Newport Beach Travel Guide: Discover the Best of our Hometown
A seaside town with the perfect blend of laid-back fun and luxury living.
From world-class dining and lively bars to coastal strolls, bike rides along the boardwalk, boutique shopping, and harbor cruises — Newport Beach blends elevated style with laid-back coastal charm. Whether it’s fresh seafood by the bay, rooftop cocktails at sunset, or an afternoon browsing local shops, there’s something here for every traveler.
Things to Do in Newport Beach
From coastal walks and boardwalk bike rides to harbor cruises and world-class shopping, Newport Beach is full of laid-back charm and elevated experiences. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore the area:
🌴 Explore
Balboa Island
A charming, walkable island accessible by car or ferry. Stroll the boardwalk that circles the island (about 45 minutes), browse boutiques along Marine Avenue, and don’t miss the famous Balboa Bar from Dad’s Donuts or Sugar & Spice. For a true local’s start, grab a coffee at Crocker’s or Huskins Coffee Company before your walk.
Balboa Peninsula
Spend the day at the beach, walk the boardwalk, rent bikes, or watch surfers at The Wedge. For something more laid-back, stop into Blackie’s by the Sea on 21st Street — a classic locals’ bar that’s great for a cold drink, playing pool, and people-watching.
Balboa Fun Zone
Ride the iconic Ferris wheel, rent a boat, and browse for souvenirs at this nostalgic bayside boardwalk.
Lido Marina Village
An upscale waterfront district with stylish boutiques and cafés. Browse Jenni Kayne, Amber Interiors, LoveShackFancy, and Cynthia Rowley (say hi to our friend Connie!). For lunch, stop at Malibu Farm, Zinqué, or Nobu.
Fashion Island
An open-air shopping destination with designer boutiques, department stores, and great dining. Perfect for gift shopping or wardrobe upgrades. Don’t miss the French Dip at R+D Kitchen.
Roger’s Gardens
A stunning nursery and lifestyle destination, especially magical during the holidays. Known for seasonal décor, garden rooms, and curated home goods.
Crystal Cove State Beach
Tucked between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, this protected stretch of coastline offers soft sand, scenic trails, and historic coastal cottages from the 1930s and ’40s. Enjoy beachside dining at The Beachcomber and explore the Los Trancos Creek historic district.
Duffy Boat Rentals
Nothing says Newport quite like cruising the harbor in an electric Duffy boat. Pack snacks and cocktails, grab friends, and explore the bay at your own pace.
🍴 Restaurants
Fine Dining
Ocean 48 (Fashion Island)
Upscale steak and seafood with a curated wine list and stylish atmosphere. Dinner only, reservations recommended.
RH Ocean Grill (Fashion Island)
Elegant rooftop dining inside the RH Gallery. Open for lunch and dinner — perfect for combining great design and coastal cuisine.
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila (Peninsula)
Sonoran-Baja inspired cuisine with an extensive tequila menu and lively ambiance. Dinner and weekend brunch.
Môlo Restaurant (Newport Beach)
A chic newcomer offering modern cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting. Best for dinner.
21 Oceanfront (Balboa Peninsula)
Romantic and elegant, with classic fine dining and sweeping ocean views. Dinner only.
The Cannery (Cannery Village)
A historic Newport landmark perched on the marina, known for its outstanding sushi, seafood, and steaks. Locals flock here for the lively happy hour, waterfront views, and inventive rolls like the 911. Open for lunch and dinner.
A Restaurant (Westcliff)
A Newport institution with a moody, clubby atmosphere, known for dry-aged steaks and classic cocktails. Dinner only.
CdM Restaurant (Corona del Mar)
Stylish and modern with inventive California cuisine, creative cocktails, and a lively bar. Open for dinner and weekend brunch.
Nick’s (Westcliff)
A polished American restaurant known for consistent, high-quality dishes and service. Great for lunch or dinner.
ARC Butcher & Baker (Cannery Village)
Rustic, wood-fired cooking with a focus on quality ingredients. Serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a warm, modern setting.
Gulfstream (Corona del Mar Plaza)
Upscale casual spot for fresh fish and hearty salads, with a Southern twist. Open for lunch and dinner.
The Bungalow (Corona del Mar Plaza)
Classic American steakhouse with cozy, old-school vibes and a lively bar. Popular for steaks, seafood, and cocktails at dinner.
Javier’s (Crystal Cove)
A Newport Beach institution for upscale Mexican cuisine in a dramatic oceanfront setting. Known as much for its margaritas and scene as for its food — it’s loud, lively, and definitely the place to see and be seen.
Casual Favorites
Bear Flag Fish Co. (Lido Marina Village)
A local staple for poke, tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood. Best for lunch or an early casual dinner.
Dory Deli (Newport Pier)
Steps from the sand, this laid-back deli serves breakfast, lunch, and casual bites all day.
Haute Cakes Caffé (Westcliff)
Beloved café & bakery known for farm-fresh breakfasts, homemade pastries, and sunny courtyard seating.
Plums Café (Costa Mesa)
A longtime brunch favorite just minutes from Newport, serving hearty breakfasts and Northwest-inspired scrambles.
Alta Coffee (Peninsula)
Cozy, artistic café loved for its chai lattes, pastries, and mellow breakfast and lunch.
Lighthouse Café (Marina Park, Balboa Peninsula)
Bright and modern with sweeping harbor views. Great for breakfast, brunch, and lunch by the water.
Malibu Farm (Lido Marina Village)
Fresh, organic, California-style dining open all day, from breakfast to dinner.
Fly N Fish Oyster Bar & Grill (Balboa Peninsula)
Relaxed waterfront spot specializing in seafood and oysters. Great for dinner or happy hour.
Sessions West Coast Deli (Peninsula & Fashion Island)
Surf-inspired sandwiches and fresh salads — perfect for lunch on the go.
Locals’ Favorites
Crocker’s The Well Dressed Frank (Balboa Peninsula)
Famous for gourmet hot dogs and burgers with a loyal local following. Casual, quick, and classic Newport.
Bear Flag Fish Co. (Lido Marina Village)
A Newport staple for poke, tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood. A go-to lunch stop for locals.
The Alley
A true local hangout with no-frills food, strong drinks, and a welcoming crowd. Don’t miss the Thursday prime rib special.
Tupelo Junction Café (Cannery Village)
Serving hearty Southern-inspired breakfasts and comfort food classics. Dog-friendly and loved by Newport regulars.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub (Fashion Island)
Authentic Irish pub with hearty fare, a lively atmosphere, and a dog-friendly patio. A neighborhood classic for casual meals and pints.
🚲 Active Coastal Living
Cycle the boardwalk along the beach, taking in ocean views and the lively energy of the peninsula.
Paddleboard through the calm harbor waters — a favorite way to see sea lions, boats, and bayfront homes up close.
Learn to surf or watch the pros take on massive waves at The Wedge.
Rent a beach cruiser or an electric bike to cover more ground along the coast.
Try kayaking in the Back Bay for a more peaceful, nature-filled adventure.
Book a Duffy boat with friends for a leisurely cruise through Newport Harbor.
Or go big with a Moke rental — a fun, open-air electric car perfect for beach town exploring.
🌊 Locals’ Favorites
The Wedge — world-famous surf break for thrill-seekers and spectators alike.
Duffy Boats — electric boats that make harbor cruising a Newport tradition.
Mokes — colorful, open-air cars that are as fun to drive as they are to be seen in.
🍸 Nightlife & Bars
A Restaurant Newport Beach and Newport Coast
Both locations offer a vibrant late-night scene with refined cocktails, moody lighting, and a fashionable crowd. Ideal for date nights or post-dinner drinks.
Javier’s (Crystal Cove)
Upscale Mexican dining with a dramatic bar scene and killer margaritas. A popular choice for a lively, stylish night out.
CDM Bar
Dimly lit and intimate with craft cocktails and a chic ambiance. Great for after-dinner drinks or a stylish meet-up.
The Quiet Woman
Also known to locals as the Qdub.
Turns into a lively bar with live music and dancing later in the evening. High energy with a mix of locals and visitors.
The Cannery
Locals love The Cannery not only for dinner but also for its excellent happy hour with marina views and elevated bites. Be sure to order the popular 911 Roll and say Hi to our favorites: Ashlyn, Ryan and Cole.
21 Oceanfront
Perfect for sunset drinks or after-dinner cocktails. Elegant and timeless, with beautiful views of the ocean.
Topside Roof Deck at Lido House
Newport's only rooftop bar, offering craft cocktails, light bites, and panoramic sunset views over Lido Marina. A must-visit for out-of-towners.
Malarky’s Irish Pub (Balboa Peninsula)
A younger, upbeat crowd and energetic pub atmosphere. Great for a casual drink and late-night energy.
Stag Bar + Kitchen (Balboa Peninsula)
One of the oldest bars in Newport with a massive liquor selection and buzzing bar scene. Fun and casual.
The Helmsman Ale House (Balboa Peninsula)
Trendy, industrial vibe with local beers and a lively crowd. A great spot for groups.
Cassidy’s Bar & Grill (Balboa Peninsula)
A beloved Newport dive bar with strong drinks, casual locals, and no frills. Authentic and fun.
📺 Sports Bars
Helmsman Ale House (Newport Blvd)
Brewpub with house-made craft beers, a big bar, and plenty of TVs — a go-to for watching games with a lively crowd.
Malarky’s Irish Pub (Balboa Peninsula)
Also doubles as a favorite game-day spot, especially busy during football season.
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill (Balboa Peninsula)
Known for Chicago-style pizza, big screens, and a lively sports bar vibe. Great for groups on game day.
The Village Inn (Balboa Island)
A longtime local hangout on the island with good food, strong drinks, and a neighborhood feel — TVs tuned to the game.
Avila’s El Ranchito (Peninsula)
Mexican food and margaritas with a sports bar vibe — especially popular for Boulder football games (SKO Buffs!).
🛍️ Shopping Highlights
Lido Marina Village
An upscale waterfront destination lined with stylish boutiques and design-forward shops. Browse favorites like Jenni Kayne, Amber Interiors, LoveShackFancy, and Cynthia Rowley (say hi to our friend Connie!). After shopping, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Malibu Farm, Zinqué, or Nobu.
Fashion Island
A beautiful open-air shopping center offering everything from designer labels to department stores and great dining. It’s our go-to for wardrobe updates and holiday shopping. Don’t miss the French Dip at R+D Kitchen for lunch.
Balboa Island
A charming, walkable island accessible by car or ferry. Stroll the boardwalk that circles the island (about 45 minutes), browse boutiques along Marine Avenue, and don’t miss the famous Balboa Bar from Dad’s Donuts or Sugar & Spice. For a true local’s start, grab a coffee at Crocker’s or Huskins Coffee Company before your walk.
Roger’s Gardens
More than a nursery, Roger’s Gardens is a curated destination for seasonal décor, garden rooms, and unique home goods. It’s especially magical at Christmas, when the entire property transforms into a holiday wonderland.
Where to Stay
Balboa Bay Resort
Set directly on the harbor with its own private marina, Balboa Bay combines resort amenities with classic Newport charm. Perfect for travelers who want to be right on the water.
Lido House Hotel
A luxury boutique hotel just steps from Lido Marina Village. Known for its Cape Cod–inspired design, rooftop bar, and as the most dog-friendly hotel in town — your pup will be pampered here too.
Vea Newport Beach
Sleek and modern, Vea offers stylish rooms, a lively pool scene, and walkable access to Fashion Island’s shopping and dining.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
An ultra-luxury retreat with five-star villas and bungalows, panoramic ocean views, and one of California’s most stunning golf courses. Ideal for a splurge-worthy escape.
Marriott Newport Coast Villas
Family-friendly and spacious, these villas sit above Crystal Cove with direct coastal access, multiple pools, and plenty of room for kids to play.
Pendry Newport Beach
Newport’s newest luxury hotel brings a polished, cosmopolitan edge to the city. Expect beautifully designed rooms, world-class dining, and a vibrant social scene — perfect for travelers who want the latest in style and service.
🌟 Locals’ Favorites: Stay & Explore Nearby
Balboa Island Cottages
Charming vacation rentals right on Marine Avenue or the bayfront, perfect for a walkable, small-town feel.
Bayfront Homes
Renting a house with a dock means you can keep a Duffy boat steps from your patio — a very Newport way to live.
🌴 A Short Drive to Laguna Beach
The Rooftop (La Casa del Camino)
Iconic cocktails with panoramic ocean views.
The Deck on Laguna
Casual beachfront dining where your toes are practically in the sand.
Surf & Sand Resort
A beachfront hotel so close to the water you’ll fall asleep to crashing waves.
Montage Laguna Beach
Laguna’s five-star clifftop resort with world-class dining and a stunning spa.
Splashes (Surf & Sand Resort)
Elevated coastal dining perched right above the waves.
Piatti (Coast Highway)
A cozy, romantic Italian spot with fresh pastas and a charming courtyard.
When we’re at home, that Newport Beach influence often shows up through outdoor lighting that feels warm and welcoming, along with relaxed, coastal pieces from our Coastal Haven edit.
