Top 15 Activities in Newport Beach, California

Often referred to as paradise, the coastal city of Newport Beach presents an exquisite blend of elegance and a relaxed beach lifestyle. This small city, located in Orange County, California, attracts visitors for its sunny climate, sandy shores, and stunning vistas, which frequently feature breathtaking sunsets.

In addition to its natural beauty, Newport Beach offers a variety of attractions, including beachfront dining, contemporary shopping venues, premier golf courses, and the famed Balboa Peninsula district, which encompasses two piers and a renowned boardwalk stretching approximately three miles.

Popular activities available in the city encompass sunset cruises, wine tastings, fishing, and an array of water sports. Moreover, a network of hiking trails can be found in the upper Newport Bay region.

Should you find yourself near the shore late in the evening, you might be fortunate enough to witness the mesmerizing bioluminescence that occasionally occurs under the right conditions.

Throughout the year, a variety of festivals take place, including the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival.

Here are 15 of the top activities to consider while visiting Newport Beach, California.

1. Take a Stroll on Newport Pier

Commencing your Newport Beach adventure at the iconic Newport Pier is highly recommended. Originally built for shipping, this pier has evolved into a recreational treasure that has attracted both locals and visitors for over a century.

Spanning 314 meters in length, Newport Pier is located centrally on the Balboa Peninsula and is recognized as a prime location for witnessing stunning sunsets. It offers a scenic pathway for a leisurely walk along the shoreline, fishing opportunities, and nearby dining options.

2. Spend the Day at Crystal Cove State Park

While Newport Beach boasts numerous beaches, for those seeking a less congested locale enveloped by natural surroundings, Crystal Cove State Park is an excellent choice for a full-day experience.

With 3.2 miles of sandy coastline and 2,400 acres of preserved wilderness, Crystal Cove is among the largest protected natural areas in the county. Here, visitors can encounter scenic cliffs, canyons, and tide pools, as well as enjoy refreshing swims in pristine waters.

Overnight camping accommodations are also available within the park.

3. Admire Fine Art at the Orange County Museum of Art

Renowned as a premier attraction in nearby Santa Ana, the Orange County Museum of Art welcomes a diverse audience of art enthusiasts.

Even individuals with limited art exposure will appreciate the exquisite works showcased here. Among the approximately 3,000 pieces are paintings, photographs, and sculptures representing local artistry from the early 1900s to contemporary times.

The museum regularly hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

4. Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Newport Landing Restaurant

While seafood takes center stage at Newport Landing Restaurant, the menu caters to non-seafood enthusiasts as well.

This elevated yet casual dining establishment has been serving fresh, locally-sourced food for over three decades.

The menu features a range of appetizers, soups, salads, and seafood specialties, including grilled Atlantic salmon and blackened Pacific swordfish, along with hearty entrees like fish and chips and shrimp linguini. An oyster bar is also available on-site.

Additionally, the extensive bar menu includes California wines, local craft beers, and a variety of cocktails, featuring the longest happy hour in Newport Beach.

Its scenic waterfront location offers splendid views of Newport Harbour, Balboa Island, and the distant Saddleback Mountains.

5. Go Whale Watching

Thanks to its ideal location amid several whale migration routes, Newport Beach stands out as one of the premier destinations for whale watching in the region.

Participating in a whale tour is the most effective way to witness these magnificent creatures. Newport Landing Whale Watching Company organizes these excursions, providing opportunities to see a variety of whales and marine wildlife up close.

This family-friendly activity allows guests to possibly spot grey and killer whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and finback whales, as well as dolphins, seals, sharks, and an array of seabirds during the two-and-a-half-hour tours.

6. Spend an Afternoon Shopping at Fashion Island

If shopping is on your agenda but you prefer to enjoy the beautiful weather rather than being confined to a shopping mall, Fashion Island is an open-air shopping center boasting views of the Pacific Ocean.

This upscale shopping destination accommodates over 150 retailers, including several large department stores and boutique shops. Here, you will find notable names such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Anthropologie, and Trina Turk.

A selection of dining options is available, featuring an artisan burger restaurant, a Japanese sushi bar, an Italian eatery, and various pizza establishments. Additionally, there is a grocery store, a movie theater, and numerous events throughout the year.

7. Escape the City in Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, affectionately referred to as “The Back Bay,” spans 1,000 acres and is the largest wetland area in Southern California.

This preserve serves as a critical stopover for over 35,000 migratory birds and attracts many bird-watchers throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The preserve also features an interpretive center that educates visitors about the estuary’s history and includes a butterfly garden.

8. Catch Some Thrills at Balboa Fun Zone

Balboa Fun Zone is an ideal location for an exhilarating family outing in Newport Beach. Nestled on the Balboa Peninsula, this amusement park offers an extensive range of attractions.

The on-site Balboa Village features a beach area, a picturesque boardwalk, along with various restaurants and shops.

Exciting amusements include the Ocean Motion bungee ride and the iconic waterfront Ferris wheel. Visitors can embark on harbor cruises, and the site also offers a historic pavilion and numerous arcades.

9. Try Paddleboarding with Pirate Coast Paddle Company

Whether you are new to paddleboarding or a seasoned enthusiast, Pirate Coast Paddle Company offers an exciting adventure for everyone.

For beginners, hour-long lessons are available to teach the fundamentals of the sport and ensure safety.

Alternatively, you may choose to rent a paddleboard on-site for self-guided exploration or join guided excursions led by experienced instructors.

10. Do Brunch at The Beachcomber Cafe

The Beachcomber Cafe is a beloved dining establishment located in the Crystal Cove area of Newport Beach, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with splendid ocean vistas.

The diverse menu includes a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more. There are delectable desserts available, along with an extensive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Guests can also opt to rent fire pits and beach equipment, such as beach chairs, for a more enjoyable experience.

11. Learn About Native Plants at the Environmental Nature Center

Since its inception in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center has provided engaging and interactive learning experiences to individuals of all ages. The 3.5-acre site encompasses 15 distinct plant environments showcasing flora native to California.

Within the center, you will discover various nature trails traversing different habitats, including desert landscapes, marshlands, oak woodlands, and redwood forests. Additionally, a butterfly habitat and Nature Museum are present on-site.

12. Catch Some Waves at The Wedge

Located at the far east end of the Balboa Peninsula, The Wedge is famous for its extraordinary wave formations, attributed to the area’s distinctive geological characteristics.

Waves can reach heights of up to 30 feet, making it a premier spot for capturing impressive ocean imagery.

This location is favored by surfers, bodyboarders, and adventurers eager to test their skills, and it is recognized as one of the top surfing spots in Southern California.

13. Get Pampered at The Spa at Pelican Hill

Indulge in a day of relaxation at The Spa at Pelican Hill, where a diverse array of facilities and services are offered.

The spa features 22 treatment rooms, a gym, saltwater soaking tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and multiple tranquil lounges. Guests can also enjoy a variety of services, including spa cuisines and wellness classes.

For those seeking ultimate pampering, numerous treatments are available, such as massages, facials, peels, reflexology, scalp treatments, and foot massages. Treatment packages are also offered.

14. Indulge with French Cuisine at Moulin Bistro

The proprietor of Moulin Bistro in Newport Beach has deep roots in French culture and cuisine. He founded the restaurant as a tribute to the bistros in Paris that inspired him during his youth, aiming to share these culinary experiences with locals and visitors alike.

Upon entering Moulin, the aroma of freshly baked bread combined with the sounds of the French language creates an inviting atmosphere.

For those familiar with French cuisine, the menu features traditional dishes that may evoke memories of recent travels to France or personal experiences.

Variety characterizes the offerings, including an extensive selection of sandwiches, pastries, crepes, soups, salads, and popular favorites. A selection of French wines and champagne is also available.