Newport Beach

Travel Guide
Newport Beach showing a sandy beach
This chic, oceanfront community is famous for its beautiful surf, views and homes.

Before a railway started bringing beachgoers here in 1905, this stretch of coastline was dismissed as unusable. Today it’s one of the jewels of Orange County.

A magnet for water-sport enthusiasts, the waves here are busy with body boarders and surfers. The most famous spot at the eastern end of Balboa Peninsula is dubbed The Wedge due to its monstrous summer waves. The gentler waters of Newport Harbor are dotted with sailboats, paddleboards and kayaks. You can even rent a gondola for a romantic, guided harbor cruise. The waterway is also home to one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the U.S. West Coast. More than 9,000 boats are permanently docked in the 21-square-mile (54-square-kilometer) area.

One of Newport Beach’s iconic landmarks is the boardwalk, a waterfront path stretching for almost three miles (five kilometers). The path also runs alongside luxurious residences, some owned by celebrities. During the peak summer months, the boardwalk is an especially busy thoroughfare with scores of skateboarders, rollerbladers and cyclists. Keep your wits about you if you are out for a leisurely stroll.

Most of the tourist activity is around the waterfront. To shop where the affluent locals do, head five miles (eight kilometers) inland to Fashion Island. This outdoor shopping area, located in the central business district, covers 1.5 million square feet (139,355 square meters). It has 200 shops including department stores Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The lavishly landscaped area includes a 20,000-gallon (75,708-liter) koi pond, 40 restaurants and a movie theater complex.

For a bird’s-eye view of Newport Beach, hop on the old-fashioned Ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone. This is one of Southern California’s oldest coastal amusement parks, complete with bumper cars and a carousel. You’ll find it on the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach.

Newport Beach is located 10 miles (16km) south of downtown Santa Ana.

Where to stay in Newport Beach

Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage

Balboa Peninsula

5/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers to Balboa Peninsula praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Balboa Pier and Newport Pier.

Balboa Peninsula
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Balboa Island

Balboa Island is well liked for its beaches and waterfront. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Balboa Pier and Newport Dune are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Balboa Island
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Corona del Mar

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Corona del Mar. You might want to make time for a stop at Corona del Mar State Beach or Little Corona Beach.

Corona del Mar
Crystal Cove State Park showing general coastal views and a house

Newport Coast

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Newport Coast is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill Golf Course while in the area.

Newport Coast
Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage

West Newport

While visiting West Newport, you might make a stop by sights like Newport Pier and Balboa Peninsula Beaches.

West Newport
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Lido Isle

While Lido Isle may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Newport Pier and Mother’s Beach.

Lido Isle
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
4 out of 5
1107 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, CA
The price is HK$1,653 per night from 10 May to 11 May
HK$1,653
per night
10 May - 11 May
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Resort like atmosphere"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill
5 out of 5
22701 Pelican Hill Road S, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, CA
The price is HK$5,097 per night from 12 May to 13 May
HK$5,097
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Newport Beach. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (997 reviews)
"Too good"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

The Resort at Pelican Hill
Pendry Newport Beach
Pendry Newport Beach
5 out of 5
690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA
The price is HK$2,623 per night from 26 May to 27 May
HK$2,623
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fashion Island and Newport ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (58 reviews)
"Great location big shopping center around the corner"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Pendry Newport Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
M Boutique Residence &Hotel
M Boutique Residence &Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1628 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA
Stay at this apartment in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an LED TV. Popular attractions Newport Pier and Fashion Island are located ...
6.2/10 (88 reviews)
"It was so calm and peaceful and you really dont realize you are in LA. We enjoyed 3 days of fun and relaxation."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

M Boutique Residence &Hotel
7 Newport Beach Dreamin', Bay facing ocean front
7 Newport Beach Dreamin', Bay facing ocean front
Newport Beach
Stay at this condo in Newport Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, WiFi, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Fashion Island and Newport Pier are located nearby. ...
7.8/10 Good! (25 reviews)
Beach/town access
"This house is perfect for access to the beach and town. We had a wonderful time."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

7 Newport Beach Dreamin', Bay facing ocean front
Spacious Family Home w/ Beautiful Ocean Views + Walk to All
Spacious Family Home w/ Beautiful Ocean Views + Walk to All
Newport Beach
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Newport Beach. Enjoy a water park, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Huntington State Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Great for our family of 5
"Location is great to the beach, Disney and LA. Parking was tight and confusing as to which side of the garage was ours. Top floor gets the left side BTW. Get to the garage from the alley. Had an issue with the dish washer and it was fixed the same day. 👍 The beach chairs and toys were super ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Spacious Family Home w/ Beautiful Ocean Views + Walk to All
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Newport Beach

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Aug 2019

Great beach