Location: Newport Beach
Top Things to do in Newport Beach
Top 10 Things to do in Newport Beach, California (CA)
Part unspoiled nature, part manmade wonder and part luxury paradise, Newport Beach enchants every type of traveler to its glowing shores. Trendsetters flock to the shopping havens of open air Fashion Island, the seaside shops of Corona Del Mar and the new developments on Newport Coast. The estuary on Back Bay is a birder's paradise, while the protected beach at Crystal Cove is favored by hikers. Surfers catch the best breaks on The Wedge while families enjoy the Fun Zone on Balboa Peninsula.
Restaurants in Newport Beach
1. Inspiration Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Staidthere - Jakarta, Indonesia
We were delighted to see that this small promontory was reserved for the public, and we felt it was tastefully designed with a curving "vanishing" walkway leading down to the viewing area where there are teakwood benches facing the sea. The viewing area is romantic, so weddings are held there. The shape of the viewing area suggests the bow of a small boat facing the activity on the beach and channel to the Newport Beach harbor, but we felt that the view to the south was the most captivating because of the shapes of the cliff and rugged rocks in and near the water, especially just before sunset.
2. Newport Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,447 reviews
Reviewed By 723lisak - Richmond, Canada
Newport Beach is a beautiful area that always feels safe and is so clean. They take pride in their beautiful piece of paradise and it shows.
3. Fashion Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
As Orange County's premier coastal shopping experience, Fashion Island features exclusive specialty boutiques, world-class department stores and a diverse assortment of restaurants and cafes. Fashion Island offers a sophisticated yet relaxed, resort-like atmosphere that is distinctively Southern California, with pristine views of the Pacific Ocean. Owned by Irvine Company, Fashion Island is home to Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's Home Store and Macy's - in addition to Orange County's only Neiman Marcus, Nespresso, Urban Decay, Nike Women's, SoulCycle, Trina Turk, Vince, Joie and Halston Heritage. Fashion Island also features acclaimed restaurants such as Sushi Roku, FIG & OLIVE, Red O by Rick Bayless, CUCINA enoteca, Lemonade, Hopdoddy Burger Bar and True Food Kitchen.
Reviewed By appledude1221 - Cleveland, United States
This mall is a real gem hidden on the coast very very beautiful mall if you are in Newport Beach I highly recommend this place if you are in Newport Beach
4. Balboa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,423 reviews
Man-made island that features upscale shops, restaurants and an amusement park.
Reviewed By mrbookies - Pleasant Grove, United States
Went with my family early evening in January. Bring a sweatshirt, enjoy a stroll among quaint shops and restaurants, beautiful boats and homes, and be prepared for the best chocolate-dipped ice cream bar you’ll ever have (the Balboa Bar!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the public ferry across to the peninsula (not very far).
5. Sherman Library & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Horticultural retreat that features a museum of living plants, walking paths, bubbling tile fountains and a library devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.
Reviewed By Buzzard100 - Santa Cruz, United States
This is a find in the midst of urban sprawl, strip malls and LA regional traffic. It is a horticultural oasis and a hidden gem! The gardens are lovely and while we did not eat at the restaurant, it has excellent reviews and outside-seating. The library focuses on the history of the Pacific Southwest and has an amazing collection of historical City Directories. The collection of art is small but interesting. This garden and library is named after the founder, Arnold Haskell’s benefactor, M. H. Sherman the founder of the Los Angeles Railway System and namesake of Sherman Oaks. A charming piece of history and garden beauty. I highly recommend.
6. Balboa Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,918 reviews
Reviewed By 53Prince53 - Lake Elsinore, United States
A great little adventure plus a short cut to get from Balboa Island to the Newport Peninsula. Include a ride for weekend dates. It is operated in a safe manner. Prices are inexpensive. On the Newport Peninsula side it ends at the ferris wheel and other attractions, including other boat cruises. Evening ferry rides bring out the colorful harbor lights.
7. Corona Del Mar State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By fisheye-7
Tucked away at the entry to Newport bay. Explore the beach or climb the rocks at the bay entry and watch the sunset as the boats come in and out. Incredible view!
8. The Wedge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By davidmR4183QL - Vero Beach, United States
I made my firs visit recently (I'm from Florida) on a green-flag day at the lifeguard stands (gentle conditions). A bunch of kids were in the water enjoying the mostly 2-3 foot waves with occasional 4-5 foot outbursts. A few weeks earlier, there had been a memorable spell of waves July 3-5. There are splendid videos at YouTube. There is no parking lot nearby, but parallel parking on the nearby residential streets, except on street-cleaning days. Time of visit matters: The Wedge is open to surfboards and bodyboards before 10 am and after 5 am in the summer; bodysurfing and swimming only, from 10 to 5. This is where bodysurfing was more or less invented on the US mainland, using swim fins. In turn, at least two brands of surfing/lifeguard swim fins were invented at or near Newport Beach. Main reasons for visiting the spot are the impressive jetty (and the boats coming and going) and the waves near the jetty. Even on a small day, they tend to smash rather directly on the beach, unlike the waves at Newport Pier (the Point), a much better place for casual beach visitors to be in the water. Waves bounce off he jetty, creating unusual patterns that surfers of various sorts can ride. The waves also create large rip currents on large-wave days that allow experienced users to get out beyond the surf. The big rips (here and also elsewhere in the area) have led to the distinctively Californian system of using lifeguard boats to pick up rescued swimmers (rather than attempting to return them directly to the beach) and taking them to safer points to return to the beach or, occasionally, to the harbor. It can be worthwhile to check Surfline, the online beach camera and surf prediction service, before visiting. Conditions vary wildly and large waves can happen here on days when nearby beaches are not nearly so large. Note that extremely big days bring out crowds. It can be worthwhile to show up before dawn.
9. Balboa Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By SFantle101 - Bellevue, United States
A classic California beach pier. Stroll the entire length, check out the people, the fishing, the surfers, the views. Chill and immerse!
10. Newport Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By 105marionc
This pier still doesn’t have a restaurant at the end of it, but the walk is entertaining. All ages venture down this pier. I love to watch the fishermen catch fish. At this time of year, when the waves are good, surfers catch waves. Some of these surfers are beginners while others seem professional. There are several restaurants near the pier. Dory Fishing boats go out to fish daily. They have a stand near the pier where fresh fish are sold. Often there are musicians who play music and sing in the square by the pier.
