8 of the best things to do in Newport Beach

Set between long stretches of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged San Joaquin Hills, Newport Beach embraces the same laid-back lifestyle as its neighbouring Californian beach towns but is set apart by a distinctly upmarket feel. It was the setting for The OC, the early 2000s cult series about a well-to-do Orange County community, and you’ll find stately mansions, boutique stores and restaurants serving seafood towers here. But there’s also whale-watching in the Pacific, a legendary surf break creating 30ft waves and a bohemian district of driftwood homes. The city is a little over an hour’s drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego, making it an ideal stop on a Southern California itinerary. 

Go whale-watching in the Pacific Ocean

Newport Beach is one of the best places in the US to go whale-watching. It lies along a key migratory route for several whale species, as well as near the Newport Submarine Canyon and continental shelf, which fuel a rich marine ecosystem and make for ideal feeding grounds.

Newport Coastal Adventure offers high-speed rigid inflatable boat tours into the open ocean for small groups, led by expert guides. Depending on the season, sightings may include gray whales (winter to spring), blue whales and humpbacks (spring to autumn) and even the occasional orca (year-round). Common dolphins are frequently spotted racing alongside boats in large playful pods, and bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins make regular appearances.

Cruise along Newport’s harbour

The harbour is one of the city’s defining features, stretching more than three miles from the Pacific Ocean into the calm waters of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve, known locally as the ‘Back Bay’. It’s lined with elegant homes, many with private docks, and several artificial islands, including village-like Balboa Island and exclusive Lido Isle. Explore it with an electric boat rental from Duffy. You can picnic aboard or dock at waterfront restaurants such as Lido Bottle Works, which is run by locals and serves craft beer and a tapas-style menu. For something more exclusive, Balboa Bay Resort offers a two-hour sunset cruise aboard a 42ft yacht, complete with seafood and Champagne.

Step back in time at Crystal Cove Park

Just down the Pacific Coast Highway is Crystal Cove State Park, spanning 2,400 acres of backcountry and three miles of shoreline. Along one of its most scenic waterfront stretches lies the Historic District, 46 beachfront cottages built between the 1920s and 1940s. It was once an enclave for artists, surfers and free spirits, who constructed homes from salvaged wood and even discarded film set materials. To preserve the area, the State of California purchased the land in 1979 and led a decades-long restoration project. Stays are available through the Department of Parks and Recreation; don’t miss the warm beignets at Beachcomber Cafe or the daily, 5pm hoisting of the ‘Martini flag’.

Go shopping at Fashion Island

Located a 10-minute drive from the harbour, Fashion Island is an open-air retail centre that’s home to high-end boutiques and department stores. A standout is the multi-level Restoration Hardware Gallery, an exhibition-like space for luxury home furnishings, with a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the coastline. Alternatively, explore the Lido Marina Village, a waterfront neighbourhood where narrow streets are lined with stylish cafes and independent boutiques. Clare V is known for effortlessly chic clothing and accessories, while Aloha Collection — a Californian brand with Hawaiian roots — specialises in water-resistant travel bags. The marina-facing restaurants here include an outpost of Nobu and Malibu Farm, a Southern California-founded spot that celebrates organic, farm-to-table ingredients.

Cycle the Newport Beach boardwalk

For a front-row look at the city’s beach culture, follow the boardwalk, a three-mile paved path along the Balboa Peninsula south of the main harbour. With its flat terrain and scenic views — stretches of sand on one side and beach cottages, surf shops and cafes on the other — it’s ideal for exploring on two wheels. Rent an electric bike from 20th Street Beach and Bikes, then head south towards Newport Beach Pier. Just beside it, Dory Fleet Fish Market — operating since 1891 — sells black cod, lobster and spider crab straight from the boats. Before looping back, veer off to the Balboa Fun Zone for a ride on the vintage Ferris wheel and a frozen banana from Sugar ’n Spice.

Dine on the catch of the day

With its Pacific location, Newport Beach is home to exceptional seafood dining. Set in a historic fishing building, The Cannery serves the likes of blackened wahoo tacos and lobster rolls, plus meats such as Wagyu beef. Set Steak & Sushi at the Pendry hotel attracts a sophisticated crowd with dishes like bluefin tuna pizza on a crisp tortilla base with ponzu aioli, while RH Ocean Grill at Fashion Island also impresses, serving seafood towers in a glass-roofed garden. Alternatively, The Mayor’s Table at boutique Lido House hotel delivers sophisticated dishes such as Dungeness crab pasta with wild mushrooms and garlic cream sauce, or Wine Country lamb with carrot puree and dukkah spice crumb. After your meal, unwind with drinks at the rooftop bar, a popular weekend hangout.

Watch legendary surfing at The Wedge

To witness some of California’s most legendary surfing, visit The Wedge at the southernmost tip of the Balboa Peninsula. This famous break was created accidentally by a 2,000ft jetty, and it can produce waves that are up to 30ft high thanks to a wave reflection phenomenon: when a south or southwest swell hits, water pushes off the jetty and collides with incoming waves, forming soaring walls of water that attract skilled surfers from around the world. Visit in late spring or summer for the best conditions, and check The Wedge cam for updates. Inspired to get into the water? Surf schools along the Balboa Peninsula like Endless Sun offer beginner-friendly lessons and board rentals.