Bunnyhenge is a popular attraction in Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park. Especially during the spring, many visitors flock to Orange County, also known as “The OC”, specifically to see Bunnyhenge in Newport Beach. Why? It’s a fun place to witness and take photos with the 8-foot rabbit and 14 rabbits each standing 3 feet tall.
Newport Beach Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park in Newport Beach spans 16 acres and is the city’s fifth largest park. This park features restored wetlands, 1.23 miles of walking trails, a dog park, a sculpture exhibit, and a civic lawn for outdoor events.
How to Get to Newport Beach Civic Center Park?
Newport Beach Civic Center Park is located at 100 Civic Center Drive in Newport Beach, CA.
It is located near the entrance to Fashion Island, just off MacArthur Boulevard, located between Avocado and MacArthur in Newport Beach.
Where to Go in Newport Beach Civic Center Park?
You can park in the parking structure as you enter the park. There are also additional parking spaces on the other side of the library. Additionally, there are limited parking spots near the dog park.
Are Dogs Allowed in Newport Beach Civic Center Park?
Yes, in fact, at the northern end of the park (located north of San Miguel Road), there is the only dog park in the city with two separate areas for big and small dogs to play.
Bunnyhenge at Civic Center Park in Newport Beach
Civic Center Park in Newport Beach was designed by Berkeley landscape architectural firm Peter Walker and Partners (PWP Landscape Architecture).
The park features a larger-than-life white stone rabbit, inspired by Alice in Wonderland and representing a departure from traditional playground designs. Additionally, there are 14 rabbits, each standing about 3 feet tall, arranged in a circle at the north end of the park.
These rabbits have caused controversy due to their $221,000 price tag. Newport Beach residents’ tax dollars funded these bunnies, and not everyone was happy about that. Locals nicknamed these rabbits Bunnyhenge
Despite the controversy, Bunnyhenge has continued to attract many visitors since its installation in 2013, standing out from other sculptures in the park.
Hidden Gem Bunnyhenge in Civic Center Park in Newport Beach CA
Since we moved to the neighborhood in 2015, we’ve often walked through Civic Center Park and visited Bunnyhenge. In the early years, during spring and Easter, it was great fun to watch the many neighborhood children hang eggs and flowers on the 3-foot-tall bunnies.
Also, Bunnyhenge has become a must-see in Newport Beach, CA. Taking a photo at Bunnyhenge makes for a social Instagram-worthy photo to share.
Bunnyhenge has also become a popular meet-up spot. For us, it’s a fun rendezvous, especially with out-of-town paw pals visiting us. This is a beautiful park to walk around and take amazing photos.
Sculpture Exhibition at Civic Center Park
Phase I of the sculpture exhibition began in August 2013, and now (in 2024) it is in Phase VII. This is a rotational sculpture exhibit.
For more information about the current sculpture exhibit, you can visit the Newport Beach website page titled ‘Sculpture Exhibition at Civic Center Park’ or use the mobile app for a self-guided walking tour of the park. Look for the ‘MyNB’ app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Great Extra: Off-Leash Newport Beach Dog Park
When Civic Center Park was established in 2013, the off-leash dog park was a fantastic addition as the first dog playground in Newport Beach.
The dog park includes enclosed runs for large and small dogs. The play area is partially lined with all-season astroturf, and the other half consists of flat dirt. There is a water fountain for dogs, and benches are available for people under a shaded area.
Located at the north end of Civic Center Park, between Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard, the park is open from 7 am to dusk. Public parking spaces are available on Avocado Avenue, but they are limited. An alternative option is to park in Civic Center Park and walk to the dog park.
The park is very well maintained by Newport Beach, CA. Therefore to all dog owners, it is important to respect and follow the dog park rules.
We’re not big fans of going to an off-leash dog park. So, we rarely bring our golden retrievers here, and if we do, we come early to make sure we’re the only dogs in the park. We prefer to take our dogs on long walks, so the walk from the Civic Center Park parking area to the dog park is a nice walk of over a mile.
Dog-Friendly Civic Center Park in Newport Beach, CA
In conclusion, Bunnyhenge in Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park is a wonderful and fun attraction for dog owners, locals, and visitors alike. Despite the initial controversy surrounding its creation, Bunnyhenge has become a favorite spot for many, attracting people from all over Orange County to take pictures and enjoy its unique beauty.
While Bunnyhenge is the highlight of Civic Center Park, there is much more to enjoy, such as beautiful plants, amazing sculptures, walking trails, and a dog park.
Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, bring your dog to Newport Beach Civic Center Park and enjoy the delightful wonder of Bunnyhenge – Come on board and discover the magic of Bunnyhenge! You can view the latest pictures of my dogs at Bunnyhenge on our Instagram and Facebook pages.