Looking for the best things to do in Newport Beach? We’ve got you covered!
Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s most famous coastal cities, and it’s easy to see why. There are miles of sandy beaches and plenty of ways to get out on the water. But there’s much more to do here than spend the day at the beach.
From whale watching and surfing to exploring Balboa Island and walking through protected wetlands, there’s a lot to pack into a trip. So, to help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together this guide to the very best things to do in Newport Beach. Let’s get into it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Newport Beach was this whale-watching cruise. We couldn’t believe our luck when a humpback whale did a somersault right in front of us! Between that, the huge pods of dolphins, sea lions, and beautiful coastal scenery, this cruise was such an unforgettable experience.
Newport Beach at a Glance
Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s most popular coastal getaways, located in Orange County between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. With beautiful beaches, a huge harbor, great restaurants, and some fantastic wildlife experiences, there’s much more to do here than simply relax on the sand!
Before you arrive, here are a few things worth knowing:
Important Tip: Book whale-watching tours ahead, especially for summer weekends!
Getting around: A rental car is the easiest way to explore Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County coastline. Just keep in mind that traffic gets busy and beach parking can be tough to find during summer.
Best time to visit: Newport Beach is a year-round destination, but spring through fall offers the best weather for enjoying the beaches and getting out on the water. Summer is the busiest season, so spring and fall are great if you prefer fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Balboa Peninsula is a great choice if you want to be close to the beach, boardwalk, and harbor activities. For somewhere quieter and more upscale, we love the laid-back coastal feel of Corona del Mar.
How I Would Spend Three Days in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is the kind of place where you can easily fill a few days with coastal adventures, wildlife encounters, and plenty of time by the ocean. We think three days is ideal for hitting the highlights while still enjoying that laid-back California atmosphere!
Here’s our recommended three-day Newport Beach itinerary:
⚓ Day 1: Newport Harbor & Balboa Island
Explore Newport Harbor with your choice of an electric boat rental or a private surf lesson, before hopping over to Balboa Island and ending the day with a spectacular sunset.
🐋 Day 2: Wildlife & Whale Watching
Discover the wildlife of Upper Newport Bay before heading out on a whale-watching cruise to search for whales and dolphins off the Newport Beach coast.
✈️ Day 3: Crystal Cove & One Last Adventure
Step back in time at Crystal Cove before choosing between a private scenic flight over the Orange County coastline or an immersive escape room for your final adventure.
Things to do in Newport Beach
1) Work your way out of an immersive escape room
Tour Details
For something completely different from the beach, we headed to The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center. There are six themed rooms to choose from, including The Heist, Special Ops, and The Depths, but we went for Prison Break.
We had 60 minutes to escape from the evil warden by hunting for hidden clues and solving puzzles. It was so much fun – the hour absolutely whizzed past. We had a blast working out how it all fit together, although I must say, some of the clues were pretty tricky!
Fortunately, a game guide monitors the room and can send hints if you start heading in completely the wrong direction. Now, we’d love to say that we didn’t need any hints, but we’d be lying. We definitely appreciated the helpful nudges!
The best part came right at the end. With barely any time left on the clock, we finally cracked the last clue and managed to escape. I was literally jumping up and down with joy when we solved it – it felt like a true “eureka!” moment.
This was easily one of the most fun activities we did in the area, especially because it was so different from Newport Beach’s outdoor attractions. The venue itself is in nearby Irvine, but it’s well worth the short drive. We’d definitely try one of the other rooms next time we’re in Newport!
2) Go whale watching
Tour Details
Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Newport Beach, and this cruise gives you the chance to spot everything from humpback and blue whales to dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We’re absolutely fascinated by whales and always have been, so of course we couldn’t pass up the chance to do this tour!
We’ve done a lot of whale cruises on our travels, but this one really impressed us. The crew has a strong background in marine biology, so they’ll explain what you’re seeing and point out signs to watch for, such as blows and tail slaps. Of course, sightings vary depending on the season, but there’s marine life around throughout the year.
We were incredibly lucky and saw a humpback whale actually do a somersault, which was easily one of the highlights of the trip! We also had loads of dolphin encounters and spotted sea lions along the way. Between the wildlife and the gorgeous coastal views, the whole experience felt pretty special.
We’d definitely recommend upgrading to the luxury cruise if your budget allows. It costs a little more, but not much, and you get a smaller boat with a maximum of 37 guests and a 360-degree walk-around deck. It’s also a faster boat, which lets you reach sightings further away. In short, that means less travel time and more time watching the animals. We think it’s so worth it, and the 1,000+ glowing reviews agree with us!
3) Soar above the Orange County coastline
Tour Details
For one of the most memorable ways to see Orange County, take to the skies on this private coastal air tour!
The flight lasts around 45-50 minutes and takes you over some of the region’s most famous coastal spots, including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, and Huntington Beach. You’ll also pass over places like Orange County Great Park and John Wayne Airport along the way.
Because the aircraft is designed for sightseeing, you get fantastic views throughout the flight, and the experience is completely private for your group of up to three people. We love the fact that it feels much more personal than a standard scenic flight, especially because the pilot talks you through what you’re seeing as you go.
Noise-reduction headsets are provided too, so it’s easy to hear the commentary even while you’re flying. And if you’re celebrating something like a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or engagement, you can let the team know in advance so they can make the experience feel a little more special!
This is definitely one of the pricier activities on the list, but for a bucket-list experience, the aerial views over the Southern California coastline are pretty hard to beat.
4) Walk the Back Bay Loop
We loved visiting the Back Bay because we got to see a completely different side of Newport Beach. You might think that Newport is all yachts and beaches, but think again! Upper Newport Bay is one of the few remaining estuaries in Southern California, and its protected wetlands are home to nearly 200 bird species. It feels worlds away from the glamorous homes and marinas.
One of the best ways to explore is along the Back Bay Loop, which winds around the wetlands with lovely views over the marshes and the surrounding bluffs. The full loop is around 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) long, so we’d probably save that for a bike ride unless you’re in the mood for a long walk!
Fortunately, you definitely don’t need to do the whole thing. There are lots of access points around the bay, and the roughly 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) bluff route is a much more manageable option.
We also recommend coming early in the morning, partly because it’s cooler and partly because this is the best time of day to see birdlife! Depending on the season, keep an eye out for herons, egrets, ducks, and shorebirds. And if you have binoculars, definitely bring them!
Newport is a pretty pricey destination, but exploring the Back Bay on foot is free. This is a great option if your bank account needs a break from some of the more expensive activities here.
Related Read: Wondering how to spend your time in Newport Beach? Have a look at our 3-day itinerary that covers all the highlights, hidden gems, and best restaurants!
5) Learn to surf on California’s famous coastline
Tour Details
Surfing is such a huge part of Southern California culture, so you can’t come to Newport Beach without giving it a go!
This private two-hour surf lesson is great for complete beginners and anyone with a little experience who wants to improve. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can turn up without worrying about renting equipment separately.
We especially like that the lesson is private, because it means the instructor can tailor everything to your group instead of running a one-size-fits-all class. They’ll talk you through the basics, help you with your technique, and give you plenty of encouragement while you’re out in the water.
And don’t worry if you’ve never even touched a surfboard before. Plenty of first-timers manage to get up during their lesson, which has to be one of the best feelings after spending the first part of the session repeatedly falling into the Pacific!
If you want to experience that quintessential SoCal lifestyle, learning to surf is truly one of the best ways to do it. It suits a wide range of ages and abilities, and we guarantee it will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
6) Stroll around Balboa Island and try a frozen banana
Balboa Island is one of Newport Beach’s most famous neighborhoods, and we absolutely loved spending a few hours here! It’s a small artificial island in Newport Harbor, with cute cottages and lots of little shops and restaurants.
Marine Avenue is the main street, so we’d start there and have a wander before heading down to the waterfront. You can actually walk right around the island, which is the perfect way to admire Newport Harbor without having to book another boat trip. There are great views of the yachts, docks, and Balboa Peninsula as you go.
And, crucially, you need to get a frozen banana while you’re here! Balboa Island is famous for them, and the local banana stands even helped inspire the Bluth family’s business in the sitcom Arrested Development. So yes, there really is always money in the banana stand!
There are actually two rival banana stands on Marine Avenue. Sugar ’n Spice and Dad’s Donut & Bakery both lay claim to the “original” frozen banana, and they’re only a few doors apart. Sugar ’n Spice probably has the better claim on Balboa Island itself, since it dates back to 1945, while Dad’s opened in 1960. To us, the solution is clear: try both and decide for yourself which is better!
Best of all, wandering around Balboa Island is completely free. Well, apart from the frozen bananas. But I think we can allow for that!
7) Captain your own private boat
Tour Details
If you want to explore Newport Harbor without joining a group cruise, this private electric boat rental is such a fun option. You get the whole boat to yourselves for two hours, with space for up to 12 people, and someone in your group can take the wheel. Sounds like fun, right?
The boats are designed for slow, scenic cruising, so this is more about enjoying the harbor than going anywhere fast. You can make your way past Balboa Island, Lido Island, and the Balboa Peninsula, while checking out some of the huge waterfront homes along the way. Keep an eye out for sea lions too!
We especially like how flexible this experience is. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, or even stop at a waterfront restaurant to grab some takeout items if you prefer! Plus, for a group, it can also be pretty good value once you split the cost.
Best of all, you don’t need any boating experience to do it. The boats are easy to drive, though the person at the helm must be at least 21 years old. You will need to provide a physical credit card at check-in for a security deposit, so bear that in mind. We think it’s totally worth it to get the chance to drive a boat!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
8) Watch the sunset from Inspiration Point
For one of the best views in Newport Beach, head to Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar. It sits right above the ocean on a bluff, so you get a huge coastal panorama, and you don’t even have to hike to earn it!
From the viewpoint, you can look out over the beaches and Newport Coast. It’s especially gorgeous at sunset, but it’s beautiful at any time of day. Unsurprisingly, sunset is also when Inspiration Point gets busiest, particularly on warm weekends and during summer. If you’d rather have a quieter visit, come in the morning instead!
You don’t need loads of time here either. We probably spent around 20-30 minutes taking in the sunset views, but you could always visit as part of a longer outing by combining it with stops at nearby Corona del Mar State Beach or Little Corona.
9) Spend the day ticking off Los Angeles’ biggest sights
Tour Details
Even if you’re not staying in Los Angeles, you really can’t come this close without seeing at least a few of its most famous sights! And that’s why we love this full-day tour from Orange County, because it makes it easy to hit the highlights without having to worry about driving into LA yourself and navigating the city’s notorious traffic.
Pickup is available from Newport Beach and Newport Coast, and the group is capped at 14 people, so it still feels friendly and personal, and not like you’re being herded! You’ll cover a lot of ground too, as the itinerary includes stops at the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Venice Beach. We especially love that there’s time for lunch at the Original Farmers Market, a world-famous market that’s been loved by Angelinos since 1934!
We think this is such a good option if Newport Beach is your main base, but you still want to tick off the classic LA sights. You get the highlights without moving hotels or spending a night in the city. And, trust us, with parking and traffic in LA being the way it is, having someone else do the driving is a huge bonus! Just remember this tour runs only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so plan accordingly.
10) Stroll through old California at Crystal Cove
For a glimpse of what the Southern California coast looked like before all the luxury homes and resorts arrived, head to Crystal Cove State Park. The park sits between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach and protects one of Orange County’s largest remaining stretches of natural coastline. But the part we’d make a beeline for is the Crystal Cove Historic District, where 46 rustic beach cottages from the 1930s and 1940s are tucked right beside the sand!
Visiting this spot really does feel like stepping back into an older version of California. You can wander between the cottages and explore the cliffs and little coves that surround the beach. Some of the cottages have even been restored as overnight accommodation, although snagging a reservation can be seriously competitive.
Thankfully, you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the area. We think it’s well worth visiting just for a wander, especially because it feels so different from the polished waterfront neighborhoods elsewhere in Newport Beach.
If you’re driving, the main cost is parking, usually around $15 USD for the day and up to $20 USD during peak periods, like public holidays. Still, we think it’s worth it to spend a few hours in this charming part of Newport Beach!
Where to Stay in Newport Beach
With so many of Newport Beach’s best things to do centered around the coast and harbor, we recommend staying as close to the water as possible. Balboa Peninsula is our top choice for first-time visitors, but Mariner’s Mile is another convenient option, so we’ve picked three great hotels in these areas for different budgets.
Newport Beach Hotel – $$$
If staying right by the sand is a non-negotiable, Newport Beach Hotel is the one to book! It sits on the West Oceanfront boardwalk, just a 5-minute walk from Newport Beach Pier, so the location really couldn’t be better.
We love this hotel because it offers free breakfast, bicycle rentals, beach chairs, and umbrellas, making beach days nice and easy. Some rooms also have jetted tubs or fireplaces, while the larger Sailor Suites come with full kitchens, which is super convenient for families.
Rooms typically cost between $250 and $550 USD per night. It’s a splurge, but definitely worth it! Check availability and book your stay at Newport Beach Hotel here!
Little Inn By The Bay – $$
For a more affordable stay near Newport Beach Pier, we absolutely adore Little Inn By The Bay.
This hotel is only about a 5-minute walk from the pier, so early-morning beach walks and sunset strolls couldn’t be easier. The free beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles are also a huge bonus. Plus, each room has a microwave and fridge, which is always handy for snacks and leftovers.
Rooms usually range from $175 to $450+ USD per night, which is very reasonable for a boutique hotel this close to the beach. See the latest rates and book your stay at Little Inn By The Bay here!
Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach – $$
If you want great value near Newport Harbor, Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach is a solid choice. It’s right across from the harbor on Mariner’s Mile, and it’s only about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Lido Marina Village.
We love this hotel because we always appreciate a free breakfast, especially somewhere as pricey as Newport Beach! There’s also a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center, so it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Rooms usually cost between $180 and $350+ USD per night, which isn’t bad at all for a clean, comfortable hotel near the harbor with breakfast included. See the latest rates and book your stay at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach here!
Want to see more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Newport Beach here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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Thanks for reading!
It’s safe to say we packed a lot into our time in Newport Beach, and we loved every minute of it! We had such a fun time exploring this beautiful stretch of Southern California, from spotting whales and dolphins offshore to cruising Newport Harbor, catching waves, and soaking up those incredible coastal views. There really is so much more to Newport Beach than simply lounging on the sand!
We hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for your trip. And if Newport Beach is part of a bigger California adventure, be sure to check out all of our USA blogs here, or take a look at some of our favorite guides below to keep planning!
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The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
