Newport Beach
Newport Beach
4.6
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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- Pankaj R. Narkhede, DDSLake Forest, California26 contributionsNewport Beach, a scenic 20-minute drive west of Dr. Pankaj R. Narkhede’s practice, is a must-visit destination for ocean lovers. Known for its golden beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and luxury shopping at Fashion Island, it offers something for everyone. Take a stroll along the pier, enjoy water sports, or savor fresh seafood with stunning views. Newport Beach is the perfect spot to relax and recharge by the coast.Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 24, 2024
- sherritst3Reno, Nevada121 contributionsWent down from Northern California for my 50th high school reunion at Newport Dunes. Always has been a place of money. Right next to boat ramp which was busy. Walked on the beach then sat and had a coffee to watch the people. Too short of a stay.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 18, 2024
- RoyaltyCCalgary, Canada445 contributionsWhat a beautiful beach. I walked for almost 2 hours on a nice sidewalk admiring the beautiful ocean front properties. There is a clean public restroom. I saw a nice basketball court. There were hardly anyone on the beach on a Wednesday afternoon in January.Visited January 2025Traveled soloWritten February 14, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
1,470 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Poor
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Terrible
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David M
Vero Beach, FL11,113 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 June 2, 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.
Gwen C
Prescott, AZ632 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I love February in Newport Beach! Usually beautiful weather, 70’s, sunny skies, beautiful sunsets, no crowds. We saw dozens of dolphins each day and several grey whales, one quite close in the surf... really exciting!
The city of NPB does a good job of keeping the sand cleaned but there still is a homeless situation in the pier area and some do sleep on the beaches too. The pier was cleaner that it has been the last few years but the old restaurant building at the end of the NPB pier is literally falling apart and is an eyesore. NPB should either tear the building down or allow a business to refurbish and open.
The city of NPB does a good job of keeping the sand cleaned but there still is a homeless situation in the pier area and some do sleep on the beaches too. The pier was cleaner that it has been the last few years but the old restaurant building at the end of the NPB pier is literally falling apart and is an eyesore. NPB should either tear the building down or allow a business to refurbish and open.
Written February 27, 2020
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.
Kaitlyn Parker
Strawberry Plains, TN30 contributions
Aug 2020
Newport Beach is a quaint little oceanfront town. Sitting on a peninsula you can watch the sailboats come in and out of the harbor or have the pleasure of people watching. If you park at the balboa pier you will have to walk up a sand hill and down the other side to get to the ocean. It was crowded and on the noisy side when we were there at 2pm on a Thursday. One other thing I noticed was the homeless that lived around the area. Just be sure to be aware of your surroundings when you go out and don’t ever leave valuables in your car— on any trip you take to anywhere in the world!
Written August 14, 2020
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.
misty_bee_Wyo
Sheridan, WY1,532 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I was staying in Anaheim for a conference and had a free morning. Took an Uber to Newport Beach, which cost around $23 each way -could have taken a bus route for a couple dollars but it would have taken nearly 2 hours each way according to the bus schedule, while the Uber took 25 minutes.
Lovely beach with a wharf and a cute little area around the beach with eateries and coffee shops. It was very warm and sunny, didn’t feel like December at all :)
Lovely beach with a wharf and a cute little area around the beach with eateries and coffee shops. It was very warm and sunny, didn’t feel like December at all :)
Written January 11, 2020
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.
781stanleyk
Wells, ME13 contributions
Jan 2020
Stayed the Marriott at Newport Beach - Had a view of the Ocean and the Pelican Bay Golf course. The property is Excellent - hung out either by the quiet Salt water pool or simply read a book on my balcony. Restaurant's nearby were more like going to your neighborhood type of place or go to the local supermarket called Pavilion which was a step above most supermarkets.
A few nights just grilled and relaxed and dinner was a easy drive with no real waits or hassles. This area is very nice and does not feel iike going to a resort but going to a great neighborhood. will go back there again to relax play some golf and just watch the day go by.
A few nights just grilled and relaxed and dinner was a easy drive with no real waits or hassles. This area is very nice and does not feel iike going to a resort but going to a great neighborhood. will go back there again to relax play some golf and just watch the day go by.
Written February 19, 2020
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, PA1,149 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 July 17, 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.
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 March 19, 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.
Simone
Johnson City, TN1,781 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We always look forward to being able to come & enjoy this beach. Love walking walking walking. The sand is easy to walk in. And when it starts getting crowded we just head over to the beautiful homes across the street & walk there. So much to enjoy! Friendly people. Lots of little shops & restaurants. But sad to see so many homeless coming out recently. Especially in the evenings. We actually decided against walking here in the evening just because we felt unsafe. The men’s restroom was so filthy it was basically unusable. :(
Written February 8, 2020
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 July 2, 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.
Donna V
Park Ridge, IL19 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Spent a Magical Christmas 🎄 in Newport Beach! From the Chicago area, so it was wonderful weather and no snow. Plenty of things to do, great restaurants and walks along the Pacific with a good cup of coffee in the morning.
Stayed at one of the many VRBO’s available for families.
I hope to go back again soon.
Stayed at one of the many VRBO’s available for families.
I hope to go back again soon.
Written January 1, 2020
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.
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!
Written September 1, 2021
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.
Written September 3, 2021
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
Written August 19, 2019
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!
Written August 22, 2019
Hiii, I heard that renting a car from individuals is more cheaper than from car rental companies? Any clue about it? Does it differ in charge if iam an American citizen or not?
Written July 3, 2018
Tamara H
Chehalis, Washington
Turo is an app...similar to air bnb or vrbo but for cars
Written September 27, 2018
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!
Written June 24, 2018
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!
Written July 24, 2018
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.
Written June 12, 2018
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 .
Written June 29, 2018
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
Written April 6, 2018
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 .
Written April 11, 2018
I haven't seen anything about bike rentals. Can tourists ride bikes on the pier?
Written January 17, 2017
Recommend contacting a bicycle rental shop- they would know.
Written January 25, 2017
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
Written April 8, 2015
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
Written May 7, 2016
Hi. I was wondering if a buffet breakfast is offered at Waikiki Shore and if there is any type of entertainment at night.
Written March 18, 2015
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