Newport Beach

Hailed as one of Southern California's most beautiful beaches, Newport Beach beckons with miles of wide-open, sandy shores that make Los Angeles traffic feel a world away. Despite being fringed by multimillion dollar real estate, the beach maintains a laid-back vibe thanks to an endless summer surf culture and tourist-friendly amenities.

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 nearby Orange County Museum of Art, or boost your wardrobe at nearby 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. 

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-within-a-city packed with bohemian shops and coastal eateries. Surrounded by protected bay waters, it's a perfect spot to practice stand-up paddle boarding, 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.