26 Things to Do in Newport Beach (in 2023)

As it sports one of California’s premier harbors, it’s common to associate the best things to do in Newport Beach with big, fancy boats. But there’s so much more to Newport Beach, California! I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and every visit only makes me love Newport Beach more.

Nestled between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, Newport Beach is an excellent base for adventures in Orange County. As a California local, this is one of my favorite places in California to get away from it all. Let’s dive right in!

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26 Things to Do in Newport Beach

Newport Beach

Embark on all manner of fun in the sun on a beautiful beach and boardwalk

A gull at the shoreline of Newport Beach — *The gulls enjoy Newport Beach with or without the sun*

What better place to start than the city’s namesake, Newport Beach? Boasting the warmest water in Orange County, Newport Beach Municipal Beach is a 5-mile stretch of sandy beach built for relaxation.

A smooth boardwalk runs along the beach, continuing around the southern end of the Balboa Peninsula. Renting an electric bike and cruising the full boardwalk is a great way for newcomers to get the lay of the land.

You’ll find loads of cute shops, bars, and restaurants along the boardwalk. There are many great spots mere steps from the beach, including my favorite hotel in Newport, Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn. Learn more about this adorable B&B in my guide on where to stay in Orange County.

👉 Pro Tip: Leave time to chat when walking the boardwalk. It’s not uncommon to meet friendly locals hanging out in front of the beach houses – and the summer rental set throws some truly epic parties.

Newport Beach Pier

Stroll and enjoy the view from this iconic wooden pier

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949)644-3309 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 12 am | Entrance: Free

The pier is often a center of activity in Southern California beach cities. For example, the Malibu pier is a staple Malibu attraction, and the world-famous Santa Monica Pier is among the top attractions of Los Angeles.

Newport’s pier, on the other hand, is more of a throwback. It’s mellow and romantic, most popular for pier fishing or just enjoying the view. It’s excellent for strolling hand-in-hand with the one you love, though it does draw a fair amount of foot traffic from summer tourists on weekends.

☕ Pro Tip: Pick up a hot drink at Newport Coffee to warm up on chilly off-season afternoons, and make sure to check out the seasonal specials!

21 Oceanfront

Dine in an opulent seaside restaurant just steps from Newport Pier

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 673-2100 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Sun – Thurs, 4 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat

Some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles are lavish steakhouses where gloved waitstaff, white tablecloths, and thick cuts of meat call back to the golden age of Hollywood. So too at 21 Oceanfront, with the bonus of exceptionally fresh seafood and spectacular sunset views.

Early risers can get in amongst the pros as they procure the catch of the day from Dory Fishing Fleet, a local fish market mere steps away from the restaurant’s entrance. They’ll stay open until noon if the supply holds out, but the best catch is usually gone by 7 am.

🌅 Pro Tip: To get a taste of 21 Oceanfront without dropping $$$ on dinner, check out their happy hour, Sunday through Thursday from 4-7 pm.

Balboa Island

Explore charming shops and restaurants on a tiny island in Newport Harbor

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Best Bites of Balboa Island Food Tour

A man-made island, the Balboa village was developed in the early 20th century as a summer vacation destination. Aside from now being a year-round slice of utopia, the branding stuck. Charming storefronts and Victorian architecture, such as that of the Balboa Pavilion, remain hallmarks of this quaint community.

The view from the Balboa Pier is pretty sweet, and Balboa Island’s iconic goodies are sweeter still. Icy delights Balboa Bars and Frozen Bananas have satisfied sweet tooths for the better part of a century, but the latter has a more modern claim to fame.

Fans of Arrested Development will recognize more around here than local banana stand Sugar ‘n Spice. After all, the show was set in none other than Newport Beach, California.

⛴️ How to Get There: The most fun way to reach the island is the Balboa Island Ferry, which is open to pedestrians and vehicles. Parking on Balboa Island is very limited, so having a car is usually more of a bother than anything. Visitors can easily explore the island on foot.

Balboa Pier

Fish, relax, or grab a bite on the most popular pier in Newport Beach

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 644-3309 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 12 am | Entrance: Free

My most loved parts of Newport Beach feel almost like a living time capsule, a step back to the quieter days before cell phones and social media.

Nowhere is this more true than Balboa Pier, up to and including Ruby’s, 1950s-style diner at the pier’s end. The food is pretty standard, this menu’s winner is ice cream. There’s something particularly delightful about a simple soft-serve cone when it’s paired with a gorgeous view and an ocean breeze.

The Balboa Pier is very popular for fishing. You’ll find a fairly wide range of species inhabiting the waters here, including prized halibut and bonito. Facilities include benches, lights, and fish-cleaning stations. (If blood & guts are the sort of thing that turns your tummy, best to stick with nearby Newport Pier instead.)

⛵ Feel the Need for Speed? Balboa Pier is the starting point of the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

Balboa Beach

Settle down or snuggle up to someone special on this calm stretch of sandy seashore

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 673-3371 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm | Entrance: Free

Nested between Balboa Pier and the jetty that forms the southern end of Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Beach is the most remote seafront in Newport Beach. This is a beautiful spot to kick back and relax, just don’t plan on going too wild.

Grills, amplified music, and beach tents are among the gear not permitted here, but there are a few fire pits for evening beachgoers. While many residents of the houses along the boardwalk will happily chat with strangers or offer a cold beer, a few are quick to involve the authorities in any situation not up to code.

🌊 Swimmers Beware: The water near the shore is relatively safe and shallow, but it gets deep quickly and the surf near the jetty is dangerously fierce. Though not common, small sharks are sometimes caught at Balboa Pier, which is very nearby.

Balboa Fun Zone

Frolic in an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and arcade

The Balboa Fun Zone signage at the entrance at night — *The sign, like much of this amusement park, has stood the test of time*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 662-0193 | Website | Hours:11 am – 5 pm Mon- Thurs, 11 am – 7 pm Fri, Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

One of the top family-friendly Newport Beach activities, Balboa Fun Zone is much what it sounds like. As classic an amusement park as one could hope to find, this seaside stop is filled with a variety of fun and games.

While the Balboa wheel may not be as famous as the one in Santa Monica, it’s still good fun and costs just $5 per ride. Plus, while the area gets plenty busy in summer, crowds here pale in comparison to those up near LA.

Catalina Flyer

Cruise from Newport Beach, California to Catalina Island on a ferry boat

View from the outside of the Balboa Pavillion — *Balboa Pavillion, the departure/arrival point for the Catalina Flyer ferry*

One of the most popular LA day trips is Catalina Island. From Newport Beach, it’s an even easier excursion. Simply hop on the Catalina Flyer and you’ll be wandering the lanes of the Mediterranean-style village Avalon in about an hour.

A full-service bar is available on board to kick off your Catalina adventure, as well as a variety of snacks.

💰Save on Parking & Traffic Hassles: Online reservations for the Catalina Island ferry include an option for a free $20 Lyft voucher.

Woody’s Wharf

Feast on fresh seafood and sip classic cocktails at a neighborhood go-to with a great view of the marina

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 675-0474 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Mon – Thurs, 10 am – 1:30 am Fri & Sat, 9 am – 1:30 am Sunday

If you were rebooting Cheers in Newport Beach, California, this is where you’d go. My favorite restaurant in Newport, Woody’s is all about a comfortable environment and good food.

The bar is a great place to stop in for a drink, with welcoming bartenders who are happy to chat on quiet evenings. After the kitchen closes you can get drinks from the bar and sit out on the patio, a fabulous spot to confab with friends while enjoying a dynamite view of Newport Harbor.

🍽️ Pro Tip: The kitchen in this Newport Beach, CA restaurant sometimes closes earlier than posted when it’s slow, so get here by 8 for weeknight dinners.

Newport Harbor

Check out enormous superyachts and other sea-faring craft at Orange County’s largest marina

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949)642-4644 (Marina) | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Newport Harbor Cruises on Viator

If you like big boats and you cannot lie, Newport Harbor is going to be right up your gangway. Here there be superyachts. They’re privately owned and inaccessible, to be sure, but still fabulous to look at. And there are plenty of outstanding options for getting out on the water.

Harbor cruises are the best thing to do here. Brunch cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, private cruises, party cruises – Newport Harbor has them all, and then some.

Boat rentals are also readily available, ranging from kayak to yacht. Zipping around on a Duffy boat with good friends and a picnic is hard to beat. That said… having lucked into being a guest on someone else’s yacht a time or two… Wowza. If you’ve got the cash, what a way to spend it.

🚣 Word to the Wise: Kayaks are a lot of fun, but if you’re a beginner, tackle Newport Harbor with someone who isn’t.

Newport Beach Whale Watching

Spot whales in the wild just off the coast of Newport Beach, CA

A whale swimming at the Newport coast with seabirds flying over it — *A whale swimming near the Newport coast*

Gray whales and rare blue whales migrate through the waters near Newport Beach, so it’s no wonder a whale-watching trip ranks highly among the area’s top activities.

Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing Whale Watching are two popular operators with daily tours. Smaller outfits offering private tours are more expensive but tend to offer a more curated experience.

Gray whale season is typically from December – April. Giant blue whales are more often in the area from May – November. Dolphins and sea lions are year-round residents commonly spotted on Newport Beach whale-watching excursions.

🐳 Pro Tip: To get the best pics, choose the whale-watching tour with the smallest boat.

West Jetty View Park

Relax on a bench and watch the boats go by in this tiny waterfront park

View at the West Jetty View Park during sunset — *Sunset, palm trees, beach… what’s not to like?*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 644-3151 | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm | Entrance: Free

Located at the south end of the Balboa Peninsula, this park’s namesake is a long jetty at the entrance of Newport Bay. The park’s grassy area is pretty petite, with a handful of benches and picnic tables.

West Jetty View Beach, on the other hand, is pretty big. And the waves in this spot, known as The Wedge, are even bigger still. Occasionally the swell here soars as high as 30 feet!

🌊 Pro Tip: Don’t plan on surfing The Wedge (see next entry.)

The Wedge

Catch a peek at surfers catching waves at Southern California’s biggest swell

Created incidentally when the Army Corps of Engineers built a jetty, this local surf legend boasts some of the biggest – and most dangerous – waves in Orange County.

Negotiations between these big waves and the brave souls who test these waters make for quite a spectacle. This works out great because even experienced visitors are strongly discouraged from paddling out here. Mostly by common sense, but also by a fiercely protective local contingent known as the Wedge Crew.

Those angling to catch a wave of their own can find more welcoming spots in nearby Huntington Beach, aka Surf City, USA. Or head north to Surfrider, one of the best beaches in Los Angeles county.

Crystal Cove State Park

Explore idyllic Southern California nature from coast to canyon

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 494-3539 | Website | Hours: 6 am – Sunset | Entrance: Free, day use parking $15 p/vehicle

Crystal Cove State Park is one of the largest remaining open spaces in Orange County. It’s 18 miles of hiking trails crisscross the native wilderness. Here, higher paths lead through mountainous backcountry, while low routes wind through woodlands to beaches dotted with tidepools.

Crystal Cove Historic District, an enclave with rustic seaside cottages and a restaurant, remains open until 10 pm. Reservations at the cottages are tough to come by, but it’s a lovely spot for a carefree wander.

And, ok, while it does border the southern edge of the Newport Coast, Crystal Cove State Park is technically in Laguna Beach, another don’t-miss destination just 20 minutes south on Pacific Coast Highway.

🐴 Hello, Horse People: Although horse country is relatively sparse in Orange County, the trails in Crystal Cove State Park are rated for horseback riding.

Corona del Mar State Beach

Take in the view from a picture-perfect sandy beach framed by cliffs

Close up view of waves at the Big Corona Beach — *Big Corona Beach*

View of waves at the Little Corona Beach — *Little Corona Beach*

Seaside neighborhood Corona del Mar is an upcoming destination in its own right, and the main attraction is this superb beach. Wave-carved cliffs and lush green bluffs make this perhaps the most dramatically beautiful setting in Newport Beach, California.

Corona del Mar State Beach is a great spot to get in the water, with gentle waves and a mostly sandy sea floor. Tide pools at either end of the beach are teeming with life, especially for divers equipped to rove beneath the surface.

Also known as Big Corona Beach, this half-mile stretch of sand terminates at Inspiration Point Park. From this lookout, it’s just a 4-minute walk to one of Newport’s hidden treasures, Little Corona Beach.

👉 Pro Tip: Corona del Mar State Beach is one of few California State Parks that does NOT accept the Annual Day Use Pass.

Fashion Island

Splurge on designer goodies at this luxurious outdoor mall

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949)721-2000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday

For trendsetters and shopaholics, Fashion Island is paradise. It’s huge, it’s pretty, and with 180 stores and services, you’re going to find what you’re looking for.

Fashion Island is a high-end Southern California mall in a high-end community. While the prices don’t soar to quite the heights of Rodeo Drive up in the ultra-luxe LA neighborhood of Beverly Hills, they’re far from cheap.

💰 Pro Tip: If you do spot a sale sign, investigate further. Deals here are fewer and further between, but the ones you find are often of the jackpot variety.

The Spa at Pelican Hill

Pamper yourself with personalized treatments at the luxurious Pelican Hill Resort

View from the entrance of Pelican Hill — *One of a few grand entrances to the Pelican Hill Resort*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 253-8078 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 6 pm

When you’re ready to indulge in the ultimate relaxation and self-care, Pelican Hill Spa is just the place. Here, expert therapists provide treatments that soothe your body, mind, and soul.

A Forbes Five-Star Spa, Pelican Hill’s signature Coastal Renewal treatment includes a massage, rejuvenating herbal body buff, body wrap, and mini-facial. Every treatment includes the use of the spa’s Acqua Colonnades, featuring steam rooms, saunas, and saltwater soaking tubs.

Civic Center Park

Pleasant green space with walking paths and a sculpture exhibition

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 644-3151 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm | Entrance: Free

Near Fashion Island, this 14-acre park offers something for everyone. Pleasant, shady walking trail? Check. Fascinating sculptures? Check. Pacific Ocean views, fountains, dog park? Check, check, check.

🐕 Digs for the Doggos: Civic Center Park is home to the only dog park in Newport Beach, CA. The most direct access to the park is a small parking area for the dog park off Avacado Ave.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Enjoy outdoor recreation and view endangered species in a 1,000-acre ecological reserve

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 923-2290 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm | Entrance: Free

Much of Orange County is heavily developed, so the few remaining natural spaces are rare treasures. While Upper Newport Bay may not be the most massive of California’s State Parks, it is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife.

Birders will be thrilled at the number of feathered friends thriving here, including several rare and endangered species such as the Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon. Lucky visitors may catch sight of an elusive bobcat. You’ll want to keep your distance from them, as well as the near-ubiquitous coyotes, and please, please do not feed the raccoons!

If you’re staying on the Balboa Peninsula, the most popular area of Newport Beach, you’ll need to journey inland a way to get here. The easiest route is to head south on Pacific Coast Highway, then turn left on Jamboree Rd. The main access points for the park are to your left off of Jamboree, on Eastbluff Drive and Bayview Way.

🦅 Optimal in Off-Season! As many as 35,000 birds flock to Upper Newport Bay during winter migration.

Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center

Learn about the globally significant estuary of Upper Newport Bay in a nature museum with exhibits and interactive displays

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 923-2290 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free

Also located in Upper Newport Bay, this center honors the area’s renowned biodiversity. There are so many fascinating species of wildlife in the expansive array of habitats here that the entirety of this 10,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to giving visitors young and old an understanding of the importance of this place.

Which also happens to be stunningly beautiful, by the way. Make sure to take in the view between visits to the theater and live reptile exhibits. Walks and water tours exploring the area around the center are pleasant, easy treks into the wild.

Nature lovers looking for a challenge can traipse further off the beaten path to discover the many treasures of California’s mountain towns.

🌿 Want to Get Involved? Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff for Second Sunday Restoration, a community effort to maintain the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife.

Sherman Library and Gardens

Delve into chronicles of history and wonders of nature

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 673-2261 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 4 pm | Entrance: $5

One of the most quaint attractions in Newport Beach, California, this small library sports a darling rose garden.

The Sherman Library collections specialize in the history of the Pacific Southwest. Selected volumes and photographs are on view for all visitors, and archival research is available by appointment.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t miss onsite restaurant 608 Dahlia, whose ‘garden-to-table’ menu features produce and edible blooms from the Sherman Library gardens.

Pelican Hill Golf Club

Play a round at a luxurious oceanfront golf club featuring scenery on par with paradise

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844)878-0942 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm | Tee Time: $125 & up

Every shot you take on this world-class course is going to land in gorgeous. Between lush greens and breathtaking vistas, Pelican Hill is eighteen holes of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Booking luxury lodgings at Pelican Hill Resort is key for those who want to ensure plenty of time out on the links. In addition to having one of Newport’s best restaurants, Pelican Grill, the Pelican Hill Spa is an escape indulgent enough to have earned its own spot on this list.

⛳ Pro Tip: Public tee times are limited, so book early. Reservations can be booked up to two weeks in advance.

Environmental Nature Center

Gain insight into the natural world and natural history of Newport Beach from a leader in science and social education

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 645-8489 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

Largely devoted to educational enterprises and pre-planned events, the Environmental Nature Center is a nature sanctuary tucked between the marina and residential neighborhoods. Walking paths throughout the 5-acre campus showcase 15 California native plant communities, ranging from desert to freshwater marsh to oak woodlands and redwood forest.

🌿 Pro Tip: A $30 membership gets you access to special Members Only hours at Enviromental Nature Center, Mon-Fri from 2-5 pm.

Newport Landing Restaurant

Dig in at a legendary waterfront restaurant boasting the “longest happy hour in town”

View of the signage at the Newport Landing Restaurant — *Ample signage guides you to the Newport Landing restaurant*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 675-2373 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm Weds – Sun, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Newport Landing is a much-loved mainstay in the Newport Beach, CA dining scene. The menu features fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks served in a casual atmosphere. Upstairs, the oyster bar offers a fantastic view of the harbor.

The most enjoyable way to get to Newport Landing is by sea. You can tie up your Duffy boat right out front, enjoy your meal, then enjoy a languid post-dinner cruise.

🍤 Pro Tip: Visit mid-week for extended happy hours. On Wednesdays & Thursdays, Newport Landing serves its bargain-price specials until 8 pm.

Lido Marina Village

Peruse artisan boutiques and al fresco dining in a picturesque dock-side center near popular boat rental agencies

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm

If you’re looking for a place to rent the aforementioned Duffy boat or a host of other colorful charter boats, you’ll find them here. For those who have a boat already, it’s also a great place to dock ‘n dine – or dock ‘n shop!

For a marvelous girls’ day, follow up your visit to the boutiques of Lido Marina Village with a wellness package at an upscale boutique day spa. It’s a pretty sweet deal, including multiple treatments followed by snacks and mimosas in your own private lounge.

🚗 How to Get There: State Route 55 is the main thoroughfare in Newport Beach. Coming from the 405 freeway, Lido Marina Village is a straight shot south. Just head down the 55 (which transitions into Newport Blvd south of 19th St,) then turn left on 32nd St, left on Lafayette Ave, and left on Via Lido.

Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery

Book a tasting at an award-winning local vintner and you may just get to meet the wine goats

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 645-2200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon- Fri, Closed Sat & Sun

Wine aficionados won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind private wine estate in Upper Newport Bay. Available only by reservation for groups of 8 or more, tastings here are much like your own exclusive private party.

On the first Sunday of each month, the winery hosts a luncheon with the Newport Beach Vineyards mascots, Winnie and Evie the wine goats. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more fun, unique winery tour than these!

🍷 Love Wine? Plan a weekend getaway to check out the many attractions of Temecula. Southern California’s up-and-coming wine country, this region is located just about an hour southeast of Newport Beach.

FAQs About What to Do in Newport Beach

How do I spend a day in Newport Beach?

When you want to spend a day in Newport Beach, CA, head to the Balboa Peninsula. It’s here you’ll find many of the most popular Newport Beach attractions, including the Newport Pier, Balboa Fun Zone, and the ferry to Balboa Island.

Is Newport Beach worth visiting?

Newport Beach, California is very much worth visiting, especially for folks looking to enjoy the seaside at a slower pace. Located between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, Newport Beach is a great base for exploring the best of Orange County.

What is Newport Beach known for?

Newport Beach, California is known for enormous yachts, gorgeous sea views, and an upscale, old-school lifestyle. The Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Island are among the top Newport Beach attractions.

Where can I hang out in Newport Beach?

When you want to socialize, the best place to hang out in Newport Beach is on the Balboa Peninsula. For more relaxed environs, check out Corona del Mar or Crystal Cove State Park.

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There you have it! The top 26 things to do in Newport Beach, California. Next up, check out our guide to the best places to eat in Orange County. Vacation, ahoy!!