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This Small U.S. Coastal City Has Stunning Beaches, Pristine Nature Reserves, and Some of the Best Resorts in California

In Newport Beach, you can surf the waves in the morning and dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant at night.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants.

The Best Times to Visit

How to Get to Newport Beach

Neighborhoods to visit in newport beach, how to get around newport beach.

John Luciano/Courtesy of Pelican Hill Resort

The city of Newport Beach in Southern California’s Orange County is known for its beaches, surfing, boating, shopping, and luxurious lifestyle. It’s a destination for dining in upscale restaurants or casual pubs and shopping in exclusive designer shops or browsing in beachfront boutiques. Its harbor is home to seagoing vessels from electric Duffy boats to multi-million dollar yachts, and the vibe is an eclectic mix of upscale, casual, beachy, and refined.

“The city boasts several micro-neighborhoods," Orange County food and travel writer Jenn Tanaka told Travel + Leisure. "Historic beach cottages at Crystal Cove State Park, opulent homes dotted along the hills of Newport Coast, renowned golf courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill , a quaint maritime village on Balboa Island. A ferry ride across the marina takes visitors to Balboa Fun Zone with its vintage ferris wheel, Duffy boats, and whale watching tours.”

Incorporated in 1906, the city has attracted vacationers from its early days, and in the 20th century, many celebrities made their homes in Newport Beach. Actors James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Shirley Temple were known to frequent the area, but the most famous celebrity resident was John Wayne, known as “The Duke.” His home can be seen on harbor tours, and the Orange County International Airport was named for him.

“Surf culture is the backbone of Newport Beach... experienced locals catch waves at The Wedge, while children splash at Corona del Mar,” Tanaka said. Elegant resorts, family-oriented hotels, and laid-back cottages provide visitors a place to stay while they enjoy the beaches, hiking trails, and attractions of Newport Beach. In summer, the population swells, and when the weather cools in late autumn, the secluded beaches welcome visitors to explore tide pools or stroll along the shore.

The Resort at Pelican Hill

This plush five-star resort takes guests to the Italian countryside, with olive and cypress trees, lavender, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Guests can stay in a bungalow guest room or suite with a private terrace and limestone fireplace, most with ocean views. The resort also features two, three, and four-bedroom villas in an intimate gated enclave with a private clubhouse and pool.

Lido House, Autograph Collection

The nautical theme and Cape Cod aesthetic of this boutique hotel are perfect for its location on the water near Lido Marina Village. Featuring coastal-inspired furnishings, the hotel offers 130 stylish guest rooms along with five three-storey cottages, each curated by a local interior designer. Guests can dine at The Mayor’s Table restaurant and enjoy cocktails with a view at Topside , Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar.

Courtesy of Pendry Hotels

Pendry Newport Beach

This sophisticated hotel debuted late in 2023, with 295 guest rooms including 114 suites. Stylish and comfortable, Pendry Newport Beach features their signature Bar Pendry, Set Steak & Sushi, al fresco Tree Shack Pool Bar & Grill, and The Pavilion, a casual breakfast spot. For members only, the trendy Elwood Club offers a separate restaurant, Viamara, The Pub, and The Cabaret nightlife venue.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

For a unique stay steps from the beach, the rustic cottages at Crystal Cove State Park , built around the 1920s, are a popular choice. Preserved and restored to meet current requirements, the cottages offer vintage furnishings, basic facilities, and plenty of character. Each cottage is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Linens and towels are provided, but traditional hotel services like daily housekeeping are not available.

Newport Beach Hotel

Called “Newport’s Closest Hotel to the Beach,” Newport Beach Hotel is located steps from the sand, with 15 guest rooms in the main hotel plus five adjacent suites. Ideal for families, the Sailor Suites are complete with a full kitchen, living room, and one or two bedrooms. For an ocean view, book the Oceanfront Spa guest room. There’s a complimentary light Continental breakfast, and the hotel provides beach gear and bicycles.

Cruise the harbor in an electric boat.

Rent a Duffy boat for the perfect way to experience Newport Beach’s harbor, ogle multi-million dollar mansions, and cruise among resident sea lions. You can relax while you enjoy the easy to manage electric boat, sometimes called “golf carts on the water.” With a rental of two to four hours, you can either bring along your own food or request snacks and drinks for an additional cost.

Play golf on a stunning championship course.

At The Resort at Pelican Hill , two courses, the North and the South, offer thrilling challenges and memorable views. Famed course designer Tom Fazio took full advantage of the remarkable terrain, ocean breezes, and rolling hills. The Golf Academy is the place to improve your game with private lessons, golf clinics, and the latest 3D equipment to evaluate your swing.

Spend an afternoon whale watching.

You have a good chance of spotting whales throughout the year in Newport Beach. Gray whales can usually be seen from December through April during their annual migration. Blue Whales visit the California coast to feed on krill from May through October. Even if a whale doesn’t show up, you’ll see schools of dolphins and groups of barking sea lions.

Canvan Images/Getty Images

Hike Newport Beach’s trails.

From an easy loop around the perimeter of Balboa Island to a challenging trek in the canyons of Crystal Cove State Park, there’s a hiking trail for everyone in Newport Beach. The diverse terrain, ocean breezes, and stunning views make exploring on foot a great way to get to know Newport Beach.

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Explore the Balboa Peninsula.

For a day of exploring this popular Newport Beach area , ride the Balboa Island Ferry , dine at a local restaurant, and visit the Balboa Fun Zone amusement area. Rent a bike, watch the surfers (or grab your board), stroll along the boardwalk, or browse the art galleries in Balboa Village .

Fashion Island

Fashion Island provides an exciting retail experience with premium designer boutiques, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, jewelry stores, and more. “Luxury shopping at Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village is juxtaposed with curated boutiques,” according to Tanaka. Restaurants, movie theaters, and special events make Fashion Island both a shopping and entertainment destination.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Jenni Kayne and Clare Vivier

Lido Marina Village

The outdoor Lido Marina Village features boutiques, designer shops, trendy cafes, and alfresco dining. Shop for luxury clothing and accessories at Elyse Walker and LoveShackFancy . For creative golf apparel, visit Bad Birdie , and for that great beach read, browse Lido Village Books .

Balboa Village

Shopping is fun in Balboa Village where you can find souvenirs, surf shops, and clothing boutiques like Bohemia , where they stock their shelves weekly with one-of-a-kind boho pieces. The Mermaid Store features sea-inspired decor and claims to have “the largest selection of mermaids…outside of the ocean itself.”

Marché Moderne

“Award-winning California-French fare, with a kiss of Italian by husband-and-wife chefs Florent and Amelia Marneau, is on the menu at Marché Moderne ,” according to Tanaka. The ambiance is sophisticated and relaxed, and guests can enjoy wine, cocktails, and light snacks at the bar.

Located at Fashion Island, Red O serves elevated authentic Mexican cuisine along with craft cocktails. Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, Red O’s flagship location in the renowned shopping center features a lively bar scene, resident DJs, and a gorgeous dining room.

A + O Restaurant at Balboa Bay Resort

Located at the waterfront Balboa Bay Resort , this restaurant serves casual California cuisine with views of boats cruising along the Newport Harbor. The decor, inspired by the restaurants on the Italian Riviera, includes white-washed wood panelling, an expansive outdoor patio with striped umbrellas, wicker chairs, and fire pits.

The Cannery

Known as a historical landmark with a commitment to serving the freshest seafood for the last hundred years, The Cannery covers more than 100 years of history. It began as a commercial fish cannery in 1921 and continues to be a local favorite. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, The Cannery overlooks the Rhine Canal.

Located in the newly reopened VEA Newport Beach hotel, VIEW restaurant serves California coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in its intimate dining room and on its outdoor Lanai, where guests enjoy views of the Pacific and firepit seating. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, and there’s a late night menu until midnight.

The Best Times to Visit

The weather in Newport Beach is generally mild throughout the year, with the warmest months from July through September when temperatures reach into the low 70s, and occasionally a bit higher. Winter months are cooler with some rain, and temperatures rarely dip below 50. In May and June, coastal cities experience a marine layer, causing the cool, cloudy mornings that locals call “May Gray” and “June Gloom.”

The cooler seasons are perfect for hiking, biking along the coast, and strolling along the beach. Surfers are in the ocean year-round, with wetsuits when the water is colder. For beachgoers, the warm summer and early autumn sunshine are their favorite times in Newport Beach.

Jim Brown/Getty Images

“The October Newport Beach Film Festival , founded in 1999, brings A-listers and celebrities to the southern California locale each year,” according to Tanaka. In June, there’s the Baroque Music Festival in Corona del Mar. Shoppers love Newport Beach year round, but the year-end festive season is a special time with gorgeous holiday decorations. Whale watching fans head to Newport Beach during the gray whale migration from around December-April.

Newport Beach is located on the southern California coast about 40 miles south of Los Angeles and about 90 miles north of San Diego. Five airports offer access to Newport Beach: John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Diego International Airport (SNA), and Ontario International Airport (ONT). John Wayne Airport is the closest, just six miles away. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a shuttle takes visitors to Newport Beach in about an hour and a half for approximately $100.

Several California freeways bring visitors to Newport Beach, and a drive along the Orange County Coast offers gorgeous views and interesting glimpses of homes, beaches, and the blue Pacific Ocean.

The Back Bay, as locals call the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve , is 1,000 acres of pristine wetlands where more than 200 endangered species and 35,000 migratory birds make their homes. Experience nature with a hike along the 10-mile Back Bay Loop, a bike ride, or a kayak excursion.

Corona del Mar is set along cliffs above the Pacific, with both quaint cottages and fabulous new homes located along its flower-named streets. The Sherman Library and Gardens features two acres of seasonal flowers, tiled fountains, art, workshops, and a garden-to-table restaurant.

The Newport Coast and Crystal Cove Beach neighborhood is located at the southernmost tip of Newport Beach where there are beautiful new homes, a shopping plaza, The Resort at Pelican Hill, and Crystal Cove State Park.

From the area airports, transportation services are available through Super Shuttle ( www.supershuttle.com ) to various points in Newport Beach.

Uber and Lyft provide local transportation.

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses serve Newport Beach, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar. ( www.octa.net )

A digital Newport Beach guide is available to download ( Newport Beach Digital Destination Guide | Visit Newport Beach ).

Newport Beach Blog

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Discover the latest Newport Beach news, trends, hot spots, fine dining establishments and more on the Visit Newport Beach blog. Our blog comes equipped with all the details you need to make your outings in Newport Beach ones to remember.

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Choose from an award-winning list of Newport Beach hotels as well as boutique hotels, beach hotels, Newport Beach resorts, cottages, rental properties and Newport Beach camping sites on the sand.

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Discover All Newport Beach offers, including holidays offers, etc.

On the Water

Unwind in the scenic parks or take a memorable harbor cruise to savor the breathtaking views that make Newport Beach a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration

About Visit Newport Beach Inc.

Visit Newport Beach Inc. is your ultimate resource for Newport Beach travel and tourism. Our team of destination experts is here to help you plan the perfect stay, with insights on everything from the best restaurants to must-see attractions.

We are a non-profit, 501(c)6 marketing organization under contract with the City to position Newport Beach, California as a visitor and conference destination. Visit Newport Beach sells the destination through direct sales efforts, as well as advertising and public relations promotion. Visit Newport Beach Inc. is funded primarily by the city through Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), as well as through a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and private-sector membership dues from the hospitality industry or other related businesses.

Get in Touch With Visit Newport Beach

Ready to plan your next trip to Newport Beach, California? Let us do the heavy lifting in organizing your future Southern California getaway. Fill out the form on our Contact page for assistance with planning a trip, meeting, or event and to get answers to general questions.

Visit Newport Beach Staff & Board of Directors

Visit Newport Beach Inc. is led by a talented team of staff members and Board of Directors . Our leadership helps to elevate Newport Beach as a tourism destination and ensure your stay in Orange County is the best it can be.

Meetings & Conventions in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is the perfect destination for your next corporate meeting or event . Our team offers complimentary support in planning your professional conference from start to finish. Enlist our help with everything from selecting a venue to planning offsite group activities.

Newport Beach, CA Local Resources

Discover our curated list of government agencies, associations, organizations and services in the Newport Beach area. Our links to resources throughout the area can help direct you to everywhere from the John Wayne Airport to the local Chamber of Commerce.

Mission Statement

As the City of Newport Beach’s official Destination Marketing Organization, the mission of Visit Newport Beach Inc. is to partner with the tourism and hospitality industry by protecting and nurturing the destination brand and to deliver additional spending by leisure and conference visitors, leading to enhanced community economic vitality and quality of life .

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Newport Beach Travel Guide

Why Go To Newport Beach

Known for its pristine beaches and high-class dining venues, Newport Beach, California, is a great place to vacation with family. Stretching along the Orange County coast for 10 miles, the city is known for the expensive yachts floating in its harbors and the prime surfing conditions that people travel from far and wide to experience. There are must-see beaches like Corona del Mar , but there are also plenty of other lesser-known shorelines waiting for you if you're willing to explore.

Located about 40 miles south of Los Angeles , Newport Beach is an easy trip from the city . Newport Beach also boasts proximity to Disneyland , which makes it a solid home base if you want to relax on the sand after a long day exploring the park. The harbor area of the city is home to an endless amount of restaurants and shops, and the amusement rides on the pier are perfect for kids. The city is famously glamorous, and you may even spot some celebrities while you're out and about.

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Best of Newport Beach

Best hotels in newport beach.

# 1 in Lido House, Autograph Collection
# 2 in Balboa Bay Resort
# 3 in VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa

Best Things to Do in Newport Beach

# 1 in Corona Del Mar State Beach
# 2 in The Wedge
# 3 in Newport Beach Whale Watching

Popular Tours

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

(674 reviews)

from $ 36.00

Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

(58 reviews)

from $ 51.20

Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

(173 reviews)

Newport Beach Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Newport Beach is from July through September. The summer months are easily the best, and most popular, times to visit Newport Beach because the weather is at its warmest of the year and the ocean is comfortable for swimming. But, with mild weather year-round, this seaside town will make for a relaxing vacation pretty much anytime.

Weather in Newport Beach

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Rent a car Public transportation is limited in Newport Beach, so if you don't have a car, you'll find yourself relying on ride-hailing apps, bikes or your own two feet.

Rent a Duffy boat These little electric boats are a staple of Newport Beach life. Since they don't require a boating license and can accommodate up to 12 people, Duffy boats are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Traffic trouble If you're renting a coastal house down the peninsula, you'll benefit from friendly neighbors and sea views, but you'll probably battle traffic driving to the mainland each day.

How to Save Money in Newport Beach

Bike around There are plenty of bike rental options available in the city, and they're a cheap way to travel from place to place and avoid racking up parking fees. Try well-reviewed shops like Seaside Bike Rentals or 20th Street Beach and Bikes .

Food truck finds Travelers rave about the wide variety of food trucks in Newport Beach, so you can get a solid meal without the price tag of a five-star restaurant. You can find a directory of some of the area's food trucks here .

Bed down inland Though the waterfront views are stunning, they will cost you a pretty penny. You can save a few bucks by staying inland rather than on the water.

Corona Del Mar State Beach is the ideal place to watch the sun set.