Things to Do in Newport Beach: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Newport Beach is Orange County's harbour playground: yachts in the bay, surfers on the peninsula, frozen bananas on Balboa Island and tide pools in Corona del Mar. Despite its glossy reputation, many of its best moments are simple and cheap.
Rent a bike, ride the tiny car ferry and spend time on the water. For longer stays, Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove are right next door.
Top things to see in Newport Beach
Balboa Island
Stroll the boardwalk around the island past pretty cottages, and try the frozen banana or Balboa bar, local institutions.
Balboa Peninsula and Fun Zone
A historic Ferris wheel, arcades and the Balboa Island car ferry, one of the shortest ferry rides around.
Newport Pier and the Dory Fleet
Fishermen have sold their catch from wooden dories here since 1891, early morning only.
The Wedge
At the tip of the peninsula, summer swells create towering waves for experienced bodysurfers. Fun to watch, dangerous to try.
Corona del Mar
Little Corona's tide pools and the main beach's cliffs are among the prettiest coves in Southern California.
Crystal Cove State Park
Historic beach cottages, tide pools and coastal trails, plus a famous shake shack on the bluff.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
A tidal estuary with walking paths, birdwatching and calm kayak routes.
Newport Beach in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Peninsula and island
Bike the boardwalk from Newport Pier to the Fun Zone, take the car ferry to Balboa Island and walk the island loop at sunset.
2Day 2 · Coves and tide pools
Low tide at Little Corona, a swim at Corona del Mar State Beach, then sunset from Inspiration Point.
3Day 3 · On the water
Whale and dolphin cruise in the morning, then rent a Duffy electric boat to cruise the harbour with a picnic.
Newport Beach in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Crystal Cove
Hike the bluffs, explore the historic cottages and tide pools, and have dinner by the sand.
5Day 5 · Laguna Beach
Galleries, Heisler Park and hidden coves like Victoria Beach and Thousand Steps.
Newport Beach in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Back Bay
Kayak or paddleboard the Upper Newport Bay estuary and visit the Sherman Library and Gardens.
7Day 7 · Shopping and sunset
Fashion Island in the morning, a last bike ride and a sunset dinner on the harbour.
What to do in Newport Beach on a weekend
Saturday: peninsula, Fun Zone and Balboa Island. Sunday: Crystal Cove in the morning and lunch at the shack on the bluff.
What to do in Newport Beach in the evening
Sunset is the main event. Then choose between the lively bars on the peninsula near the pier, harbour-view restaurants or a Duffy boat cruise with dinner aboard.
Newport Beach for couples
Rent a Duffy boat for a sunset harbour cruise, dine on the water and spend a night in a cottage at Crystal Cove (book far ahead).
Newport Beach with kids
The Fun Zone, tide pools, whale watching and the ferry ride are perfect for kids. Many beaches have lifeguards and gentle sections.
Practical tips for Newport Beach
Best time to visit
Late summer and early autumn are warmest. Whale watching peaks with grey whales from about December to April and blue whales in summer.
Getting around
John Wayne Airport is about 10 minutes away. Bikes are ideal on the peninsula; a car helps for Crystal Cove and Laguna.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Newport Beach?
Yes, with lifeguards on most beaches; avoid the Wedge unless you are very experienced.
How does the Balboa Island ferry work?
Small ferries carry a few cars, bikes and walkers across the harbour in a few minutes, all day.
Is Newport Beach expensive?
Hotels can be, but beaches, tide pools, bike paths and the ferry are cheap or free.