Newport Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Newport Beach showing a beach, landscape views and tropical scenes
Newport Beach which includes a beach
Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage
Newport Beach
Newport Beach which includes a sunset, waves 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

5/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers to Balboa Peninsula praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Balboa Beach and Balboa Pier.

Balboa Peninsula
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Corona del Mar

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Corona del Mar. You might want to make time for a stop at Corona del Mar State Beach or Sherman Library and Garden.

Corona del Mar
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Balboa Island

Balboa Island is well liked for its beaches and waterfront. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Balboa Pier and Newport Dune are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Balboa Island
Crystal Cove State Park showing general coastal views and a house

Newport Coast

4.5/5(2 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
Newport Beach featuring a monument and signage

West Newport

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

West Newport
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Lido Isle

While Lido Isle may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do 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
The price is £154 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£154
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Great Hotel!
"Staff is great! Cleanliness on point and just overall great! It’s literally down the street from the airport and about seven minutes away from the shopping center! This is my go to hotel when I am in town visiting! And the infused water is so refreshing!"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
4 out of 5
4500 Macarthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA
The price is £138 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£138
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy a free airport shuttle, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"The room was amazing"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Pendry Newport Beach
Pendry Newport Beach
4.5 out of 5
690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA
The price is £378 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£378
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (310 reviews)
"Beautiful and luxurious accommodations!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Pendry Newport Beach
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.
FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy)  WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy) WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
Newport Beach, CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Newport Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
Great
"So much fun!! Loved the hospitality, the bikes and the boat for us to use!!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

FREE USE OF BOAT, (21' Duffy) WITH GORGEOUS PROPERTY
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, CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Newport Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport Pier ...
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 28 May 2025

Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
Island Suite - ride the Balboa Ferry to the Beach!
Island Suite - ride the Balboa Ferry to the Beach!
Newport Beach, CA
Stay at this apartment in Newport Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fashion Island and Newport ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"First time staying in the island and will definitely return. The room was clean and cozy. The restaurants were walking distance. The ferry just a two minute walk."

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

Island Suite - ride the Balboa Ferry to the Beach!
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

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

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Cities near Newport Beach