Top 8 Things to Do in Newport Beach, CA: The Ultimate Guide (2024)
Newport Beach At-A-Glance
| Population | 84,792 |
|---|---|
| Area | 52.92 mi² |
| Best known for | Balboa Island |
| Character | Ritzy beach city with upscale dining and shopping destinations |
For many people, Newport Beach is the city that comes to mind when they think of Orange County. Featured on shows like Arrested Development, The O.C., and The Real Housewives of Orange County, Newport Beach has a reputation as one of the most affluent communities in the country.
Top Things to Do in Newport Beach
1. Balboa Island
2. Balboa Peninsula
3. Lido Marina Village
4. Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Park
5. Fashion Island
6. Water Activities
7. Visit a botanical garden
8. Whale Watching
1. Balboa Island
This is a must-see part of Newport Beach. Balboa Island is the closest thing to Cape Cod on the west coast—there are many vacation homes here that resemble the cottages you might find in the Northeast.
You can access this area by driving across the bridge that starts on PCH or by going down the peninsula and catching the Balboa Island ferry for a small fee. Make sure to try the iconic Balboa Bar from Dad’s or Sweet N’ Spice (right next to each other on Marine Avenue).
2. Balboa Peninsula
Across Balboa Island is the Balboa Peninsula. There is a small area called the Balboa Fun Zone where you can ride the ferris wheel or play arcade games.
3. Lido Marina Village
Lido Marina Village is a small upscale shopping center right on the water with boutiques and restaurants, including Nobu.
4. Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Park
This is a free art exhibition featuring large-scale sculptures located across the street from Fashion Island shopping center. Here, you can catch beautiful sunsets and sweeping views of the ocean.
5. Fashion Island
Fashion Island is one of the premier shopping centers in all of Orange County.
6. Water Activities
Many local businesses in Newport rent paddeboards, kayaks, and even duffy boats by the hour.
7. Visit a botanical garden
Newport is home to two of the top five botanical gardens in OC: Sherman Library & Gardens and Roger’s Garden.
8. Whale Watching
Newport Beach is a popular place for whale watching year-round. Blue whales are observed in the summer and fall months, and gray whales in the winter and spring.
9. Go to the beach
Check out this list of beaches in Newport Beach.
