Welcome to Newport Beach
March 17, 2022
Upper West Side
Casual & Close to Local Hot Spots
If an iconic beach town is what you want, the Upper West side is the place for you! Bohemian bungalows and surf breaks line this stretch of sand, creating a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a 1970’s beach town. With no boardwalk, the beaches here are less crowded, so you’re guaranteed to have plenty of space to stretch out and soak up the sun. You’ll also have easy access to neighboring cities like Huntington Beach, with its waterfront shopping at Pacific City and all-day dog beach. Or, stay local and enjoy favorites like Cappy’s Cafe, Vacancy Coffee, the Alley, Chronic Tacos, or TidePoole’s, which are all within easy walking distance. Be sure to end your day at Sunset Ridge Park for breathtaking views of the city and ocean!
Lower West Side
The Heart (& Soul) of the Newport Beach Peninsula!
This neighborhood is smack dab in the middle of the peninsula, keeping you close to the city’s hot spots! Lido Marina Village is just steps away, with plenty of brunching, dining, and pampering to choose from. (Shoutout to our favorites: Bear Flag, Rye Goods, Malibu Farm, and Lido Village Books!). The unsung hero in these parts is the local grocery store, Pavilions, which is within easy walking distance for all your pantry-stocking needs. (Honestly a game changer for a laid back vacation). We also love this area’s gentle waves, perfect for all levels of ocean experience! Thanks to the boardwalk, with its steady stream of beach cruisers and sightseers, this area’s vibrancy screams vacation!
Pier to Pier
Ditch the car keys! It’s strictly flip-flops and sunshine in these parts.
Flanked by the lively hubs of the Newport and Balboa piers, this portion of peninsula has it all. Historical landmarks like the Dory Fish Market and the Balboa Fun Zone delight thousands of visitors each year. Newer additions, like Marina Park, with its larger-than-life playground lighthouse, sit right on the bay, for a great alternative to a beach day. Or, brave the waves at Blackie’s surf break, considered one of the best spots to learn how to hang ten this side of Waikiki. Eat like a local at one of our many delicious seafood restaurants, like Hook and Anchor, Fly N Fish, or The Crab Cooker. And best of all, you can access everything via our beachfront boardwalk, the fastest, *funnest* way to experience Newport!
Peninsula Point
Cape Cod, eat your heart out!
At the very end of the peninsula sits the gorgeous Peninsula Point. Lined with magnolia trees and immaculate single-family homes, this neighborhood looks like it walked straight out of a Better Home & Gardens magazine. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax with a book, Peninsula Point is your piece of paradise. However, all seclusion and serenity goes out the window when the world-famous surf break (known as the Wedge) is visited by a south swell. Camera crews, surfers, and bystanders come from all over to “ooh” and “ahh” at the monstrous waves. But no matter what the swells are doing, be sure to make your way to West Jetty View Park. Located at the very end of the peninsula, this lookout point gives a stunning view of the harbor entrance, where sailboats and yachts criss-cross in and out of the Pacific. Simply breathtaking at sunset!
Balboa Island
A piece of yesteryear on a charming island town
A trip to Newport isn’t complete without visiting Balboa Island. A neighborhood of charming homes, cafes, and boutiques, Balboa Island is the perfect afternoon excursion. Our favorite way to access the island is the 5 minute ferry ridefrom the Balboa Fun Zone (although there is a bridge you can walk or drive across). Parking can be tricky, though, due to the small streets. We recommend parking at the Balboa Pier and then exploring the island on foot. Marine Avenue is the town’s main street, with retail, restaurants, art galleries, sweet shops, and a local museum. During the Christmas season, the island is festooned in lights, holiday decor, and merriment – an absolute must-see! And of course, we wouldn’t be true Balboa Island fans if we didn’t remind you to enjoy a Balboa Bar, a chocolate-covered ice cream creation unique to Newport!
Lido Island
An island of posh homes and Bayfront lookout points
Strictly residential, Lido Island is the perfect place to escape the town’s hubbub for some glorious R&R. Whether you’re vacationing on the island or not, we highly recommend you explore the island’s verdant stradas (small garden walkways) and stroll past a plethora of posh, multi-million dollar mansions. Or, see the island from its best angle: the harbor! Rent an electric boat, kayak, or paddle board and float past the opulent bayfront homes with their private docks that house gorgeous yachts (and sunning sea lions!). Genoa Park, the island’s bayfront playground, makes for a fun excursion with children, with easy street parking as a bonus. Lido Marina Village and Cannery Village are both dining hot spots within easy walking distance from the island.
Corona Del Mar
A short drive from the peninsula, you’ll find the beautiful CDM
Escape to the bluffs of Corona Del Mar, where the streets are peaceful and the views are breathtaking! While the beach is less accessible here than in other areas of town, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in CDM! Explore the tide pools of Little Corona, picnic at Pirate’s Cove, enjoy world-class shopping at Fashion Island, or hike the hills of Crystal Cove State Park. We love a waterfront lunch at the Beachcomber Cafe and an afternoon touring the grounds of Sherman Gardens. While less kid-friendly than other areas of Newport, Corona del Mar is perfect for couples or groups looking to experience Newport in style and comfort.