In the market for fun things to do in Newport Beach, CA? From surfing lessons, to riding the ferris wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone, to cruising the harbor on a Duffy Boat, Newport Beach is your slice of the Southern California dream. In honor of my moving to the city a year ago and exploring it as a then-tourist-now-local, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of the 30 best things to do in Newport Beach, CA.
30 Exciting Things to Do in Newport Beach CA
1. Visit a beach on the Balboa Peninsula. My favorite pastime of living in SoCal is feeling the soft sand between my toes and soaking up the sun while watching the waves crash. Pay attention to the colored flags on the retro-looking lifeguard stands, and only enter the water if the flags are green. Keep your eyes peeled, you’re likely to spot dolphins playing just a little ways out from the shore.
2. Take the Balboa Trolley. Skip the hassle of parking on Balboa Peninsula (and when I say hassle, I really mean hassle) and enjoy a ride down the palm tree-lined streets without fighting for one of the few precious beach parking spots. The trolley runs Saturdays and Sundays in the summer, plus on the 4th of July. Find the full route map here.
3. Ride the ferris wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone. California’s answer to Coney Island has been a popular attraction since the early 20th century. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the rides on the boardwalk, especially the ferris wheel, which offers some seriously great views of the area.
4. Eat a frozen chocolate covered banana. Indulge in this iconic treat, a local favorite that’s both refreshing and deliciously decadent. This is practically a must for fans of the show Arrested Development. My favorite is dark chocolate dipped in Heath. Thank me later.
5. Rent a Duffy boat and cruise through Newport Harbor. When we first moved to the OC, we were baffled by these little electric boats that only seem to exist in Southern California, but now I totally get the appeal. Rent your very own vessel and cruise past the luxury yachts and multi-million dollar estates.
6. Take a Segway tour of the Balboa Peninsula. Don’t let the e-bike craze make you forget about the humble segway! Glide along the boardwalk and streets of Balboa and take in the postcard-worthy views aboard a segway.
7. Take a surfing lesson. If you’ve listened to even a single Beach Boys song, you likely know how rich surf culture is in Southern California. Take a lesson on how to catch waves and experience the thrill for yourself. Or, if you’re like me, experience the thrill of tumbling off your board many, many times.
8. Go bird watching at Upper Newport Bay. Go to what locals call the “Back Bay” and see how many species of birds you can spot in their natural habitat. The Back Bay is home to many migratory birds, so you’ll see slightly different winged friends each season. It’s a 10.5 mile trail where you can walk, run, or bike if birding isn’t your thing (but might I suggest giving it a try?).
9. Visit the Newport Beach Farmers Market. Held on Sunday mornings from 9am-1pm at Newport Pier, this market is one of our favorites. Grab some freshly picked produce, beautiful flowers, gourmet chili sauce, or homemade bread. The green chili sauce from Yum Yum is legitimately a staple in our house.
10. Have a beach bonfire. Snag one of the several cement fire rings available for use on Newport Beach and in Corona Del Mar (CdM as it’ll show up online). Gather around the crackling fire and roast marshmallows while the sun sets over the Pacific. The number of fire rings is both limited and first come, first served, so make sure to claim yours early.
11. Go on a whale-watching cruise departing from Newport Harbor. Set sail in search of breaching whales. One of my personal favorite things to do in Newport Beach, CA. Humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, and orcas can all be seen off the coast of Newport throughout different months of the year. At minimum, you should see plenty of playful dolphins.
12. Take a day trip from Newport Harbor to Catalina Island on the Catalina Flyer. Take a 75 minute ferry to the island that looks like it was snatched straight from the south of France. Bonus points if you attend the Catalina Wine Mixer.
13. Attend the Newport Beach Christmas boat parade. Enjoy marveling at the festively adorned boats parading through the harbor. This is an annual favorite of locals and visitors alike and is typically held across 5 spectacular nights in mid-December.
14. Taste some wine at Orange Coast Winery. Delight in handcrafted wines made from California grapes in a cozy tasting room. The friendly staff will excitedly teach you about their wines and lead you through a tasting you won’t forget.
15. Have a seafood snack at the historic Crab Cooker. Treat yourself to some scrumptious seafood dishes and award winning clam chowder at an establishment that has been around since 1951.
16. Take a stroll around Castaways Park. Wander scenic trails with panoramic vistas and views of Newport Harbor. This park is often uncrowded and enjoyed by locals who enjoy its serenity. Also a good spot to do a little bird watching if that’s your thing (it’s definitely ours).
17. Shop at Fashion Island. Indulge in some retail therapy and explore upscale boutiques and trendy shops at this outdoor mall. You’re close enough to the ocean to enjoy the smell of the sea breeze.
18. Go fishing for some of the Pacific’s best catches. Select a charter fishing option from Newport Harbor, or fish off the pier with the locals. Enjoy the salty breeze and try your best to fight off the curious gulls that will want to get in on the action.
19. Or eat some already caught and delicious prepared seafood at Bluewater Grill. Enjoy dining with views of the harbor in the evening and feasting on the local catch of the day.
20. Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore Newport Harbor. Glide through calm waters of the harbor and enjoy views of multi-million dollar estates, or go further into the bay to take in the natural settings of the Back Bay.
21. Attend the Newport Beach Film Festival, held annually every October: Join over 50,000+ film fans and immerse yourself in cinematic brilliance, from indie gems to Hollywood premieres.
22. Have a drink at Topside Roof Deck on the rooftop of Lido House. Enjoy the panoramic views of the peninsula and the beaches at sunset at Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar. Topside has sophisticated vibes that pair perfectly well with any kind of celebration.
23. Get a sub from Gallo’s Italian. Gallo’s is a local legend and has been a staple in the Corona del Mar community since 1973. Their sub menu features classics and new twists on old favorites.
24. Walk around Sherman’s Library and Gardens. Stroll through lush gardens and historic architecture. Sherman’s is an oasis inside the bustling city of Newport Beach and is beloved by locals.
25. Grab a caffeinated drink from Coffee Dose and experience the local chain’s cult following for yourself. Arrive at any of their locations well before 10am to avoid long lines of brunch goers and enjoy all of their sassy and a little bit crassy merch.
26. Hike Crystal Cove State Park. Hike through hilly coastal trails lined with wildflowers. Your heart rate will likely climb, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking ocean vistas. Exploring Crystal Cove is one of many visitors’ favorite things to do in Newport Beach, CA.
27. Visit the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park. Explore tide pools that are filled to the brim with marine life. The tide pools are best viewed during low tide, which is typically in the morning in the spring and early summer and afternoon in the late fall and winter. There are four tide pool areas that can be accessed after paying a $15 day use fee to the state park.
28. Grab a malt or shake from Rudy’s Diner on Newport Pier. Indulge in a sweet treat while soaking in the nostalgic charm of the 50s style diner. See if you can spot a playful dolphin or seal from the end of the pier while you enjoy your snack.
29. Take an aerial tour of Newport Beach and Orange County. Get unparalleled views of the Golden Coast from a private plane. If you didn’t ride the ferris wheel at the Fun Zone due to heights, you might want to sit this one out.
30. Attend the Annual Corona Del Mar Sandcastle Building Contest: Held the first weekend of October, this contest has been a tradition in CdM for over 60 years. Walk through the sand and marvel at the intricate sand sculptures crafted by talented teams of artists.
As you can tell, there’s no shortage of things to do in Newport Beach, CA. Whether you’re a local or someone lucky enough to be visiting for a short while, you’re almost guaranteed to have a special time in this slice of paradise.
Looking for things to do outside of Orange County? We’ve taken multiple out of town visitors on a day trip out to Temecula valley to check out the wineries and sample some California wine. Bring your kids or your pups and check out my list of best wineries in Temecula.
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