Newport Beach
Newport Beach
4.5
About
Known for its shoreline and seafood restaurants, Newport Beach is more than just sand and surf. This coastal city in South Orange County, California, is a vibrant playground of attractions and activities.
Newport Beach also marks the first stop of many Hollywood tours, and you may recognize its surroundings from hit shows like 'The O.C.' and 'Arrested Development'. Hop on a whale-watching cruise to spot blue whales and bottlenose dolphins, catch some waves at the popular surfing spot The Wedge, or stroll down a picturesque boardwalk to Balboa Island, where you’ll find a variety of charming local businesses.
– Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,463 reviews
Excellent
959
Very good
399
Average
77
Poor
16
Terrible
12
thehungryexpat2015
269 contributions
Aug 2023
This place doesnt dissapoint at all. Its exaclty like it was depicted in the movies and tv shows. New port beach is stunning.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
william h
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
Great place to visit but be prepared for the parking. It's Hell, use the app and Got hacked And had to cancel 2 credit cards. Try using the 800 number. But they hung up on me twice. There's gotta be a better way to pay for parking. I would download the app before Even thinking about going good luck.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindsay0215
Pittsburgh, PA1,082 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We love going to Newport Beach however the marine layer put a slight damper on the day. We’re used to the blue sky sunny CA beach day so the marine layer was a new experience. Someone suggested checking the beach cams before you head out. Still a nice day at the beach.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J H
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This port is too crowed. It is short of parking and you have to pay for everything. Its whale watching business is also fake ... it almost ruined my vacation. Luckly I found mission beach. It is much better place to go.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam Lefler
3 contributions
Oct 2022
Typical southern California beach town with limited parking and expensive hotels. The ocean side has wide flat sandy beach.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff B
Hemet, CA5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Newport Beach is a beach untouched By Time
It's an Awesome place to hang out catch some sun play in the Water grab a snack or Dinner at of the the many restaurants I suggest Moma D's it's A Delicious Italian food Restaurant the best in Southern California
There's also Charlie's Chili' next to the Pier.
California has the most beautiful coast line so yeah check out Newport Beach
It's an Awesome place to hang out catch some sun play in the Water grab a snack or Dinner at of the the many restaurants I suggest Moma D's it's A Delicious Italian food Restaurant the best in Southern California
There's also Charlie's Chili' next to the Pier.
California has the most beautiful coast line so yeah check out Newport Beach
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA1,290 contributions
Jul 2022 • Business
The great beach city of California that offers something for everybody. Wonderful beach, harbor, shopping and coastal living.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Vero Beach, FL11,080 contributions
May 2022
The beach can have different surf conditions at different spots, so it's worth checking if you want to enjoy the water. Parking is erratic. There is some free parking nearly everywhere, but most is pay, on a system that outsiders may have difficulty figuring out.
The south end of the beach from Balboa Pier to the Wedge tends to be steep and, when it has waves, they're fairly noxious shorebreak. The area around 13-15 street and the jetties north of Newport Pier westward tend to be better. If there's surf (erratic) the jetty at the south end of Balboa Peninsula has a patch of waves when there's a south swell. The Wedge. It can be a spectacle, and on big days, it's advisable for would-be spectators to arrive before dawn. Most of the time, there's plenty of street parking down there.
The south end of the beach from Balboa Pier to the Wedge tends to be steep and, when it has waves, they're fairly noxious shorebreak. The area around 13-15 street and the jetties north of Newport Pier westward tend to be better. If there's surf (erratic) the jetty at the south end of Balboa Peninsula has a patch of waves when there's a south swell. The Wedge. It can be a spectacle, and on big days, it's advisable for would-be spectators to arrive before dawn. Most of the time, there's plenty of street parking down there.
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotterNL1
Peterborough, Canada704 contributions
Mar 2022 • Business
A lovely evening was spend walking along the pier and beach at Newport Beach! It felt like the stereotypical California experience. It was a wonderful place to visit!
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave G
West Kelowna, Canada33 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Only my second visit to Newport Beach, and so glad we returned. Newport Beach is amazing. Recommend renting a bike, and exploring miles of bike lane along Beach. Travelled from south end of Newport Beach, to north end of Huntington Beach in an afternoon, on rented e-bike. So much fun, and e-bike definitely recommended.
Newport has great restaurants for seafood, Italian, Mexican food, and many more.
Will be back.
Newport has great restaurants for seafood, Italian, Mexican food, and many more.
Will be back.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizfisher86
Pensacola, FL10 contributions
My husband and will be in Newport Beach on business for one night, we'll have the evening free and I'm looking for suggestions of the best place to visit the beach, we won't have a car, only Uber. I enjoy beachcombing and sunset photography so just looking for a quiet place with some beautiful scenery and maybe within walking distance to grab a quick bite to eat as well? Thanks for any suggestions!
Not-too-picky-in-CT
Essex, CT182 contributions
Well…Newport Beach is a great place with lots of choices for activities. It has a huge wide beautiful beach which is several miles long. The two piers, Newport Pier and Balboa Pier are beautiful and interesting but also very active at sunset. (Newport Pier is on 21st Street and is the busiest of the two) Consider going farther north on the boardwalk, possibly up around 32nd street area. On that end it is likely quieter at sunset and there are definitely plenty of restaurant choices in that area as well. Have fun.
tbandco
Seattle, WA6 contributions
Hi! We're planning late for a September vaycay- relaxing yet more things to do besides Hawaii. Part veg time, part walking around, seeing the sights, etc. Just 2 of us- where would you stay- Newport or Laguna beach or ??? Thanks! t
Donna M
Indialantic, FL127 contributions
Laguna has more natural beauty w Rocky beaches and cliffs. Only walkable area is Main Street and PCH. Check to see how long the Sawdust festive and Pageant of the Masters is running into Sept.
Newport is good for bike riding on PCH, 2 Piers, Balboa Island and Ferrry. They are really close together so you could see both!
Sara K
Skokie, IL48 contributions
Looking to spend a week on a family beach vacation this Aug- We found a property on 44th and River. Is this close enough to enjoy the beach? Still going to be a challenge to get in/out of the pier, shopping and parking etc? How bad is the busy Aug 12-19? How bad will it be to travel in or out of LA? Thank you!
Jody G
Newport Beach, CA1 contribution
44th and River should be just a couple blocks to beach. You should be fine with traffic because it's at the end of the peninsula close to PCH. Then you would maybe bike the alley to the boardwalk (on 38th?! I should know that haha) and you'll be on your way to Newport Pier in no time. Balboa Pier and the Fun zone are just a ways past that. Parking is always a challenge but with patience you should find a spot. Visiting LA, while close, you'll need to avoid rush hour times, but usually its more clear in am going to LA and evening returning from LA than vice versa. Good luck and have fun!
Nivin S
1 contribution
Hiii, it's my first time to visit Disneyland, now I wanna know what is the cheapest way to reserve tickets, how may days are enough to visit the whole park, do I Pay anything else by the gate like taxes.
NaderNaguib
Cairo, Egypt153 contributions
Book the ticket online to get the cheapest prices and try to avoid weekends .. i guess 2 days at least to visit the whole park if u r quick , but if u want to take mote time and do the rides more than one time then u will need more time .
Nivin S
1 contribution
iam going to visit Newport Beach for a couple of weeks,if i wanna visit another place what would it be,its my first visit to the states,las vegas or los angeles or any other suggestions
NaderNaguib
Cairo, Egypt153 contributions
then Las Vegas is a must , i guess u rent a car and don't miss SanDiego , Monterey .. u can also go to Hollywood , Sea world & 6 flags if u want to have some fun .
marsha L
Lehighton, PA21 contributions
I haven't seen anything about bike rentals. Can tourists ride bikes on the pier?
Elizabeth A
30 contributions
Recommend contacting a bicycle rental shop- they would know.
lrnmcvay
Glasgow, UK21 contributions
The last part of our vacation will be 6 days to unwind we shall be flying home to UK from Lax , really fancied Santa Monica but price is through the roof would like a nice beach destination travel agent is saying Long Beach as friend has recommended it but looking at it and hearing comments that its not really a beach destination has put me off Please help? where should we end our fabulous trip? Family of 4 children aged 13 and 15.
Thanks
Worldaround2015
Seattle, WA56 contributions
I recommend to go to Laguna Beach and to stay at the
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
the location is great and you can rent it from owner, surfing and walking and getting around very easy to everything
Sally
Mildura, Australia43 contributions
Hi. I was wondering if a buffet breakfast is offered at Waikiki Shore and if there is any type of entertainment at night.
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Claim your listingNEWPORT BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Newport Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Newport Beach:
- Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise (From RMÂ 168.30)
- Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour (From RMÂ 416.09)
- The Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Hollywood Attractions (From RMÂ 481.54)
- Two-day Los Angeles & San Diego Private Tour (From RMÂ 11,687.58)
- 2 hour Private Newport Beach Harbor Cruise! Bayliner XR7 (From RMÂ 2,688.20)
- Hotels near Newport Beach:
- (1.02 km) VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
- (0.87 km) Crystal Cove State Park
- (0.76 km) Lux contemporary ocean view house w/ rooftop deck
- (4.87 km) Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel
- (3.52 km) The Resort at Pelican Hill
- Restaurants near Newport Beach:
- (0.21 km) Bistro 24 Express
- (0.52 km) Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
- (0.50 km) Red O
- (0.61 km) True Food Kitchen
- (0.55 km) Gulfstream
- Attractions near Newport Beach:
- (0.00 km) Civic Center Park
- (0.22 km) Newport Beach Public Library
- (0.22 km) The Friends Bookstore
- (0.23 km) Newport Beach Athletic Club
- (0.31 km) Global Entry Program