Stays in Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Pier and the Balboa Pier are two of the city's landmarks, with the Balboa Peninsula offering a boardwalk, the Balboa Fun Zone, and a ferry to Balboa Island. Across the harbor, Balboa Island and Little Balboa Island are home to waterfront homes and a small business district. Further south, Corona del Mar has a village-like center and access to Crystal Cove State Park. Inland, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve protects a large estuary that is popular for birdwatching and kayaking.

Where to stay in Newport Beach

Balboa Peninsula. This narrow strip of land separates the harbor from the ocean and puts you within walking distance of the beach, the Balboa Pier, and the Balboa Ferry to Balboa Island. It is a busy, flat area where you can park once and walk or bike to many spots.

Balboa Island. A small island in the harbor, reachable by bridge or ferry, with a compact main street of shops and restaurants and a ring of waterfront homes. It is quieter than the peninsula but still close to the harbor activities.

Corona del Mar. A village-like neighborhood on the ocean side of the harbor entrance, with a walkable commercial district along Coast Highway and easy access to Corona del Mar State Beach and the cliffs above Pirate's Cove. It is a good base for those who want a more residential feel with ocean views.

Newport Center. The inland commercial and residential area around Fashion Island, with hotels, office buildings, and shopping. It is convenient for business travelers and for those who want to be near the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve and the golf courses.

Getting there and around

Newport Beach is in Orange County, California, about 45 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, roughly 10 miles from central Newport Beach. From there, taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars are available. Long-distance trains stop in Irvine, about 10 miles away, and in Santa Ana. By car, the city is reached from Interstate 405 or California State Route 55, which connect to the Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) and the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-73). Getting around Newport Beach is easiest by car, but the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island are walkable, and the Balboa Ferry links the peninsula to the island. Bicycles are popular on the peninsula and along the harbor.

When to go

Newport Beach has a mild coastal climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. The most popular time to visit is from late spring through early fall, when temperatures are pleasant for beachgoing, boating, and walking the harbor. Summer weekends can be busy, especially around the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island. Winter brings fewer crowds and cooler days, but still allows for outdoor activities like whale watching and harbor cruises. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, held in December, is a major local event that draws visitors to the harbor.

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