Why Go to Newport Beach
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Newport Beach is Orange County coastal living at its most polished. Its 10 miles of beaches, luxury yachts bobbing in the harbor and great surf make it a favorite for families and couples alike, and it's about 40 miles south of Los Angeles and close to Disneyland.
Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Corona del Mar, with its tide pools and cove, or explore lesser-known stretches of sand. Walk out on the Balboa Pier and Newport Pier, ride the classic Balboa Fun Zone rides and Ferris wheel, and take the tiny car ferry across the harbor to Balboa Island for its shops and frozen bananas. Rent a boat or join a whale-watching tour, and enjoy the harbor's endless restaurants and shopping, including the upscale Fashion Island.
Newport Beach makes an excellent home base for a Southern California vacation, letting you relax on the sand after a day at Disneyland. I'll find the right beachfront hotel or rental and plan your coastal days.
BEST FOR
Families, couples, sailors and beach enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
Late spring through early autumn is popular for beach days, though mornings can be cloudy in early summer. Autumn often delivers comfortable coastal weather and somewhat fewer crowds.
EXPLORE
Balboa Peninsula has beaches and the Fun Zone; Balboa Island offers bayside streets; Corona del Mar is known for coastal viewpoints and gardens.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Newport Beach
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Harbor cruising, island villages and Pacific panoramas
Coastal & Harbor
Luxury
Boating
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Start with a morning walk at Crystal Cove, then devote the afternoon to Balboa Island and the ferry rather than fighting beach parking at peak hours.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Walk Marine Avenue and sample the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
Balboa Island
Browse charming waterfront streets, boutiques and houses facing Newport Harbor.
Plan for parking delays on sunny weekends.
Balboa Peninsula
Explore ocean beaches, a lively pier area and the bayside waterfront in one coastal district.
Check individual ride and attraction hours.
Balboa Fun Zone
Visit the historic waterfront amusement area with family-friendly diversions and boat access.
Check the current fare, queue and operating conditions.
Balboa Island Ferry
Take a short vehicle-and-passenger ferry ride across Newport Harbor between Balboa Island and the peninsula.
Confirm day-use parking arrangements and observe tide conditions.
Crystal Cove State Park
Discover beaches, coastal bluffs and trails in protected parkland south of central Newport Beach.
A luxury resort above the Pacific with panoramic ocean views and a destination-style golf experience.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Newport Coast
Hotel Tags
A waterfront hotel with marina views and access to boating and harbor-side dining.
Balboa Bay Resort
Newport Harbor
Hotel Tags
A boutique-style stay near shopping, restaurants and the Newport Beach waterfront.
Lido House, Autograph Collection
Lido Marina Village
Hotel Tags
A contemporary resort near Fashion Island, convenient for upscale shopping and coastal drives.
VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa
Fashion Island
Hotel Tags
A suite-oriented property near Upper Newport Bay with good access to the airport and coastal attractions.
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
Upper Newport Bay
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Newport Beach
High 69°F · Low 52°F · Rain 1 in
Shorter days make museums and heritage visits practical; plan around weather. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Crystal Cove State Park.
Late spring through early autumn is popular for beach days, though mornings can be cloudy in early summer. Autumn often delivers comfortable coastal weather and somewhat fewer crowds.
Best Times to Visit Newport Beach
WHEN TO GO
06
Rideshare & Taxis
App rides and taxis can reduce parking hassles for dinner and waterfront trips.
05
Local Buses
OCTA buses serve parts of Newport Beach; route frequency varies.
04
Balboa Island Ferry
This short harbor crossing connects the island and the peninsula.
03
Walking & Biking
The peninsula and Balboa Island are pleasant on foot, with designated bike routes in some areas.
02
Rental Cars
A car is convenient for reaching Crystal Cove and other spread-out coastal sites.
01
John Wayne Airport
SNA is the closest major airport; confirm transfer time for your neighborhood.
A car helps link beaches and neighborhoods, but summer parking is limited. Walk the peninsula and use the short Balboa Island Ferry when operating.
Getting Around Newport Beach
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
You Might Also Like