Top 10 Things to do in Newport Beach, California (CA)

December 29, 2021 Madelene Haan

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

Ocean Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92865 http://gotosocal.com/inspiration-point/
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

Inspiration Point

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

Newport Beach, CA 92660-3267 http://www.newportbeachca.gov/
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,447 reviews

Newport Beach

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

401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660-6928 +1 949-721-2000 [email protected] http://www.shopfashionisland.com
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 641 reviews

Fashion Island

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

206 Marine Ave Unit 322, Newport Beach, CA 92662-7020 +1 949-375-4430 http://www.balboa-island.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,423 reviews

Balboa Island

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

2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625 +1 949-673-2261 [email protected] http://www.thesherman.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Sherman Library & Gardens

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

410 S Bay Front, Newport Beach, CA 92662-1042 +1 949-673-1070 http://www.beachcalifornia.com/ferry.html
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,918 reviews

Balboa Island Ferry

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

near the intersection of Iris Street and Ocean Boulevard, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA +1 949-644-3151 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=652
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Corona Del Mar State Beach

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

Newport Beach, CA
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 319 reviews

The Wedge

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

50 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661 +1 949-675-8600 http://www.newportbeachca.gov/index.aspx?page=1035
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

Balboa Pier

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

Newport Beach, CA http://gotosocal.com/newport-beach-pier/
Excellent
46%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 287 reviews

Newport Beach Pier

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.

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