendly as possible. There are a number of ways to lower our carbon footprint, such as riding a bike instead of driving or opting for a plant-based meal. Here are eight ways to go green this week for Earth Day in Newport Beach!
Save Fuel and Bike Around Town
While driving may be the easy option, parking in Newport Beach can be tricky—especially during the spring and summer months. Instead, swap out your car keys for an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes! This five-star rental company on the Balboa Peninsula has a large selection of premium electric bikes for you to choose from. The best part? You can easily zip from place to place while soaking in some vitamin D.
Earth Day at the Bay
If you’re passionate about sustainability, come celebrate Earth Day 2026 at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center on Saturday, April 18! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Newport Bay Conservancy will host Earth Day at the Bay, where guests can enjoy a free, family-friendly day full of environmental-themed exhibits, educational activities and science discovery. There will also be live music, booths, food trucks and a scavenger hunt for prizes and giveaways! For more info on this event, click here.
Earth Day: Sow & Grow!
Celebrate Earth Day in a hands-on, meaningful way at Earth Day: Sow & Grow! hosted by the Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach. Taking place on April 22 from 3-6 p.m., this immersive Earth Day event in Orange County invites guests to connect with nature by caring for native plants in the on-site nursery, exploring the scenic trails around the estuary, and practicing nature journaling. It’s an easy, feel-good way to slow down, learn about the local ecosystem, and give back to the environment—all while soaking in one of Newport’s most beautiful settings. Just bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and a journal, and you’re set for an afternoon of mindful, eco-friendly activities.
Plant-Based Eats
Make your health (and the environment) a priority this Earth Day in Newport Beach, and opt for a fresh vegan meal at one of Newport Beach’s plant-based restaurants. Because their production requires fewer natural resources and less energy in comparison to animal-based eats, vegan foods are more sustainable and less taxing on the environment. Stop by Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice for a bowl or wrap or Jan’s Health Bar for their new Chopped Protein Wrap. Flower Child is also a stellar spot for some plant-based fare, which features everything from a Ginger Miso Crunch Salad and Mother Earth Bowl to Cauliflower Risotto.
Refill, Please!
The beauty industry produces tons of plastic waste each year, and unfortunately, has no plans of cutting back. Little Shop by the Sea on the Balboa Peninsula boasts an assortment of organic home goods, natural skincare products and eco-friendly gifts. Each product sold is plastic-free, making this quaint store a leader in sustainability. The shop will even refill your empty containers with their selection of organic bath and beauty products. Just bring your containers in, fill them up, and a store associate will weigh them to determine the price.
When in Doubt, Thrift It Out
Fast fashion may be tempting, as it’s easy, accessible and pretty much everywhere we look. However, if you’re on the hunt for a few spring wardrobe items, skip the shopping malls and pop into one of Newport Beach’s secondhand stores. Sundance Thrift on Balboa Island features a stellar selection of retro finds and even has a photobooth and adjacent coffee shop. But if you’re looking for designer goods, The RealReal in Lido Marina Village is a luxury resale shop with tons of top brands like Gucci, Chanel, Cartier and more. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
Wildlife Jewels 3rd Annual Earth Day Sweep for Wildlife Walk
On Sunday, April 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Wildlife Jewels will host its 3rd Annual Earth Day Sweep for Wildlife Walk at Corona del Mar State Beach, inviting the community to engage in conservation through education and action. Participants will help remove trash and debris from the shoreline while learning about the unique coastal wildlife that calls this area home. This Earth Day event in Newport Beach offers an opportunity to explore the threats these species face and discover everyday steps we can take to protect them. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or buckets and gloves for the cleanup. There will also be a photo contest, where participants can submit pictures from the day for a chance to win a Wildlife Jewels original artwork.
Anchor’s Away!
While boating is a popular activity in our city, we encourage you to try a more eco-friendly one this Earth Day in Newport Beach, like sailing! Newport Beach Sailing Charters specializes in private skipper-lead sailing charters, which will save you tons of money in gas compared to your typical boat rental. Each one of the company’s captains is also a sailing instructor, so they can show you the ropes. Hop aboard and experience one of the oldest outdoor activities in Newport Beach while also putting the environment first.
