Newport Beach Day Trip 10 Fun Things To Do

Newport Beach is a great place to spend a day if you need a beach getaway but need your creature comforts. It offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than the other tourist haunts like Huntington Beach, which gives you a great chance to unwind and take in a bit of nature.

There is a long list of celebrities who have and still do make their home in the area. While owning a home in the neighborhood may be beyond most of our abilities, there are plenty of fun things to do and see in this affluent Orange County beach town.

Newport Beach boasts one of the most pristine beaches in the US, making it an ideal destination for families. The region encompasses a series of smaller beaches that span 10 miles of coastline, providing ample opportunities for surfing, bodyboarding, and sunbathing.

1. Corona del Mar State Beach

Corona del Mar State Beach is popular with swimmers. Known as “Big Corona Beach,” it’s framed by cliffs and a rock jetty forming the east entrance to Newport Harbor. Corona del Mar SB is one of three Newport Beach beaches with fire rings. They can also be found near the Balboa Pier and Newport Dunes.

2. Newport Bay Ecological Preserve

If hiking trails and bird watching are more, you’re to your liking, the Upper Newport Bay ecological preserve features plenty of trails. Several outfits offer Kayak Adventures for a close-up view of the back bay. The back bay loop is an excellent bike trail along the bay’s southern edge.

3. Newport Dunes Resort

Newport Dunes is highly recommended if you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay. This full-service destination resort boasts over 100 acres of private beach on the picturesque Back Bay. There are plenty of outdoor activities on the premises, such as pedal boats, kayaks, windsurfers, and even a summer water park. You can find Newport Dunes at 1131 Back Bay Dr in Newport Beach.

4. Pearson’s Port Seafood

For fresh seafood, Pearson’s floating barge is the place to be. Situated at the entrance to Newport Back Bay, Pearson’s serves up live crab and lobster (when in season) and sea bass and buckets of prawns caught earlier that very same day. To find out what the day’s catch is, it’s recommended to call ahead. You can find Pearson’s at 100 CA-1, Newport Beach.

5. Sports Fishing and Whale Watching

If you want an exhilarating fishing experience, Davy’s Locker Sports Fishing at the iconic Balboa Pavilion is your best bet. Every day, we offer a diverse selection of fishing trips, or you can choose a whale-watching cruise to witness the majestic blue and gray whales, playful dolphins, and other fascinating marine creatures. Davy’s has got all your needs covered!

6. Day Trip to Catalina

Embark on a delightful day trip to Catalina Island aboard the Catalina Flyer. Newport Beach serves as the nearest Southern California harbor to Catalina Island, and upon exiting the harbor entrance, Avalon is only a quick 45-minute journey away. During the offseason, weekend trips are available, while daily departures are offered throughout the summer.

7. Balboa Fun Zone

Although it’s nothing like the original theme park, visitors can still enjoy riding the waterfront Ferris wheel and indulging in their favorite beach snacks. And if you’re coming from Balboa Island, the Auto Ferry can take you directly to the Fun Zone.

8. Newport Bay Harbor Cruise

An enjoyable way to see Newport Bay is to rent a Duffy electric boat or take a narrated sightseeing tour. Duffy Boats and Fun Zone Boat Company are located next to the ferry landing on the Newport Peninsula; both are highly recommended. Fun Zone Boats is located at 700 Edgewater Pl, Newport Beach.

9. Balboa Pier

Newport Beach boasts two piers, one of which is the Balboa Pier. A convenient public parking lot is situated adjacent to the dock. It is famous for tourists to rent bicycles and enjoy a leisurely ride along the boardwalk. If you head towards the south, you’ll come across the renowned Wedge Surfing spot. On the other hand, if you choose to go north, you’ll reach the Newport Beach Pier.

10. Newport Beach Pier

Newport Pier is home to the Historic Dory Fleet. For over 100 years, the dory fleet has set sail early in the morning to catch fish to sell at the open-air market adjacent to the pier. Along the boardwalk, at the dock, you will discover a collection of shops and restaurants providing everything you need at the beach.

Getting There

When visiting Newport Beach, expect a 40-minute hour drive from Disneyland. San Diego and Los Angeles visitors can count on a two-hour drive. Allow time for traffic and parking when choosing a specific destination.

More Fun Orange County Day Trips

Balboa Park San Diego

Southern California Beach Front Dining