Newport Beach, CA

Travel Guide

Newport Beach which includes a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes
Newport Beach which includes a beach
Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage
Newport Beach featuring street scenes, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Newport Beach featuring a sandy beach, a sunset and swimming

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

4.5/5(244 area reviews)

Primarily residential with commercial areas, the Balboa Peninsula encloses Newport Harbor and features Balboa Village and Balboa Peninsula Point. Enjoy attractions like Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Pier, and The Wedge, while easily accessing nearby islands via bridges and ferries.

Balboa Peninsula
One of the places I go to most for photography. Lots of different rock formations at this beach.

Corona del Mar

5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover cliffside views, tide pools, and beaches like Corona del Mar State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park. Stroll through village shops and visit landmarks such as Sherman Library and Gardens.

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

Newport Coast

5/5(95 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
House at the “V”

Balboa Island

Harborside community with a picturesque paved boardwalk, Balboa Island offers small businesses, restaurants, and local crafts along Marine Avenue. Accessible via bridge, ferry, and public docks.

Balboa Island
Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage

West Newport

5/5(1 area review)

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

West Newport
Default Image

Lido Isle

Though Lido Isle might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Newport Pier and Balboa Beach.

Lido Isle
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
4 out of 5
4545 Macarthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA
$209 nightly
The price is $230 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$230 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"Rooms were nice, staff was friendly, pool area was relaxing"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
4 out of 5
1107 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, CA
$335 nightly
The price is $367 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$367 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Property is very spread out. It is a great place for families. Low rise, only a few floors, several pools, nice common areas. Not super fancy but not subpar."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
4 out of 5
4500 Macarthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA
$185 nightly
The price is $205 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$205 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy a free airport shuttle, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"The hotel was perfect for our needs over three nights."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
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.
Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
Newport Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport ...
10/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Amazing House and location
"The house was beautiful and had all the amenities we needed and more. We had the best time just sitting in the family room with all the doors opened up and enjoyed the ocean view. The location couldn’t have been better. We will definitely be back at this house for another beach vacation!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy)  WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy) WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
Newport Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Newport Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
Great
"So much fun!! Loved the hospitality, the bikes and the boat for us to use!!"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025

FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy) WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
Studio/parking/patio2Seconds2beach
Studio/parking/patio2Seconds2beach
newport beach
Stay at this apartment in Newport Beach. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport Pier are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Sweet studio
"This affordable studio had everything we needed."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Studio/parking/patio2Seconds2beach
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

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
595
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
258
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Staff is very welcoming

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Awesome beaches with great people enjoying Mother Nature! Can’t wait to go back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fantastic Beach!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

beautiful area, folks are friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Newport Beach!!!! So beautiful. It’s a whole little world of its own.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We liked that it was easy to get to all the other beaches from Newport. The pacific ocean highway was very close to where we were staying.

Cities near Newport Beach