Newport Beach is one of the most iconic beach towns in Southern California. Located just south of Los Angeles between Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, this popular destination is the perfect blend of coastal adventures, beautiful natural landscapes, high-end shopping, and fantastic restaurants to explore and enjoy, making it the best beach town in California for travelers of all ages and interests!

Our Newport Beach property is located on the Balboa Peninsula, just a few steps from the Beach, the Balboa Pier, Balboa Village, and Newport Harbor, a short walk or bike ride from all of the other Balboa Peninsula attractions, and and a short drive to any of the other Newport Beach recommendations below. Planning a trip to Newport Beach, California? If so, check out this list of our favorite things to do in Newport Beach — from the best beaches and outdoor adventures to the top family-friendly attractions and outdoor shopping malls — to guarantee an unforgettable getaway to this charming destination.

The Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach is home to a long stretch of sandy shoreline, referred to as “The Peninsula.” The Peninsula is home to several beaches that are often referred to by the name of the street on which they are located — for example, 10th Street Beach, 19th Street Beach, and 41st Street Beach.

Two of the most popular beaches on the Balboa Peninsula are the beach near the Balboa Pier (located just steps from our property) and the beach near the Newport Pier. Both piers are connected by a beautiful coastal beachwalk that spans nearly two miles, where tourists and locals can walk, bike, rollerblade, or rollerskate. (We provide six bikes for our guests to use for just this purpose!) The views along this walk are also gorgeous — on one side, you’ll pass multi-million dollar homes, and on the other, you can admire the sandy shores of the beaches on The Peninsula!

During the summer, the Newport Pier-2-Pier Swim is a lifeguard-organized open ocean swim between these two piers that annually draws a large field of participants from newbies to Olympic competitive swimmers, as well as lots of spectators. This year’s event will take place on July 13, 2025.

The beach at Balboa Pier, located just steps from our property, is situated near the end of a five-mile stretch of sandy coastline on the Balboa Peninsula. It is located near Balboa Village, a popular destination for dining and shopping in Newport Beach, as well as the home of the Balboa Fun Zone and the Balboa Island Ferry.

Balboa Pier Beach is a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing, sandcastle building, volleyball, and all sorts of beach activities. Fishing enthusiasts will also enjoy casting a line into the open ocean from the end of the pier. This beach also has fire pits, making it a fantastic spot for a beach bonfire under the stars after a day in the sunshine. Ample parking is available in the large parking lot at the pier, making it easy to meet friends coming from other locations for a day at the beach.

The beach at Newport Pier is also a popular spot for sunbathing and surfing. The area around Newport Pier is home to several restaurants and a large parking lot, making it an easily accessible destination for a day of fun in the sun in Newport Beach.

Newport Pier is a hub for local events, including the Newport Beach Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM. This is a great spot to shop for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, and local goodies to bring back to your vacation rental. It’s also an excellent place to hunt for local souvenirs, such as handmade candles, jewelry, and artwork, to bring home with you.

If you’re visiting Newport Pier, you also can’t miss the chance to visit Dory Fleet Fish Market, a historic fish market that has been providing fresh fish to the locals in Newport Beach since 1891. And, if you’d rather try catching the fish yourself, Newport Pier is also a popular spot for fishing – so grab a fishing pole and cast a line to see what you reel in!

The Wedge is the most famous surfing spot in Newport Beach. Located one mile from our property at the southernmost tip of the Balboa Peninsula, this area is famous for its massive and unpredictable waves that can reach up to 30 feet in height, generated by the interaction between incoming swell and the rock jetty that creates the entrance to Newport Harbor.

Between May 1 and Oct. 31, this area is open for body surfing only (no bodyboards, surfboards, or skimboards) from 10 AM – 5 PM. Because of the danger involved, the Wedge is more a place to admire than to engage.

Elite athletes and local surf icons have defined what it means to master these waves. During summer swells, spectators line the beach to watch the surfers. Red Bull, the World Surf League, and countless videographers have turned The Wedge into a media event, drawing thousands of visitors during peak swell windows. The best times of year to catch higher surf at The Wedge Newport Beach are during the summer and the fall seasons.