🌴 Things to Do in Newport Beach: Coastal Fun Meets Classic California
Newport Beach is the ultimate blend of laid-back SoCal vibes and polished coastal luxury. From afternoons on the water to shopping, dining, and beachside adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. Here’s your curated guide to the best things to do in Newport Beach—whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids.
🚤 Rent a Duffy Boat
One of the most fun (and uniquely Newport) ways to see the harbor is by Duffy boat. Cruise past waterfront mansions, spot sea lions, and enjoy snacks and drinks on board. Book your own Duffy boat or explore other harbor cruises. Check out the Anchors Up Guide!
Best for: 👥 Groups, 💕 Couples, 👨👩👧 Kids
🏖️ Spend a Day at the Beach
Choose your favorite stretch of sand:
Crystal Cove State Park – Tide pools + hiking trails.
Corona del Mar State Beach – Calm waves + dramatic cliffs.
Balboa Peninsula Beach – Classic boardwalk energy + volleyball courts.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 💕 Couples, 👥 Groups
🚲 Ride Bikes Along the Boardwalk
Newport Beach is known for its bike-friendly environment, and renting a bike is a great way to explore the area . Rent cruisers and roll for miles with nonstop ocean views. Or hit the coast on an electric bike for miles of oceanfront views. Explore some historic sites in Newport Beach check our the guide: The Most Historic Places in Newport Beach
Best for: 👥 Groups, 💕 Couples, 👨👩👧 Kids
🌊 Walk Around Balboa Island
A charming two-mile boardwalk with waterfront homes, boutique shops, and frozen bananas.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 💕 Couples, 🌿 Solo
🎡 Balboa Fun Zone
Ride the old-fashioned Ferris wheel, play arcade games, or grab ice cream on the waterfront.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 👥 Groups
⛴️ Balboa Island Ferry
Take this historic ferry (on foot or by car) across the harbor—a fun mini adventure.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 💕 Couples, 👥 Groups
🎣 Stroll Newport Pier
Historic pier lined with bars, restaurants, and endless people-watching.
Best for: 💕 Couples, 👥 Groups, 👨👩👧 Kids
🌊 The Wedge
Watch surfers tackle massive waves at the jetty—an iconic Newport experience.
Best for: 👥 Groups, 💕 Couples, 🌿 Solo
🐚 Tide Pools at Little Corona
Perfect for curious explorers to discover starfish, crabs, and sea anemones.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 💕 Couples, 🌿 Solo
🌴 Newport Dunes Beach & Water Park
In summer, the inflatable water park is a kid-favorite, set in a calm bay cove.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 👥 Groups
🐠 Once Upon An Island- Mermaid Experience
On Balboa Island, kids can meet a “real” mermaid or enjoy themed parties in an under-the-sea salon.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids
🌳 Marina Park Playground
A nautical-themed playground right on the bay, perfect for little ones while parents relax by the water.
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids
🔥 Beach Bonfire Nights
Grab a fire ring near Balboa Pier or Corona del Mar and enjoy a California classic.
Best for: 👥 Groups, 💕 Couples, 👨👩👧 Kids
🛍️ Shopping in Newport Beach: From Boutiques to Coastal Luxury
Shopping in Newport Beach blends seaside charm with upscale style. Whether you’re after designer labels, beachy boutiques, or coastal treasures, you’ll find it all.
✨ Fashion Island – Newport’s crown jewel of outdoor luxury shopping, with designer stores, boutiques, dining, and ocean views.
🌊 Lido Marina Village – Chic bayfront boutiques, artisan shops, and cafés—perfect for a stylish afternoon stroll.
🏝️ Balboa Island – Browse unique mom-and-pop shops, gift stores, and sweet treats (don’t miss the frozen bananas).
🎡 Balboa Village – Vintage charm with souvenir shops, casual beachwear, and fun finds near the Balboa Fun Zone.
🌸 Corona del Mar – Coastal sophistication with upscale boutiques, interior design showrooms, and curated lifestyle shops.
⛳ Newport Coast – Refined shopping tucked near The Resort at Pelican Hill, offering luxury boutiques and resort-inspired style.
Best for: 💕 Couples, 🌿 Solo, 👥 Groups, 👨👩👧 Kids (Balboa Island & Village especially)
🌊 Water Thrills: Jet Skiing, Parasailing & Skim Boarding
Jet Skiing – For adrenaline-seekers, rent jet skis and zip across the waves.
Parasailing – Take in sweeping views of Newport Beach from above the ocean.
Skim Boarding – With its wide sandy stretches and rolling surf, Newport is one of the best places to try this uniquely SoCal sport.
Best for: 👥 Groups, 💕 Couples, 👨👩👧 Kids (older)
🐚 For the Nature Enthusiast: Scenic Walks & Natural Wonders
🌿 Hike Newport Coast (Crystal Cove Trails)
Miles of trails with panoramic ocean views, ranging from easy bluff walks to moderate hikes.
Best for: 🌿 Solo, 💕 Couples, 👥 Groups, 👨👩👧 Kids
🦋 Environmental Nature Center
Stroll trails, discover local wildlife, and check out the butterfly house (seasonal).
Best for: 👨👩👧 Kids, 🌿 Solo, 💕 Couples
🐾Tail & Trails-Traveling With Your Pup?
If you brought your furry friend along, check out our [Tails & Trails Guide: Hiking With Your Pup in Newport Beach] for the best dog-friendly beaches, trails, and parks.
🦆 Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Birdwatching, hiking, and biking across 135 acres of wetlands.
Best for: 🌿 Solo, 💕 Couples, 👨👩👧 Kids
🐋 Whale Watching
Newport Beach is one of the best spots in Southern California to witness majestic marine life. Seasonal migrations bring gray whales (winter to spring) and blue whales (summer to fall) right along the coast, making sightings almost guaranteed. Tours depart daily from Newport Harbor, often just steps from the Balboa Fun Zone. Along the way, you may also spot dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. 👉Book a Whale/Dolphin Watching in Newport Beach
🌟 Looking for Something Unique?
If you want to explore Newport Beach beyond the usual highlights, let The Orange County Concierge craft a custom itinerary just for you. From hidden coves to local-only dining spots, we’ll help you experience the city like an insider.