{"id":54696,"date":"2021-08-09T09:42:35","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T16:42:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=54696"},"modified":"2025-08-15T04:10:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T11:10:20","slug":"newport-beach-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/newport-beach-california\/","title":{"rendered":"A COMPLETE GUIDE TO NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Newport Beach is a coastal city located south of Los Angeles. This picturesque Southern California beach town (made famous by the television series The O.C.<\/a>) has an expansive waterfront with many attractions including fabulous beaches, hiking trails, cycling trails, the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, sunset cruises, surfing, and harbor-front promenades.<\/p>\n

From surfing to paddleboarding, relaxing on the beach, playing golf, and shopping, Newport Beach has something for everyone. There are hundreds of excellent restaurants, wine bars, cocktail bars, and great brunch spots that make it a foodie destination in itself.<\/p>\n

To help you make the most of your visit to this seaside destination, we have created this ultimate guide to Newport Beach sharing the best places to stay, where to eat and drink, and the top activities in and around the city.<\/p>\n

\"Newport<\/p>\n

Top 10 Things To Do In Newport Beach<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of things to do in Newport Beach, and each time you visit you will find something new to do. But with so many options, where should you begin? Here are our top 10 things to do in Newport Beach that we recommend for first-time visitors to the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Visit Crystal Cove State Park<\/h3>\n

Crystal Cove State Park<\/a> is one of Orange County\u2019s largest parks that overlooks the natural seashore. The park features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and an offshore underwater area. <\/p>\n

Located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach the park is a must when you are visiting the city for a morning (opens at 6am) or late afternoon hike (closes at sunset).  <\/p>\n

There is also federally listed Historic District that you can explore in the park that is open until 10pm, which is an enclave of 46 coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930\u2019s & 40\u2019s located nestled around the entrance of Los Trancos Creek.<\/p>\n

2) Visit Balboa Island<\/h3>\n

Balboa Island is a small island in Newport Beach that you can reach by car or by Balboa Island Ferry. Head to Marine Avenue which is the main street and is home to a selection of chic coastal shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n

You cannot visit the island without trying the famous Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana. These tasty treats have been mainstays for nearly 75 years, and are dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of coatings from nuts and chocolate sprinkles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3) Wander The Shops At Lido Marina Village<\/h3>\n

Lido Marina Village<\/a> is an upscale area located right on the water with a range of chic stores and waterside restaurants. This is a great area to grab a light brunch at Zinque<\/a> or Malibu Farm<\/a>, or if you prefer a more fine dining experience you will also find Nobu<\/a> here. <\/p>\n

Follow up your lunch with a visit to the shops, my favorites in this area are Sugar Paper LA a boutique stationary store, Stoney Clover Lane, Eberjey and Love Shack Fancy.<\/p>\n

4) Rent A Duffy Boat<\/h3>\n

One of the most quintessential Newport Beach activities is to rent a Duffy boat for the day and cruise around the harbor passing beautiful million dollar homes. I highly recommend bringing your own picnic and a few bottles of bubbly to enjoy. <\/span><\/p>\n

If a Duffy is a little slow going for you, you can also rent a speed boat which you can take out of the harbor into the open water where you will see sealions, dolphins and if you are lucky whales. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5) Watch Surfers At The Wedge<\/h3>\n

The Wedge Newport Beach is a famous spot in Southern California that is known for its shore-breaking waves that can reach up to 30 feet. This is an area only for the most experienced surfers and even then you will mostly see people body boarding! <\/p>\n

6) Visit Newport Beach and Newport Pier<\/h3>\n

The actual beach of Newport Beach is the area around the Newport Pier. If you come to the beach early in the day you can catch the historic Dory fleet fish market and then walk the pier. If you want to try your hand at surfing, a good spot to try is known as Blackies, located between the pier and the 28th Street jetty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

7) Visit Corona Del Mar State Beach<\/h3>\n

A 30-acres park with a half-a-mile beach ideal for surfing, swimming or sunbathing. This park also has picnic benches great for having an afternoon picnic.<\/span><\/p>\n

8) Visit The Spa At Pelican Hill<\/h3>\n

With 22 treatment rooms, this world-class spa<\/a> is the perfect place to go for some much-needed relaxation. Along with lounges, saunas, steam rooms, and soaking tubs offering a large variety of treatments. <\/span><\/p>\n

9) Go On A Whale Watching Tour<\/h3>\n

Dolphins, whales and other marine life can be spotted year round in the Newport Beach area and while you may be able to spot them from the land, its far better to get out on the water. There are plenty of whale watching tours to choose from including this Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure<\/a> which is a two hour cruise.<\/p>\n

10) Cycle From Newport Beach To Huntington Beach<\/h3>\n

This 12-mile beach cycling trail is mostly across flat land but is perfect for an afternoon cycle along the coastline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Things To See In Newport Beach:<\/h3>\n