When it comes to a Southern California vacation, Newport Beach is one of the most iconic spots to visit. It’s a personal favorite of mine, I’ve done dozens of trips to Newport Beach over the years.
Being raised in Northern California, my parents often took me south for a beach trip to see family and friends. Newport Beach was one of the spots we often visited as it has a little bit of everything, and arguably some of the most amazing beaches. This month, I spent a weekend in Newport Beach with my husband and toddler, exploring all the city has to offer. Since I was there last, the city has changed quite a bit and I have to report back what I found.
I know planning a trip to Newport Beach means several options for where to stay — well I want to let you in on a secret: One of the best places to stay with kids or even just adults is on the Balboa Peninsula in an area called Lido Marina Village. It’s such a great place to be when exploring Newport Beach, giving a boutique and yet utterly chic stay to a beach vacation. And you could totally skip the car here if you wanted to!
Lido Marina Village is one of the newer places to be developed over the last decade. This waterfront destination is home to dozens of high-end shops, incredible restaurants, and is near to the beach. The main hotel option is the Lido House by Autograph Collection which puts you in the footsteps of everything. It’s one of the few spots you can drop your car, and go every by foot and bicycle (even the beach too.)
Okay so here’s my round-up of the best things to do in Newport Beach, California. Some helpful tips, where-to-stay advice, and everything you need to know about visiting.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Newport Beach:
Hotels
- Lido House, for the best overall hotel
Things to Do
- Go on A Whale Watching Tour
- Book a Private Surf Lesson
- Ferry to Catalina Island for the Day
- Take a Duffy Boat Ride with a Driver
- Cruise Around on Bikes on the Peninsula
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Newport Beach is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
Things to Do in Newport Beach, CA Guide
What to Know Before Visiting
Do I Need a Rental Car?
Yes and no. I would vote yes if you plan to do any exploring up/down the coast of Orange County. Rental cars are often affordable if you plan to do any popping around. I would vote no if you plan to stay at Lido House and explore that area on foot and with their bicycles. Then you could use Uber to get down to say Crystal Cove.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
How Much Time Do I Need?
A long weekend is perfect for exploring Newport Beach. 2-3 nights would give you ample time to enjoy some of the beaches, explore Lido Marina Village, and enjoy the restaurant scene.
Where to Stay in Newport Beach, California
Lido House, Autograph Collection
I am going to make a big case for why Lido Marina Village is the place to stay if you want: proximity to beaches, explore on foot/bike, and close to great restaurants and shopping. You’re right in the heart of the best shopping, food, and things to do in Newport Beach. Lido House is a boutique hotel amidst all of that at the entrance to Balboa Peninsula. The hotel is clean, modern, and has that “surf-chic” feel to it. There’s an onsite pool and spa, restaurant, and cafe which means you’re set with all the amenities you can need. Book the best rates here.
Travel Tip: I feel that Lido House offers a great option to not have to get in the car if you don’t want to. But you’re still under 20 minutes to things like Crystal Cove State Park.
Best Things to Do in Newport Beach, California
Shop the California Designers in Lido Marina Village
Lido Marina Village is the heart of all the best California designer (& beyond) shops. Think brands like The Great, LoveShackFancy, Jenni Kayne, and Dôen. Mixed in with it are some amazing restaurants, and coffee shops, all set on the waterfront of Newport Beach Harbor. You could spend a proper afternoon just popping around. Get a bite to eat at places like Malibu Farm and Zinqué, or splurge at Nobu. For bigger shops, the other area to visit would be Fashion Island.
Take a Duffy Boat Ride with a Driver
If you see those small electric boats on the harbor, those are called “Duffy” boats. They go about 5 miles an hour, making for a very scenic way to enjoy the harbor and the views. They’re very popular to rent for a beautiful afternoon or special occasion. The company Sea Señorita Duffy is the only company that offers Duffy boats that come with a driver, so you don’t have to drive it yourself. You can rent the boat for 2-4 hours and up to 10 guests. We spent 2 hours in the harbor, it was so lovely!
Get Coffee at Herst Coffee Roasters
For all your caffeine needs, head to Herst Coffee Roasters in Lido Marina Village. From our trip, this was our favorite coffee shop we stopped by in Newport Beach.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Newport Beach has some of the best whale watching in Southern California, so book ahead if you’re visiting. There are a few different tours available depending on how you want to get out on the water. The most popular is this 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise. If you want something more intimate and luxurious, I would book this catamaran experience to see whales. And this double-decker catamaran tour also goes out daily as another option.
Have Local Pizza at Skal
Swedish for “cheers!”, Skal is all things so delicious. Their wood-fired pizza and salads were incredible. It’s a laid-back restaurant on the water in Lido Marina Village. Easy with kids, and adults, and there’s a great selection of wine too.
Spend the Day at the Beach
Newport Beach is home to several beaches that you can’t miss. The most classic is Newport Beach near Newport Beach Pier, known for its wide sandy stretches and scenic views. Another personal favorite of mine that we grew up going to was Corona del Mar State Beach which also is close to the Tide Pools at Little Corona Del Mar Beach. And for those wanting to see the local surfers in action, don’t miss the very big and iconic waves at The Wedge.
Cruise Around on Bikes on the Peninsula
If you’re staying at Lido House, grab their complimentary bikes to explore the peninsula. You can ride down to the beach, hop along the islands, and get a scenic view. If you want to rent a bike, check out Newport Beach Bike Rentals for your time.
Try Incredible Pastries at Rye Goods
All things pastries and bread begin at Rye Goods. This is one of my personal favorite Southern California spots (they have a location in Laguna Beach too.) Their breakfast bagel at Rye Goods and pastries are incredible.
See the Sculptures at Newport Beach Civic Center
A little hidden gem is at the Newport Beach Civic Center where there are several sculptures set out amongst an expansive garden. You can stroll through and see the pieces (it’s free to visit). It’s a good spot to stretch your legs and take the kids, too.
Explore Balboa Island and Balboa Fun Zone
Balboa Island is a charming island in Newport that you can access by either car or by the quick ferry from the peninsula. There is a scenic walkway that circulates the island (great for kids, or with a coffee in hand from Huskins). In the small downtown, there is a handful of shops and of course, you have to get a frozen banana from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.
If you take the ferry or drive to Balboa Fun Zone, it’s a classic seaside amusement area with arcade games, a Ferris wheel, and food stands near Balboa Pier. Great option for families who are visiting and want to be by the water!
Catch Sunset at Crystal Cove State Park
One of the most incredible beach stretches in Newport is Crystal Cove State Park. The sheer cliffs meet the sandy shorelines, and it’s a popular spot to gather for sunset. Some people even do bonfires if they’re staying down there. Just note there is no beachfront parking. You’ll have to park and walk down or take the shuttle ($2 for adults, free for kids), to get down.
Get Shakes at Crystal Cove Shake Shack
A classic Newport Beach experience has to be getting a shake at Crystal Cove Shake Shack. We stopped in this time for burgers too and caught the last bit of sunset here after being down at Crystal Cove.
Book in For a Spa Treatment at Boost Spa
Book yourself in for a spa treatment at Boost Spa inside Lido House — I did the classic facial, and it was such a lovely treatment. They offer a range of treatments from massages to facials. It books up fast, so plan ahead.
Try Fish Tacos at Bear Flag Fish Company
Another classic Newport Beach eat is Bear Flag Fish Company. There are two locations, one in Lido Marina and one in Crystal Cove. It’s a super popular seafood market and restaurant, mostly known for its fish tacos and poke.
Get Out on the Water With a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Surfboard
There are plenty of ways to get out on the water; one would be with a paddleboard or kayak, which you can rent with Lido Paddle Sports. Another way to get out would be to surf. I would consider booking a private surf lesson for your time.
Take a Day Trip to Catalina Island
For a day trip idea, take the ferry that departs right from Balboa Peninsula out to Catalina Island. With daily departures (75-minute ride), you can easily do a day trip to Catalina to explore the “California Riviera.” You’ll need to pre-book the ferry from Newport to Avalon, and then again back from Avalon to Newport (these sell out so make sure to book both directions!).
Visit the Sherman Library and Gardens
Another gem to add to the list is a beautiful and serene botanical garden located in Corona del Mar, near Newport Beach, California at Sherman Library. The gardens cover about 2.2 acres and feature diverse plant collections, including tropical plants, succulents, and native California flora. The layout includes themed gardens, such as a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a cactus garden.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
