This Small U.S. Coastal City Has Stunning Beaches, Pristine Nature Reserves, and Some of the Best Resorts in California

The city of Newport Beach in Southern California’s Orange County is known for its beaches, surfing, boating, shopping, and luxurious lifestyle. It’s a destination for dining in upscale restaurants or casual pubs and shopping in exclusive designer shops or browsing in beachfront boutiques. Its harbor is home to seagoing vessels from electric Duffy boats to multi-million dollar yachts, and the vibe is an eclectic mix of upscale, casual, beachy, and refined.

“The city boasts several micro-neighborhoods," Orange County food and travel writer Jenn Tanaka told Travel + Leisure. "Historic beach cottages at Crystal Cove State Park, opulent homes dotted along the hills of Newport Coast, renowned golf courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill, a quaint maritime village on Balboa Island. A ferry ride across the marina takes visitors to Balboa Fun Zone with its vintage ferris wheel, Duffy boats, and whale watching tours.”

Incorporated in 1906, the city has attracted vacationers from its early days, and in the 20th century, many celebrities made their homes in Newport Beach. Actors James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Shirley Temple were known to frequent the area, but the most famous celebrity resident was John Wayne, known as “The Duke.” His home can be seen on harbor tours, and the Orange County International Airport was named for him.

“Surf culture is the backbone of Newport Beach... experienced locals catch waves at The Wedge, while children splash at Corona del Mar,” Tanaka said. Elegant resorts, family-oriented hotels, and laid-back cottages provide visitors a place to stay while they enjoy the beaches, hiking trails, and attractions of Newport Beach. In summer, the population swells, and when the weather cools in late autumn, the secluded beaches welcome visitors to explore tide pools or stroll along the shore. 

Best Hotels and Resorts

The Resort at Pelican Hill

This plush five-star resort takes guests to the Italian countryside, with olive and cypress trees, lavender, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Guests can stay in a bungalow guest room or suite with a private terrace and limestone fireplace, most with ocean views. The resort also features two, three, and four-bedroom villas in an intimate gated enclave with a private clubhouse and pool. 

Lido House, Autograph Collection

The nautical theme and Cape Cod aesthetic of this boutique hotel are perfect for its location on the water near Lido Marina Village. Featuring coastal-inspired furnishings, the hotel offers 130 stylish guest rooms along with five three-storey cottages, each curated by a local interior designer. Guests can dine at The Mayor’s Table restaurant and enjoy cocktails with a view at Topside, Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar.

Pendry Newport Beach

This sophisticated hotel debuted late in 2023, with 295 guest rooms including 114 suites. Stylish and comfortable, Pendry Newport Beach features their signature Bar Pendry, Set Steak & Sushi, al fresco Tree Shack Pool Bar & Grill, and The Pavilion, a casual breakfast spot. For members only, the trendy Elwood Club offers a separate restaurant, Viamara, The Pub, and The Cabaret nightlife venue.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

For a unique stay steps from the beach, the rustic cottages at Crystal Cove State Park, built around the 1920s, are a popular choice. Preserved and restored to meet current requirements, the cottages offer vintage furnishings, basic facilities, and plenty of character. Each cottage is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Linens and towels are provided, but traditional hotel services like daily housekeeping are not available. 

Newport Beach Hotel

Called “Newport’s Closest Hotel to the Beach,” Newport Beach Hotel is located steps from the sand, with 15 guest rooms in the main hotel plus five adjacent suites. Ideal for families, the Sailor Suites are complete with a full kitchen, living room, and one or two bedrooms. For an ocean view, book the Oceanfront Spa guest room. There’s a complimentary light Continental breakfast, and the hotel provides beach gear and bicycles.

Best Things to Do

Cruise the harbor in an electric boat.

Rent a Duffy boat for the perfect way to experience Newport Beach’s harbor, ogle multi-million dollar mansions, and cruise among resident sea lions. You can relax while you enjoy the easy to manage electric boat, sometimes called “golf carts on the water.”  With a rental of two to four hours, you can either bring along your own food or request snacks and drinks for an additional cost. 

Play golf on a stunning championship course.

At The Resort at Pelican Hill, two courses, the North and the South, offer thrilling challenges and memorable views. Famed course designer Tom Fazio took full advantage of the remarkable terrain, ocean breezes, and rolling hills. The Golf Academy is the place to improve your game with private lessons, golf clinics, and the latest 3D equipment to evaluate your swing.

Spend an afternoon whale watching. 

You have a good chance of spotting whales throughout the year in Newport Beach. Gray whales can usually be seen from December through April during their annual migration. Blue Whales visit the California coast to feed on krill from May through October. Even if a whale doesn’t show up, you’ll see schools of dolphins and groups of barking sea lions.

Hike Newport Beach’s trails.

From an easy loop around the perimeter of Balboa Island to a challenging trek in the canyons of Crystal Cove State Park, there’s a hiking trail for everyone in Newport Beach. The diverse terrain, ocean breezes, and stunning views make exploring on foot a great way to get to know Newport Beach.

Explore the Balboa Peninsula.

For a day of exploring this popular Newport Beach area, ride the Balboa Island Ferry, dine at a local restaurant, and visit the Balboa Fun Zone amusement area. Rent a bike, watch the surfers (or grab your board), stroll along the boardwalk, or browse the art galleries in Balboa Village. 

Best Shopping

Fashion Island 

Fashion Island provides an exciting retail experience with premium designer boutiques, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, jewelry stores, and more. “Luxury shopping at Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village is juxtaposed with curated boutiques,” according to Tanaka. Restaurants, movie theaters, and special events make Fashion Island both a shopping and entertainment destination.

Lido Marina Village 

The outdoor Lido Marina Village features boutiques, designer shops, trendy cafes, and alfresco dining. Shop for luxury clothing and accessories at Elyse Walker and LoveShackFancy. For creative golf apparel, visit Bad Birdie, and for that great beach read, browse Lido Village Books.

Balboa Village

Shopping is fun in Balboa Village where you can find souvenirs, surf shops, and clothing boutiques like Bohemia, where they stock their shelves weekly with one-of-a-kind boho pieces. The Mermaid Store features sea-inspired decor and claims to have “the largest selection of mermaids…outside of the ocean itself.” 

Best Restaurants

Marché Moderne

“Award-winning California-French fare, with a kiss of Italian by husband-and-wife chefs Florent and Amelia Marneau, is on the menu at Marché Moderne,” according to Tanaka. The ambiance is sophisticated and relaxed, and guests can enjoy wine, cocktails, and light snacks at the bar. 

Red O

Located at Fashion Island, Red O serves elevated authentic Mexican cuisine along with craft cocktails. Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, Red O’s flagship location in the renowned shopping center features a lively bar scene, resident DJs, and a gorgeous dining room.

A + O Restaurant at Balboa Bay Resort

Located at the waterfront Balboa Bay Resort, this restaurant serves casual California cuisine with views of boats cruising along the Newport Harbor. The decor, inspired by the restaurants on the Italian Riviera, includes white-washed wood panelling, an expansive outdoor patio with striped umbrellas, wicker chairs, and fire pits. 

The Cannery

Known as a historical landmark with a commitment to serving the freshest seafood for the last hundred years, The Cannery covers more than 100 years of history. It began as a commercial fish cannery in 1921 and continues to be a local favorite. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, The Cannery overlooks the Rhine Canal. 

View

Located in the newly reopened VEA Newport Beach hotel, VIEW restaurant serves California coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in its intimate dining room and on its outdoor Lanai, where guests enjoy views of the Pacific and firepit seating. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, and there’s a late night menu until midnight.

The Best Times to Visit 

The weather in Newport Beach is generally mild throughout the year, with the warmest months from July through September when temperatures reach into the low 70s, and occasionally a bit higher. Winter months are cooler with some rain, and temperatures rarely dip below 50. In May and June, coastal cities experience a marine layer, causing the cool, cloudy mornings that locals call “May Gray” and “June Gloom.”

The cooler seasons are perfect for hiking, biking along the coast, and strolling along the beach. Surfers are in the ocean year-round, with wetsuits when the water is colder. For beachgoers, the warm summer and early autumn sunshine are their favorite times in Newport Beach. 

“The October Newport Beach Film Festival, founded in 1999, brings A-listers and celebrities to the southern California locale each year,” according to Tanaka. In June, there’s the Baroque Music Festival in Corona del Mar. Shoppers love Newport Beach year round, but the year-end festive season is a special time with gorgeous holiday decorations. Whale watching fans head to Newport Beach during the gray whale migration from around December-April.

How to Get to Newport Beach

Newport Beach is located on the southern California coast about 40 miles south of Los Angeles and about 90 miles north of San Diego. Five airports offer access to Newport Beach: John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Diego International Airport (SNA), and Ontario International Airport (ONT). John Wayne Airport is the closest, just six miles away. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a shuttle takes visitors to Newport Beach in about an hour and a half for approximately $100. 

Several California freeways bring visitors to Newport Beach, and a drive along the Orange County Coast offers gorgeous views and interesting glimpses of homes, beaches, and the blue Pacific Ocean. 

Neighborhoods to Visit in Newport Beach

The Back Bay, as locals call the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve, is 1,000 acres of pristine wetlands where more than 200 endangered species and 35,000 migratory birds make their homes. Experience nature with a hike along the 10-mile Back Bay Loop, a bike ride, or a kayak excursion. 

Corona del Mar is set along cliffs above the Pacific, with both quaint cottages and fabulous new homes located along its flower-named streets. The Sherman Library and Gardens features two acres of seasonal flowers, tiled fountains, art, workshops, and a garden-to-table restaurant. 

The Newport Coast and Crystal Cove Beach neighborhood is located at the southernmost tip of Newport Beach where there are beautiful new homes, a shopping plaza, The Resort at Pelican Hill, and Crystal Cove State Park. 

How to Get Around Newport Beach

From the area airports, transportation services are available through Super Shuttle (www.supershuttle.com) to various points in Newport Beach.

Uber and Lyft provide local transportation.

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses serve Newport Beach, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar. (www.octa.net)

A digital Newport Beach guide is available to download (Newport Beach Digital Destination Guide | Visit Newport Beach).