Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s top destination beach towns. From beautiful white sand beaches, picturesque Balboa Island, waterfront restaurants, Fashion Island, and a charming harbor, there’s so much to explore and discover.
Balboa Island & Newport Peninsula
Balboa Island is a charming, man-made island off the Newport Peninsula. This harborfront village features one-and a-half-mile boardwalk that is dotted with eclectic shops and restaurants along Marine Avenue. You should also be sure to stop by the world-famous Sugar n’ Spice to indulge in the island’s frozen bananas. The few fairground-style rides include a signature waterfront Ferris wheel that dates back to 1936. To get to Balboa Island, you can enter by driving via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your car on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a scenic five-minute trip across the water.
Shop Fashion Island
Fashion Island offers the legendary, world-class shopping Newport Beach is famous for. This open-air mall is an upscale retail experience featuring four major department stores (Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Macy’s), along with an Apple Store, a selection of boutique clothing stores, and delicious restaurants for dining.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
This sprawling Mediterranean-inspired resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You don’t need to book a night to take advantage of its amenities, though, including a full-service spa and a 400-acre golf course with its own golf academy. At The Resort at Pelican Hill, you can retreat to a world of exclusive experiences including a wealth of upscale dining at Pelican Grill, two 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses, Forbes Five-Star spa, an exclusive Villas Clubhouse & Pool, and circular Coliseum Pool.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the best ways to experience Newport Beach and discover the natural beauty and marine life that the area is known for. Newport Beach is situated in the path of blue, humpback, and, most notably, gray whale migrations. And, the area offers a number of competitively priced whale watching tours.
Crystal Cove State Park
This stretch of sandy beaches and coastal cliffs cover over three miles, bridging the border between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Explore the tide pools and canyons during the day, or reserve a campsite to spend the night. Hike and bike the numerous trails or scuba and snorkel underwater.
Rent a Duffy Boat
You’re the captain in these unique, easy-to-operate boats! Peruse the harbor at your own pace by renting a Duffy Boat with friends and family (seating up to 10). Boats have music hookups, as well as full enclosures and canopy tops. Duffy boats can be docked at nearby watering holes and restaurants for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon cocktail.
