On the one hand, Newport Beach is Orange County at its most exclusive. Think: high-end shopping at Fashion Avenue, glitzy homes on Balboa Peninsula, and many, many yachts. On the other hand, the city profits from its proximity to Los Angeles, as well as some truly exceptional beaches—visiting them is one of the top things to do in Newport Beach. Beyond that, see surfers hang ten at the Wedge, browse artworks at the Orange County Museum of Art, go for whale-watching boat trips year-round, and then make up your own mind about this sun-drenched, one-of-a-kind destination.
Like in much of Southern California, the weather forecast in Newport Beach is rarely something to consider. Still, locals do flee from the beaches in chillier “winter,” and the crowds die down once school’s back in session. If you want the buzz of this red-carpet region, come in summer, when the volleyballs fly and the harbor bustles past sunset. For less expensive lodging and fewer crowds, get here October–April. And as for whale watching, that happens year-round.
Most travelers arrange for a rental car on their Newport Beach trip, and it can come in handy if you have far-flung places to go. But parking is a beast—if you can ditch the wheels, that’s ideal. Centrally located accommodations will go a long way (specifically on Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula), and the city offers Mokes (small electric cars), e-bikes, and even e-boats to alleviate the traffic issue.
Come around sunset to Balboa Island to skirt the parking issue. Sure, some shops might be closed, but you’ll still get that quintessential island experience, including Balboa bars, a golden-hour stroll along Marine Avenue, and the ferry to the peninsula—where you’ll find the old-school Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Coast, the Balboa Pier, and more. It’s a world class experience not to be missed. The ferry runs from 6:30am to 12am and is cash only.
