Where to Stay in Newport Beach, California: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a getaway to Newport Beach but not sure which part of the city to stay in? You’re in the right place!

With beautiful beaches and plenty of upscale shops and restaurants, Newport Beach has all the ingredients for an amazing coastal escape. However, it’s much more spread out than you might expect, and every part of the city has something slightly different to offer.

We know it’s not always obvious which area will work best for your plans, especially if you’ve never been before. So to help, we’ve rounded up the three best areas to stay in Newport Beach, plus our favorite hotels in each so you can spend less time researching and more time planning the fun stuff.

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Where to Stay in Newport Beach Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Newport Beach

Choosing where to stay in Newport Beach can make a big difference to your trip. The city stretches along several miles of coastline and around Newport Harbor, and while areas can look close together on a map, getting between them isn’t always as quick as you might expect.

If you want to spend most of your trip at the beach, staying within walking distance is definitely worth it. Parking near the sand can be difficult, particularly on sunny summer weekends, and traffic along Pacific Coast Highway can add extra time to even short journeys. Outside of the Balboa Peninsula, having a car or using rideshare will generally make getting around much easier. Hotel prices also climb during the summer, so we recommend booking well in advance if you’re visiting during peak season.

With that in mind, here’s a quick breakdown of the three best areas to stay in Newport Beach and who we think each one suits best:

• Balboa Peninsula – Best for first-time visitors – This is classic Newport Beach, with beautiful beaches, plenty of waterfront entertainment, and a fun vacation atmosphere. Our top pick here is Little Inn By The Bay, which is just a five-minute walk from Newport Beach Pier and provides complimentary bicycles and beach gear.

• Mariner’s Mile and Westcliff – Best for harbor views and waterfront dining – This part of Newport Beach is known for its busy marinas, scenic harbor views, and excellent waterfront restaurants. Our favorite place to stay here is Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach, thanks to its outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, and location directly across from the harbor.

• Fashion Island and Newport Center – Best for luxury stays and shopping – This stylish district is packed with high-end shops, fine-dining restaurants, and resort-style hotels. Our top pick here is Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, which has three outdoor pools, a nine-hole golf course, and a complimentary shuttle to Fashion Island.

Where to Stay in Newport Beach

Balboa Peninsula

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• The most walkable area for a classic beach vacation
• Easy access to Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Pier, the Fun Zone, and the Balboa Island Ferry
• Plenty of casual restaurants, cafés, and beachside activities nearby

Cons

• Can be busy and noisy on summer weekends, with limited parking
• Hotels are expensive, with very few budget-friendly options near the beach
• The peninsula is longer than it looks, so some attractions may still require a bike ride or short drive

If you’re visiting Newport Beach for the very first time, we always recommend staying on the Balboa Peninsula. 

This long, narrow stretch of coastline has everything you could want from a classic Southern California beach vacation. It’s also the most walkable area in Newport Beach, so you can spend your mornings strolling beside the ocean, rent a bike for the afternoon, and head out for tacos in the evening without having to drive anywhere or worry about parking (the dream!). 

Before booking your hotel, it’s worth taking a closer look at where everything is located. Newport Beach Pier with its Dory Fleet fish market and lively McFadden Square anchors the western end of the peninsula, while Balboa Pier, the Fun Zone, and the ferry to Balboa Island are farther south near Balboa Village. Although the distance between the two areas may seem manageable on a map, the walk is much longer than you might expect, so take a look at what you want to see and do and try to book a hotel at the most convenient end of the peninsula.

The main thing to keep in mind about the Balboa Peninsula is that this is a lively beach destination rather than a quiet coastal escape. Summer weekends while school is out can be especially busy, and parking can also be a challenge. However, if you plan on spending most of your time around the beach, this area is definitely where we would stay. It’s just so much fun! 

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 they provide a 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! 

If Newport Beach Hotel is fully booked, The Edgewater Condos by AvantStay is another great option for families and groups. All rooms have a kitchen or kitchenette, and it’s located less than a 10-minute walk from Balboa Pier, the Fun Zone, and the Balboa Island Ferry. 

For something even more luxurious, check out Lido House. It’s close to Lido Marina Village and has a saltwater pool, a full-service spa, and one of the best rooftop bars in the city! 

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 is equipped with 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.

Another hotel we love nearby is Balboa Inn. It was built in 1929, so it’s super charming, and it’s less than a 5-minute walk from the Fun Zone and ferry. 

Mariner’s Mile and Westcliff

BEST FOR WATERFRONT DINING AND HARBOR VIEWS

Pros

• Beautiful harbor setting with restaurants, boat rentals, and bay views
• Well located for visiting Lido Marina Village, Balboa Peninsula, and the rest of Newport Beach
• Quieter and less crowded than the busier areas along the peninsula

Cons

• Busy Pacific Coast Highway makes the area difficult to explore on foot
• Most hotels are near the harbor rather than directly on the beach
• A car or rideshare is usually needed to reach beaches and major attractions

If you love being near the water but don’t need to spend every day lying on the beach, Mariners’ Mile and Westcliff could be perfect for you.

The area sits along Newport Harbor and is filled with marinas, yacht clubs, and waterfront restaurants. One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon here is to head out on the harbor before grabbing dinner beside the water and watching the boats pass by. It still feels unmistakably like Newport Beach, but the atmosphere is a lot calmer compared to the Balboa Peninsula.

You’ll also be a short drive from Lido Marina Village, so it’s easy to fit some shopping into your trip. However, we wouldn’t stay here without a car. Pacific Coast Highway runs through the area, and the traffic makes walking between hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront less enjoyable than you might expect. It’s also worth checking your hotel’s exact location before booking, as some properties advertised as being near the harbor are actually across the highway from the water.

We especially like Mariners’ Mile and Westcliff for couples, anyone hoping to spend time out on the harbor, or travelers who prefer somewhere a little quieter at the end of the day. You won’t have the beach right outside your door, but you’ll still get beautiful water views, plenty of great places to eat, and a real taste of Newport Beach’s boating lifestyle.

Balboa Bay Resort – $$$

If you’re really looking to treat yourself on your trip to Newport Beach, the Balboa Bay Resort should definitely be on your radar!  

This full-service resort sits right on Newport Harbor and even has a private dock where you can rent Duffy boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. There’s also a huge spa, a heated outdoor pool with cabanas, a Drybar salon, and a waterfront restaurant that’s perfect for dinner and drinks overlooking the bay. 

Room prices definitely lean on the luxury side here, with typical rates ranging from $350 to $650+ USD per night,  

Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach – $$

For something a bit more affordable, Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach is a solid choice. It’s right across from Newport 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.

Fashion Island and Newport Center

BEST FOR LUXURY STAYS AND SHOPPING

Pros

• High-end hotels, resort facilities, spas, shopping, and polished restaurants
• Quieter, more spacious setting than the Balboa Peninsula

Cons

• The beach, piers, and harbor attractions require a car or rideshare
• Less of a traditional beach-town atmosphere than the peninsula

If your idea of a Newport Beach getaway involves relaxing by a beautiful hotel pool, squeezing in a spa treatment (or two… or three…), and dressing up for dinner, Fashion Island and Newport Center are probably a great fit.

This part of the city feels noticeably more upscale compared to the Balboa Peninsula. The streets are wide and beautifully landscaped, and it’s home to some of Newport Beach’s most luxurious hotels with resort-style pools, full-service spas, and excellent restaurants. 

Fashion Island is another big draw here. This huge open-air shopping center has designer stores, department stores, and plenty of restaurants, all surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous outdoor spaces. 

Of course, the biggest compromise is that you won’t be staying directly on the beach. Corona del Mar State Beach, the Balboa Fun Zone, the piers, and the harbor are all a short drive away, so you’ll need a car or rideshares if that’s on your itinerary. 

Still, if you’re more excited by poolside cocktails and a leisurely dinner than waking up beside a busy boardwalk, we think you’ll be very happy here. We especially like this area for couples planning a romantic getaway or anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion.

Pendry Newport Beach – $$$

For our top luxury pick near Newport Center, we recommend Pendry Newport Beach. This hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants at Fashion Island, so heading out for a little shopping or a nice dinner couldn’t be easier. 

Visually, this hotel is simply stunning with its modern interiors and gorgeous outdoor pool area. There’s also a spa, a 24-hour gym, a kids’ club, and a family-friendly on-site restaurant for nights when you don’t feel like heading out.

Rooms typically range from $400 to $850+ USD per night. It’s certainly not cheap, but if you’re looking for a polished five-star stay near Fashion Island, it’s hard to beat! 

Another luxury option nearby is VEA Newport Beach. This hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Fashion Island and has a massive pool deck with ocean views. 

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach – $$

For something a little more relaxed, we recommend checking out Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. 

We love that this hotel is spread across 26 acres beside the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, giving it a much more relaxed feel than the busy boardwalk area. There’s plenty to enjoy without leaving the property, too, including three outdoor pools, a nine-hole golf course, and outdoor concerts during the warmer months. 

Location-wise, Balboa Island is around a 20-minute walk away, while the Balboa Fun Zone takes closer to 40 minutes on foot (or about 10 minutes by car). Fashion Island is also nearby, although at around a 30-minute walk, we’d probably grab a quick rideshare if we were heading over for dinner or a little shopping.

As for pricing, you can expect rooms to typically range from $240 to $460+ USD per night depending on the room type and season. 

Related Read: Once you’ve picked your hotel, start planning your days with our Newport Beach itinerary, packed with our favorite things to see, do, and eat.

Top Activities in Newport Beach

Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to start planning the fun stuff! Newport Beach is famous for its beaches, but there’s so much more to do than simply lounging on the sand. From spotting whales and learning to surf to cruising Newport Harbor and even taking to the skies, there are some seriously memorable ways to explore the area.

Here are our favorite things to do in Newport Beach:

• Go whale watching off the California coast – This whale watching tour takes you out into the Pacific in search of humpback and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. We saw tons of dolphins and even watched a humpback whale do a somersault, making this easily one of the highlights of our trip!

• Learn to surf in Newport Beach – Embrace the SoCal lifestyle with this private two-hour surf lesson designed around your experience level. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, and having your own instructor gives you the best chance of getting up on the board before the lesson is over!

• Cruise Newport Harbor in your own electric boat – Be captain for the afternoon with this private two-hour electric boat rental for up to 12 people. Cruise past Balboa Island, Lido Island, and gorgeous waterfront homes at your own pace, bring snacks and drinks along, and keep an eye out for sea lions!

• See Orange County from the sky – Take in the Southern California coastline from a completely different perspective on this private scenic flight. You’ll soar over Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente, with incredible coastal views almost the entire way.

• Put your puzzle skills to the test – Trade the beach for something completely different and try this escape game in nearby Irvine. Choose from six themed rooms and race against the clock to solve clues and escape in 60 minutes—we tackled Prison Break and had an absolute blast!

Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Newport Beach for all of our favorite activities and must-see spots.

Thanks for reading!

Newport Beach may be best known for its beautiful coastline, but choosing the right area to stay can really shape your trip! Whether you want to wake up steps from the sand, enjoy peaceful harbor views, or treat yourself to a luxurious escape near Fashion Island, there’s a great option for every type of traveler. Wherever you stay, we’re sure you’ll love soaking up that laid-back Southern California lifestyle!

Before you go, check out our other USA blogs! We have tons of guides to help you plan an unforgettable trip, whether you’re exploring more of California or heading somewhere completely different. Here are a few related posts to get you started. Cheers!

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