Things to Do in Newport Beach, California
- October 10, 2025
- Things to Do
- 5 mins read
Newport Beach, California, is where luxury meets laid-back surf culture. From golden beaches and harbor cruises to fine dining and family fun, this iconic Orange County destination offers an endless mix of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal getaway, a family vacation, or a solo escape, here are the best things to do in Newport Beach — carefully curated to make the most of your trip.
1. Explore the Iconic Newport and Balboa Piers
Start your trip where the coast meets California’s easygoing energy.
The Newport Pier, built in 1888, anchors the heart of the beachfront, offering ocean views, surfers gliding through waves, and classic SoCal vibes. Walk a mile south and you’ll reach Balboa Pier, home to restaurants, shops, and fishing spots where you can cast a line or simply watch dolphins play in the surf.
Tips:
Bring a jacket — the ocean breeze gets cool in the evenings.
Try fish tacos or a cold beer at Mutt Lynch’s, just steps from Newport Pier.
2. Take a Harbor Cruise or Rent a Duffy Boat
No visit is complete without exploring the Newport Harbor, the largest recreational harbor on the U.S. West Coast.
Choose between a sunset cruise, a whale-watching tour, or rent your own electric Duffy boat to navigate past luxury homes and yachts. Don’t forget to bring your own snacks and wine — most Duffy rentals are BYOB!
Popular tour options:
Newport Landing Whale Watching (daily year-round)
Davey’s Locker Cruises (harbor tours & marine life spotting)
Lido Marina Village Boat Rentals (Duffy boats, kayaks, paddleboards)
3. Hit the Beach — The Wedge, Corona del Mar & Beyond
Newport’s beaches are world-class. Whether you surf, swim, or just love the view, each beach has its own personality:
The Wedge: Famous for massive, bone-crushing waves — watch, don’t swim.
Corona del Mar State Beach: Family-friendly, calm surf, and great tide pools.
Balboa Peninsula Beach: The liveliest stretch for volleyball and sunbathing.
Little Corona Beach: Hidden cove for snorkeling and photography.
Best time to visit:
Summer (June–August) for warm water and lively crowds.
Fall (September–November) for warm weather and fewer tourists.
4. Visit the Balboa Fun Zone
Step back in time at the Balboa Fun Zone, a nostalgic amusement area by the bay. Ride the historic Ferris wheel, play arcade games, or take a spin on the harbor on a rental bike.
Grab a frozen banana (a Newport classic!) and stroll along the waterfront — or hop aboard the Balboa Island Ferry, which has been shuttling visitors since 1919.
Don’t miss:
Balboa Island Museum — free entry and full of local history.
Fun Zone Ferris Wheel — best views at sunset.
5. Go Whale Watching or Dolphin Spotting
From December through April, gray whales migrate along the California coast — and Newport Beach is one of the best whale-watching spots in the U.S.
Year-round, you can spot blue whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and sea lions on guided tours. Trips leave daily from the Balboa Pavilion or Newport Landing.
Average cost: $35–$50 per adult (2–3 hours)
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera with a fast shutter speed.
6. Shop and Dine at Lido Marina Village
For a modern-meets-maritime experience, head to Lido Marina Village — a waterfront shopping district filled with boutiques, cafés, and coastal decor stores.
Enjoy brunch at Malibu Farm, sip lattes at Blue Bottle Coffee, or browse luxury brands under string lights and palm trees.
Lido Marina is also one of the best photo spots in Newport Beach, especially around sunset when yachts line the marina.
7. Eat Like a Local
From casual surf cafés to Michelin-worthy dining, Newport Beach’s food scene is exceptional.
Top-rated restaurants:
Bear Flag Fish Co. – Fresh poke and fish tacos
The Crab Cooker – Newport icon since 1951
Nobu Newport Beach – Upscale sushi with harbor views
Bluewater Grill – Classic seafood dining by the docks
Harborside Restaurant – Perfect for lunch with a view
Bonus: End your night with drinks at The Bungalow or Topside Roof Deck at Lido House for ocean-view cocktails.
8. Discover Balboa Island
A local favorite, Balboa Island is a postcard-perfect neighborhood accessible by ferry or bridge. Its main street is lined with ice cream shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Try a frozen banana or Balboa Bar (dipped ice cream on a stick), then stroll the island’s perimeter for scenic harbor views.
Parking Tip: Use the Balboa Pier lot or walk from the ferry dock — island parking is limited.
9. Relax, Reconnect & Recharge
Newport isn’t all about activities — sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all.
Book a spa day at Paséa Hotel & Spa or Balboa Bay Resort, watch surfers from a beach café, or simply walk along the 10-mile coastal bike path that connects Newport to Huntington Beach.
For an unforgettable moment, catch the sunset at Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar — one of the most romantic views in Orange County.
10. Attend Local Events & Festivals
Newport hosts some of California’s most beloved annual events, from luxury boat parades to surf competitions.
Top Newport Beach events:
Christmas Boat Parade (December): 100+ decorated yachts light up the harbor.
Newport Beach Film Festival (October): Independent films & celebrity screenings.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic (August): Culinary showcase on the sand.
Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race (April): World-famous sailboat race.
Surf City Marathon (February): Coastal running experience.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Getting there: Newport Beach is 45 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), only 15 minutes away.
Best time to visit:
Spring & Fall – Ideal weather, smaller crowds, lower hotel rates.
Summer – Peak season for events and beach fun.
Where to stay:
Paséa Hotel & Spa – Luxury and oceanfront elegance.
Lido House – Boutique nautical-style hotel.
Balboa Bay Resort – Classic harborfront resort with marina views.
Final Thoughts
Newport Beach is more than just another coastal city — it’s the essence of Southern California’s lifestyle. With its world-famous harbor, beaches, and dining scene, there’s no shortage of things to do, whether you’re chasing waves or sunsets.
So, pack your camera, flip-flops, and sense of adventure — Newport Beach awaits.
