Newport Beach

There's room for everyone on Newport Beach, from joggers and surfers to bikini-clad bathers and families setting up for swimming and sandcastles. Stroll along the historic pier and beach promenade lined with restaurants and shops, soak up local culture at the Orange County Museum of Art, or boost your wardrobe at the Fashion Island shopping mall. Newport Beach is a departure port for whale-watching tours and a popular stop on multi-beach sightseeing day trips from LA.

• Lifeguard stands are scattered along the beach, but waves should still be approached with caution.

• Dining options for all budgets are available from snack shops to restaurants along the promenade.

• Accommodations range from five-star hotels to beach bungalow vacation rentals.

• Pay close attention to parking meter time limits and paid lot instructions, as they are patrolled regularly.

Newport Beach is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Los Angeles and 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of San Diego. The easiest way to arrive is by car, and paid street parking and parking lots are available nearby. The free Balboa Peninsula Trolley runs up and down the coast on summer weekends. If arriving by air, John Wayne Airport in Orange County is just 8 miles (13 kilometers) away for a short drive.

Like the rest of Southern California, Newport Beach is famous for year-round sunny, warm weather. Whale-watching cruises depart year-round. The season for sighting grey whales is December through April, while giant blue whales are more likely to be seen May through November.

A short ferry ride from Newport Beach, Balboa Island is a chic city with a city, packed with bohemian shops and coastal eateries. Surrounded by protected bay waters, it's a perfect spot to practice stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports. Alternatively, explore the streets on foot or via electric bike, and then indulge in fresh seafood at one of its many shoreline restaurants. Save room for dessert—Balboa Island is famous for its signature chocolate-dipped frozen bananas.

The best month to go to Newport Beach depends on the experience you're after. If you’re looking to go whale-watching, anytime May–November will work. Because summer can get quite hot, many prefer spring (March–May) when temperatures are warm, school’s still in session, and the farmers markets are in full swing.

Classic Newport Beach activities include strolling the boutique shops on Balboa Island and grabbing a Balboa bar, an ice cream bar hand-dipped in chocolate and toppings. The shorefront Crystal Cove is a popular hike. And classic waterfront restaurants like The Dock or Newport Landing are popular for their views.

The most popular Newport Beach tours are dolphin- and whale-watching tours, and you'll find everything from quick 2-hour jaunts to slow luxury cruises along the coast. Other tours to try include food tours, sightseeing tours, or private boat charters to get on the water with your own personal captain.

Many kids like Newport Beach whale-watching tours—they're the most popular tour in the city. Look for family tours, but many offer wildlife-focused outings of various duration and group size, including private tours. Be sure to book ahead from May to November, while the whales migrate along the California coast.

The main parking lots for Newport Beach are at Newport Pier and Balboa Pier—both lots are sizable and metered, typically around $3.50/hour and open 24/7. If you're looking for free parking, it can occasionally be found on side streets, though you'll want to carefully check signage so you don't come home with a Newport Beach ticket.

Yes, a trip to Newport Beach is worth it—not only do you get to experience one of America's most famous (and populated) counties, but you also get a taste of Hollywood with a dash of Mother Nature. From celebrity sightings to wildlife sightings, there are a lot of things to do.