Newport Beach is a place of sun, sand and surf and is an outdoor paradise. It also offers shopping opportunities as well as many tours. And whether you wish to rent a boat or a yacht in Newport Beach or opt for luxurious beach house rentals, a range of exciting accommodations are available here. Explore the many attractions that this town has to offer during your stay. Check out these fun things to do in Newport Beach, California.
1. Balboa Island Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Community support! People are getting excited!
Posted by Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society on Monday, November 26, 2018
Balboa Island Museum is dedicated to the history of Balboa Island, a complex of three, adjacent man-made islands. In the mid-19th century, the ambitious project of “creating” the island from what was just a mudflat or sand bar, barely emerging from the water, began under the direction of a visionary developer, William S. Collins. Founded in 2000, the museum was later moved to its current location. Its exhibits preserve, pay homage, and promote the history of the Newport Beach area and Balboa Island.
Balboa Island Museum
Address: 210 B Marine Avenue, Balboa Island, CA 92662
Website: Balboa Island Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu : 10am - 4pm; Fri - Sun: 10am -5pm
Price: Free
2. Surf and sand
Posted by Newport Beach, California on Saturday, 11 March 2017
If you’re wondering what to do in Newport Beach, how about visiting one of the many beaches located here? There are plenty of beaches in the Newport Beach area, including Newport Municipal Beach and its picturesque wooden fishing pier gives you great views of the shoreline. Balboa Pier Beach offers a bike trail for bikes and runners and Corona Del Mar State Beach is on the east side of Newport Harbor, where volleyball is very popular. Pirate Cove Beach is a great place for swimming and has cliffs behind the beach. North Star Beach is known for paddle boarding and kayaking and has many species of birds and has become one of the top bird-watching destinations in the state. West Jetty View Beach is popular with body surfers, surfers, knee boarders, and body boarders and is located by Balboa Peninsula.
Classic Yacht Adventures provides the unique combination of a classic yacht with history. They offer several different adventures such as half or full day private chartered yacht along the stunning southern California coastline, known as the Gold Coast. The tours offer the option to stop in one of the many coves and have lunch. The Newport Harbor Tour lets you check out one of the largest yacht harbors in the world. You will see luxurious yachts, beautifully restored classic boats and the many sea creatures in the area from diving pelicans to California sea lions, playing in the water. In the Sunset Cruise, guests are treated to a spectacular view, delicious appetizers and a wine tasting, while sailing through Newport Harbor and the open ocean to enjoy a southern California sunset. Sailing etc
Newport Area Beaches
Website: California Beaches Newport
Classic Yacht Adventures
Address: 3335 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA
Price: from 350 USD (Bay cruise), 525 USD (Half-day sail) and 1,150 USD (Full-day sail)
Duration: 2 to 7 hours depending which charter you take
Contact: +1 (949) 612-8767
Website: Classic Yacht Adventures
3. Whale watching and kayak tours
Check out this shot from one of our recent whale watching encounters! When the Ocean Explorer and Patriot cooperated to...
Posted by Newport Landing Whale Watching on Friday, 31 March 2017
Those interested in Newport Beach whale watching can opt for one of the many tours offered here. Newport Landing Whale Watching has been offering tours for 20 years in Newport Bay. Their primary whale watching ship was built just for whale watching with unobstructed views from anywhere on the boat.They have five ships that take visitors on tours which can also include dolphin sightings, too.
Newport Bay Conservancy is focused on the conservation and restoration of Upper Newport Bay, a natural resource of southern California. They offer Kayak tours of the Back Bay area and are led by a naturalist guide. The guide begins with a quick lesson on kayak paddling and then leads the group into the Ecological Reserve. They make several stops to discuss the ecology and wildlife of the Bay. They also give several free nature hikes including the Explore the Bay Family Hike and the Big Canyon Bird and Plant Walk which involves exploring several habitats and provides a great introduction for those interested in identifying birds and plants of the Bay area. The Back Bay Drive Nature Walk is a leisurely morning walk along Bay Back Drive, observing birds and plants.
Newport Landing Whale Watching
Address: 309 Palm St #A, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Price: from 30 USD (Seniors and Kids Under 12) and 36 USD (Adults)
Opening Hours: Several tours a day depending on the season, check their website for more info.
Website: Newport Landing Whale Watching
Newport Bay Conservancy
Address: 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Price: from 12.50 - 25 USD (Kayak tour) and free-of-charge (Other walks)
Duration: 2 hours
Access: 13 min from Newport Beach
Contact: +1 (949) 640-1751
Website: Newport Bay Conservancy
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Museums and wine tours
There are quite a few museums in the area including the Gray Matter Museum of Art which has sculpture, pottery, glass-blowing, interpretive performances, music, photography, drawings, paintings, design and fashion, all made by local artists who need exposure for their work. The International Surfing Museum located up the coast, in Huntington Beach, has a great collection of surfboards and local history that has been preserved and cataloged into a rotating exhibit. Go inland a bit and you can see the Irvine Historical Museum, located in the San Joaquin Ranch House. This museum includes a research library and an extensive photo collection of local historic information.
The Orange County Wine Tour offers a personal guide as you learn about the process of making handcrafted wines, complete with tastings. They offer three options for tours. The one winery tour includes your choice between a winemaking tour or a vineyard and cave tour or the two winery tour which includes a tour of two wineries, caves, wine tasting and learning about wine making. Finally, the three winery tour includes visiting two estate wineries both with vineyards, and a year-round winemaking facility. These are private estates and guests travel in limos to the locations.
Gray Matter Museum of Art
Address: 485 E 17th St #101, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Access 50 Santa Ana Bus 17th-Irvine
Website: Gray Matter Art Museum
International Surfing Museum
Address: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Price: 2 USD
Opening Hours: Closed Mondays, Tues to Sun 12-5pm
Access: 1 Bus Long Beach, Pacific Coast Main
Website: International Surfing Museum
Irvine Historical Museum
Address: 5 San Joaquin, Irvine, CA 92612
Price: 5 USD
Opening Hours: Tues to Sunday 1-4 pm; closed holidays
Access: CA 55 N to I-405 S to Irvine
Website: Irving Historical Museum
Orange County Wine Tour
Price: from 65 - 129 USD
Opening Hours: limo pickup at set times
Duration: Tour 1: 3 hrs, Tour 2: 4 hrs and Tour 3: 6 hrs
Website: Orange County Wine Tours
The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Celeste
5. Family time at Balboa Fun Zone
Balboa Fun Zone is a popular Newport Beach attraction and a favorite with families. Located near Balboa Island Ferry, it has been the source of entertainment for over 80 years for many locals and travellers. Open all year round, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, there are lots to attractions to discover here! Take on the Ferris Wheel for stunning views of Newport Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. For some heart-pumping adventure, ride the Happy Swing or challenge yourself to Ocean Motion. There’s also a Coconut Tree Climb if you want to race against your family members to see who reaches the top first!
Balboa Fun Zone
Address: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States
Website: Balboa Fun Zone
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 6pm
6. Cycle and skate at Newport Beach Pier
Located right beside the municipal beach at Newport Beach, you can cycle and skate along the boardwalk while enjoying the ocean views. There’s a bicycle path from Newport Beach Pier to Huntington Beach. It will take approximately half an hour if you decide to cycle your way to the north. You may also stroll along the trail and watch pelicans and seagulls going about their way. Pay Dory Fishing Fleet and Market a visit since it’s conveniently located at the base of the pier. Founded in 1891, the seafood market opens early in the morning from Wednesday to Sunday. Head there if you would like to purchase some fresh catch!
Newport Beach Pier
Address: 70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States
Website: Newport Beach Pier
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
7. Spend a peaceful day at John Wayne Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
John Wayne Park is a public park that is just a five-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach. Away from the hustle and bustle of the beach area and the crowds, John Wayne Park is a relatively peaceful recreation ground. It was previously known as Ensign View Park but in 2017, it was renamed after John Wayne, one of Newport Beach’s most famous residents. He died in 1979 but the John Wayne Cancer Foundation headquartered in Newport Beach continues to keep his memory alive to this day. John Wayne Park makes a good place no matter the time of the day but many gather to catch amazing sunset views.
John Wayne Park
Address: Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States
8. Have your shopping fix at Fashion Island
Fashion Island is a mall open to the public since 1967. Situated on Newport Center Drive, it is right beside Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. There are many retail options here, including luxury brands like Chanel, Fendi, and Gucci. Familiar brands names include Lush, Apple Store, and Havaianas. There’s also no lack of dining options at this mall: Chick-fil-A, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Starbucks Coffee. Done with shopping and dining? Catch a new release or a discounted afternoon show at THE LOT Fashion Island cinema. Pick up some organic groceries at Whole Foods Market before heading back to your accommodation.
Fashion Island
Address: 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States
Website: Fashion Island
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
9. Hike at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
For nature lovers, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is one of the best things to see in Newport Beach. This 135-acre (54-hectare) wide park is open from 10am in the morning daily except Mondays. While you’re among clumps of trees, look up and see if you can spot some bird species like California gnatcatcher, San Diego cactus wren, and burrowing owls. Some of these species are decreasing in population, so it’s a privilege to still be able to spot them while you can. Apart from wildlife viewing, you can also spend your day indulging in some recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, walking, or cycling. You’re a 15-minute drive away from Fashion Island, and Newport Beach Golf Course and Santa Ana Country Club are within a short driving distance too.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Address: 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States
Website: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
10. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Balboa Village
Balboa Village is where you and your loved ones can come together to have a fun-filled day. Balboa Fun Zone is part of Balboa Village. Apart from the amusement centre and beaches that make up Balboa Village, there are many other places to explore here. Before catching a ferry at Catalina Flyer, grab some delicious breakfast sandwiches at Balboa Bakery & Donuts. Waiting for a whale watching or sportfishing tour to start at Davey’s Locker? You’ve got to take a picture at the iconic Balboa Pavilion. There are other food options at the village - New York Style Pizza, Balboa Bar-B-Que, and Cowafornia Ice Cream. Kids can also enjoy a game or two at Balboa Arcade.
Balboa Village
Address: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States
Website: Balboa Village
11. Greenery awaits you at Sherman Library & Gardens (from USD 5.0)
Make a trip to Sherman Library & Gardens if you want to get away from the beaches for a while. See a different side of Newport Beach with the botanical gardens at Sherman Library & Gardens. It’s a five-minute drive away from Corona del Mar State Beach. Take your time to stroll through the conservatories and browse the library collections. To see what’s blooming, you can head to their website for a glimpse of the highlights. Some plants have really attractive names - Lady of the Night (Brunfelsia americana), Bleeding Heart Fuchsia (Fuchsia Rys), and The Chocolate Orchid (Oncidium). The library has interesting book collections on the history of Pacific Southwest, archival collections, and even art collections from famous painters like William Wendt.
Skip the Line: Sherman Library & Gardens Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
12. Go wine tasting at Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery is a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The vineyards are not open to the public, so you won’t be able to do a walk-in. However, you can make a private reservation via their website. Do note that to tour the winery, you must have a group of at least eight persons. Thus, this makes for a great group activity. Children aged 13 and under are not allowed to enter. It’s interesting to note that one-third of their property is dedicated to 1200 vines. It’s where tons of superb quality red wine grapes are produced. Their site is available for booking if you’re looking to hold corporate events, wedding ceremonies, or even photography sessions.
Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Address: 2128 Mesa Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States
Website: Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
13. Savour oysters at Newport Landing Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy Happy Hour all day on our outside lanai, or on our Oyster Bar Deck#Newportlanding #safelyserving #indoorandoutdoorseating #dogswelcomeoutdoors #oysterbar #familyownedrestaurant
Posted by Newport Landing Restaurant on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Sited in the vicinity of Balboa Village, Newport Landing Restaurant is a waterfront restaurant. This two-storey restaurant gives you fantastic views of Newport Harbor and Balboa Island Ferry. For the best viewing experience, head to the oyster bar located upstairs. Those planning to dine-in with furry pets can do so at their Lanai patio outdoors. Freshly caught and cooked food is served at Newport Landing Restaurant. Other than oysters, some of the other seafood items to try here are steamed mussels, crispy coconut shrimp, and grilled Atlantic salmon. Complete your meal with draft beers, wines, or handcrafted cocktails.
Newport Landing Restaurant
Address: 503 Edgewater Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States
Website: Newport Landing Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm (daily)
14. Watch the sunset from Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is another well-known tourist attraction in Newport Beach, California. It’s a five-minute walk away from Corona del Mar State Beach. This lookout point offers incredible ocean views. There are benches around so take a seat if you find a vacant one. If not, this place is also a great photo-taking spot and a walk-through from the beach. It’s advisable not to drive to the destination during peak hours since it will be hard to find a parking spot by the streets. If you’re bringing your children along, be careful while walking through the rocks. Otherwise, just stay on the pavements and enjoy the sea breeze, wild plants, and flowers by the pathways.
Inspiration Point
Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States
Website: Inspiration Point
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
Newport Beach is the place to be this summer
Forget your worries and head to Newport Beach for adventure and some relaxation time.
Frequently asked questions about fun things to do in Newport Beach
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to