This upscale coastal city in Orange County draws visitors to its eight miles of beaches, Fashion Island shopping center, and active harbor with over 4,500 boats.
Newport Beach, a coastal city in Orange County, California, has eight miles of sandy beaches and one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast. You can catch 30-foot waves at The Wedge, spot gray whales from Newport Pier, walk through Sherman Library's tropical gardens, or watch the 200+ decorated boats during the Christmas Boat Parade. The protected waters of Newport Harbor make paddleboarding easy for beginners, while Fashion Island's 150+ stores include luxury brands like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's.
Beaches and Surfing Spots
The city's coastline includes several distinct beaches, each with different conditions. At Corona del Mar State Beach, breakwaters block large swells, creating gentle conditions for swimming along its half-mile stretch of sand. The Wedge, at the tip of Balboa Peninsula, produces waves up to 30 feet high during south swells - a spot only for expert surfers and bodyboarders. For beginners, the area between Newport Pier and the Santa Ana River has smaller, more manageable waves.
Newport Harbor Activities
Newport Harbor contains more than 9,000 boats and several residential islands. You can rent a Duffy electric boat ($95/hour) to navigate the harbor yourself, or join daily whale watching tours to spot gray whales in winter and blue whales in summer. In December, the Christmas Boat Parade fills the harbor with hundreds of decorated vessels, continuing a tradition that started in 1908.
Exploring Balboa Island
A short bridge connects Balboa Island to the mainland, where Marine Avenue runs through the center with locally-owned candy shops, art galleries, and cafes. The 1.6-mile waterfront path circles the island, passing waterfront homes and yacht-filled docks. Take the three-minute ferry to reach the Balboa Fun Zone, where a 1936 Ferris wheel spins above the harbor. Near the historic 1906 Balboa Pavilion, local artists sell their work on weekends.
Cultural Attractions
The Sherman Library and Gardens spans 2.2 acres with themed botanical sections. You'll walk through desert landscapes with rare cacti, a tropical conservatory filled with orchids, and a rose garden with over 100 varieties. The Orange County Museum of Art displays contemporary works from 1950 onwards, while the Newport Harbor Art Museum exhibits paintings and sculptures by California artists.
Getting Around
John Wayne Airport sits 5 miles from Newport Beach. Three highways lead into the city: Highway 73, Highway 55, and Pacific Coast Highway 1. Orange County Transportation Authority buses run regular routes throughout Newport Beach. From June through September, a free shuttle connects Fashion Island, Balboa Village, and Corona del Mar State Beach every 15 minutes.
