The 10 best things to do in Newport Beach

Whale watching is one of the best ways to experience the Pacific Ocean's natural beauty, not to mention the marine life that sits just below its surface. Newport is lucky enough to sit in the path of blue, humpback, and, most notably, gray whale migrations. Within the city there are a number of competitively priced whale-watching tours and, unlike other popular ports, the majority are more than mere harbor cruises.

Visit this sprawling Mediterranean-inspired, five-star resort overlooking the Pacific along Newport Coast. You don’t need to book a night to take advantage of its amenities, though, including a full-service spa, three dining options, and a 36-hole, 400-acre golf course with its own golf academy. Pelican Hill has around-the-clock butler and concierge service and is also home to one of the world's largest circular pools (136 feet).

Of all Newport Beach’s man-made islands, Balboa is by far the most charming. It also feels more like a quaint East Coast harborfront village than the rest of Newport’s distinctly Southern Californian settlements. The first order of business: getting your hands on one of the island’s famed frozen bananas. Choose from rivals Sugar 'N Spice or Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery; both claim to be the originators of the chocolate-covered frozen treat. Then take a jaunt around the 1.6-mile boardwalk that surrounds the island or browse the mom-and-pop shops along Marine Avenue. Visitors to Balboa Island can enter by driving onto it via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your car on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick and scenic five-minute trip across the water.

One of two piers located along Newport’s coastline, this oceanfront lookout extends from a busy commercial district at the start of the Balboa Peninsula. Parking can be a bit tough since it’s located next to the area’s biggest—but still not big enough—municipal beach lot. Though the building at the end of the pier is currently vacant, many are hoping for a restaurant revival soon.

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Bury yourself in one of 15,000 volumes about the Pacific Southwest at this library and botanical garden. The 2.2-acre gardens feature an exotic array of flora—including an assortment of succulents and a Japanese garden—as well as an on-site café called 608 Dahlia. Admission is just $5. Check their website for ongoing special events. 

The main attraction at the end of this pier is the original Ruby’s Diner location, a ’40s-inspired local chain. You’ll pay a premium for some alright burgers, so consider a scenic stroll along the expanse if you don’t feel like springing for a meal. Balboa Pier is located just blocks away from the Balboa Island Ferry and the Balboa Fun Zone. The pier is open for fishing, but most visitors come for the photo ops and to watch surfers below.

Make no mistake: If you’re looking for a beach to unwind in the sunshine, there are miles of wide, sandy stretches that you should visit instead of the Wedge. But if you want to scope out one of the most notable (and sometimes overwhelmingly popular) surf spots in Southern California, this is the place. A long jetty on the eastern edge coupled with the shape of the coastline bounces waves into each other to create near-shore swells as high as 30 feet. Parking is limited to the adjacent neighborhoods, so hoof it past multi-million-dollar beach houses and through entrances on either Channel Road or M Street.

It’s no Disneyland, but it’s also a mere fraction of the price. The historic Balboa Fun Zone is currently being restored under new ownership but is still open to the public. The few carnival-esque rides here aren’t particularly memorable, but the signature waterfront Ferris wheel and merry-go-round do have some charm to them—after all, the entire amusement park dates back to 1936.

There’s nothing at this vast Orange County mall that you won’t find in L.A., but it’s a good one-stop-shop if you’re in the area. There are four department stores (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus), along with an Apple Store, a Barnes & Noble and a selection of fashion stores that are a cut above the usual mall offerings (Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada). Warning: it can get insanely busy on weekends.

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This 3.2-mile stretch of sandy expanses and coastal cliffs bridges the border between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Come to Crystal Cove State Park to explore the tide pools and canyons during the day, or reserve a campsite to spend the night. The beach park also has 2,400 acres of wilderness that's popular among mountain bikers and hikers. Crystal Cove's Historic District includes 21 reasonably-priced cottages available for rent, plus the legendary Beachcomber Cafe that's open to the public.