Newport Beach Attractions and Popular Things to Do

Ranked among the best U.S. beaches according to TripAdvisor, Newport Beach bustles with coastal charm and southern California beauty. In addition to an award-winning beach, visitors have plenty of fun things to do. For ideas, read about popular Newport Beach attractions and try something new.

Newport Beach Attractions and Fun-filled Activities

Balboa Island Ferry

Balboa Island Ferry provides transportation service for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The ferry travels between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula, and runs until 2 a.m., on Fridays and Saturdays. One-time rides cost $1 to $3 per person, and commuter books are available. This makes it easy to sight-see and meet locals.

Balboa Island

Ranked among the best Newport Beach attractions, this spot offers lots of things to do. After riding the ferry, try stand-up paddleboarding, play at fun zone or take a whale-watching cruise. Then shop dozens of local boutiques and quirky stores for fashion, art, and souvenirs. In addition, Balboa Island has 20 restaurants, serving everything from candy and coffee to international cuisine.

Want the full scoop on Balboa Island? Read this Balboa Island day trip guide.

Newport Beach and Newport Beach Pier

The entire Newport Beach area offers 10 miles of coastline perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Newport Municipal Beach measure 5 miles and has restaurants and attractions such as Balboa Peninsula.

During a beach day, visit Newport Beach Pier. The attraction welcomes guests to admire ocean views, sample fresh seafood, fish and picnic. Newport Beach Pier has served as a must-see since 1889.

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Another beach ranks among the top Newport Beach attractions. This spot gets busy, so arrive early for a good spot. Corona Del Mar State Beach sits on the east side of Newport Harbor and welcomes everyone to swim, surf and sunbathe. In addition, the beach has served as a locale for film and sporting events.

Orange Coast Winery

Want some local flavor? Visit Orange Coast Winery, which hosts tastings every day. Reservations are not accepted, however groups who arrive before opening may tour together. For only $20, Orange Coast Winery provides tastings of sparkling, white, rose and red.

In addition to wine, enjoy a selection of locally prepared cuisine such as flatbreads, sandwiches, hummus, sliders and sweets. Those looking for a place to take friends should visit Orange Coast Winery on Wednesdays when they host live music.

Fashion Island

Fashion Island is one of Orange County’s premier shopping destinations. With more than 150 stores and restaurants, plus ocean views, it’s easy to spend at day or weekend here. Shop big names including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom – a few anchor stores. Then browse kids apparel, health and beauty, home décor, furniture, jewelry, swimwear, and toys.

Fashion Island also has casual, fast and upscale restaurants. Enjoy fine dining at Fig and Olive, or relax at California Pizza Kitchen, Lemonade and Wahoo’s Fish Taco. After dining, see new releases at the movie theater.

Newport Beach Golf Course

Newport Beach Golf Course offers 18 holes of championship golf. The front nine is the shortest and provides a warm-up to the back nine. The latter offers a more challenging game with lake hazards and views.

Players also have access to a practice chipping green, putting green and full driving range. Frequent players say this is also a great course for beginners. Other golf courses in Newport Beach include Pelican Hill Golf Club, Newport Beach Country Club and Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course.

See why these Newport Beach attractions rank among the top things to do. Book a Newport Beach vacation rental and come visit.