- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Newport Beach
Our city's identity was shaped by early 20th-century harbor dredging, creating seven residential islands like Lido Isle. The 1906 Balboa Pavilion, a Victorian landmark, is a historical anchor. A key architectural point is the Lovell Beach House by Schindler.
Visiting Newport Beach means experiencing the Pacific at 'The Wedge', a body-surfing spot with powerful shore-break waves. Explore the 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, a vital estuary for birds like the Light-footed Ridgway's rail.
Our local cuisine is defined by the Pacific, exemplified by the Dory Fleet Fish Market, a co-op operating since 1891 where fishermen sell their catch from the sand. For a classic treat, try the Balboa Bar, born on the Balboa Peninsula.
- Newport BeachUnited States
- Newport BeachUnited States
- Newport BeachUnited States
- Newport BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightJacket
- #Swimwear
- #BeachTowel
- #WaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #BalboaPier
- #FashionIsland
- #CrystalCoveStatePark
- #NewportHarbor
- #BalboaIsland
- #TheWedge
- Sunset at Balboa Pier
- Explore Balboa Island
- Kayaking in Newport Harbor
- Surfing at The Wedge
- Dining at waterfront restaurants
Recommended Hotels in Newport Beach by Experience
Things to do in Newport Beach
Discover
Discover the best places to visit in Newport Beach, from Balboa Island's quaint shops to Corona del Mar State Beach's coves. Explore the Orange County Museum of Art or the scenic bluffs of Crystal Cove State Park for stunning ocean views.
Experience
Enjoy whale watching tours from the harbor or learn to surf at The Wedge. Experience the annual Newport Beach Film Festival or the dazzling Christmas Boat Parade, a century-old holiday tradition that illuminates the bay.
Balboa Pier
Historic pier for fishing, strolling, and ocean views.
Corona del Mar State Beach
Popular beach with cliffs, tide pools, and fire pits.
Crystal Cove State Park
Natural seashore with tide pools and historic cottages.
Newport Beach Whale Watching
Year-round boat tours to see whales and dolphins.
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
Museum featuring modern and contemporary California art.
Balboa Island Ferry
Historic ferry connecting the peninsula to Balboa Island.
Fashion Island
Open-air lifestyle center with luxury retail shops.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
The easiest way for how to get to Newport Beach is flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA), minutes away. A Newport Beach shuttle bus or ride-share will get you from the Newport Beach airport to city center. For a train to Newport Beach, use Amtrak to Irvine (IRV).
Getting Around
A car rental in Newport Beach provides the most flexibility. Public transport in Newport Beach is managed by OCTA buses, which cover major routes. For a unique experience, cross the harbor on the historic Balboa Island Ferry. Biking is also very popular.
Local Essentials
Driving in Newport Beach requires patience, as Pacific Coast Highway traffic is heavy, especially on weekends. Beach parking is scarce and often metered; use pay-by-phone apps. These Newport Beach travel tips for first-timers will help you plan ahead.
Where to Stay in Newport Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Newport Beach's culinary scene, where fresh-off-the-boat seafood is a must. Taste the iconic cioppino or savory fish tacos. Locals embrace a relaxed, waterfront dining culture, often enjoying extended happy hours with ocean views.
Enjoy
Among the best restaurants in Newport Beach is Mastro's Ocean Club, an upscale steakhouse with dramatic views, book ahead. For drinks, visit the lively Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill. Start your day at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, expect lines.
Mastro's Ocean Club
Elegant steakhouse with ocean views. Live music nightly.
Javier's
Upscale, authentic Mexican cuisine. Great for groups.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
A local institution for fresh seafood. Waterfront setting.
Gulfstream
Classic American seafood house. Intimate, cozy ambiance.
Mama D's Italian
Family-style Italian comfort food. Welcoming atmosphere.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Newport Beach cultural activities rooted in its seaside heritage. The must-see Christmas Boat Parade, a tradition since 1908, illuminates the harbor with festive vessels, reflecting the city's deep maritime history.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Newport Beach attractions. The city thrives with creative energy, from the acclaimed Newport Beach Film Festival to the smooth sounds of the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Don't miss the Christmas Boat Parade.
Christmas Boat Parade
December harbor parade with decorated yachts and fireworks.
Newport Beach Film Festival
An eight-day international film event held every October.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival
A multi-day festival in May/June featuring jazz and R&B.
Newport Beach Art Exhibition
A one-day juried art show and sale held in August.
Newport Beach Restaurant Week
A culinary event in January with prix-fixe menus.
Balboa Island Parade
Annual June parade with decorated floats and live music.
A truly beautiful place
Newport Beach is a beautiful and clean coastal town. It feels very upscale without being stuffy. Great for walking, and the shopping at Fashion Island is excellent. Everything is well-maintained and the people are friendly.
Perfect for the family
Such a great place for a family trip. The kids loved the Balboa Fun Zone and taking the ferry across the bay. We walked the pier and got Balboa Bars every day. It has a classic beach town feel that's hard to find.
Get on the water!
Newport Beach has an amazing harbor scene. Renting a Duffy boat was the highlight of our trip, just cruising around and seeing all the incredible yachts and homes. It's a very active place.
Stunning coastal nature
I was blown away by the natural scenery. The coastal trails at Crystal Cove State Park offer incredible views of the ocean. It's a nice contrast to the more developed parts of the city. Perfect for a long walk or a quiet afternoon on the sand.
So quaint and walkable
Loved the charm of Balboa Island. Walking along Marine Avenue with its little shops and cafes was just perfect. It feels like a small, tight-knit community. A peaceful escape.
Incredible beaches
The beaches are fantastic. Spent most of my time just chilling by the water. Went to see the huge waves at The Wedge, which was wild. It's a great spot to see some serious bodyboarding. The whole place has a laid-back, sun-soaked feel.