Things to Do in Newport Beach, CA

With its stunning coastal scenery, luxury shopping, fine dining, and world-class outdoor recreation, Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s premier destinations. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway or considering a permanent move, there is no shortage of things to do in Newport Beach, CA. From relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring the vibrant harbor and experiencing the city's rich cultural scene, Newport Beach offers something for everyone.

Relax on Newport’s Beautiful Beaches

One of the biggest draws to Newport Beach is its spectacular coastline. The city boasts miles of sandy shores, offering both serene spots for relaxation and bustling areas perfect for water sports. Newport Beach is a favorite destination for sunbathers, surfers, and beachgoers looking to enjoy the quintessential California experience. The beach's gentle waves make it ideal for families, while areas like The Wedge attract skilled surfers seeking some of the largest swells in Southern California.

Corona del Mar State Beach is another beautiful spot known for its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and scenic views. Visitors enjoy walking along the coastline, exploring the tide pools, or simply relaxing while watching the sunset over the Pacific. Crystal Cove State Park, just a short drive away, offers a more secluded experience with hiking trails, historic beach cottages, and a rugged natural coastline.

Explore Newport Harbor and Take a Boat Tour

Newport Harbor is one of the most picturesque waterfront areas in California, and spending time on the water is an essential part of experiencing the city. Whether renting a private yacht, taking a Duffy boat out for a leisurely cruise, or joining a guided harbor tour, there are many ways to explore the beauty of the area. The harbor is home to luxury homes, waterfront restaurants, and an array of sailboats and yachts, making it a stunning setting for a day on the water.

For those interested in marine life, whale-watching tours depart from Newport Beach year-round. During the winter months, visitors can witness gray whales migrating along the coast, while the summer season brings blue whales and pods of dolphins. Sunset cruises and sport fishing charters are also popular activities for those looking to experience Newport Beach from a unique perspective.

Enjoy World-Class Shopping and Dining

Shopping in Newport Beach is an experience in itself, with a variety of upscale retail centers, boutique shops, and waterfront marketplaces. Fashion Island is a premier destination for luxury shopping, featuring high-end brands, designer boutiques, and an elegant open-air setting. Visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped walkways, enjoy al fresco dining, and browse through a mix of fashion, home decor, and specialty stores.

Lido Marina Village offers a more intimate shopping experience with a collection of chic boutiques, stylish home goods stores, and trendy coffee shops along the waterfront. With its charming atmosphere and carefully curated shops, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors looking for unique finds.

Dining in Newport Beach is just as impressive as the shopping. From fine dining establishments to casual waterfront cafes, the city offers a diverse culinary scene. Fresh seafood is a staple, with restaurants such as Nobu Newport Beach and The Cannery serving expertly crafted dishes with stunning harbor views. Javier’s is a popular choice for upscale Mexican cuisine, while Mastro’s Ocean Club offers some of the best steak and seafood in Orange County. Whether enjoying a gourmet meal by the water or sipping cocktails on a rooftop lounge, Newport Beach provides an elevated dining experience.

Discover Balboa Island and the Balboa Fun Zone

A visit to Balboa Island is one of the most charming things to do in Newport, CA. This small, picturesque island is accessible by bridge or ferry and offers a quaint, walkable community filled with boutique shops, waterfront homes, and cozy cafes. The Balboa Island Ferry provides a scenic and nostalgic way to cross the harbor, offering beautiful views of the surrounding boats and coastline.

The Balboa Fun Zone, located just across the ferry landing, is a family-friendly attraction with a historic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and classic boardwalk treats. Visitors can take a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic views of Newport Harbor or rent bikes to explore the waterfront paths. The relaxed atmosphere and old-fashioned charm of the area make it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.

Experience Newport Beach’s Outdoor Activities and Scenic Trails

Beyond the beaches and harbor, Newport Beach offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, also known as the Back Bay, is a haven for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The area features miles of scenic trails, with views of the estuary and its diverse wildlife. Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Back Bay provide a peaceful way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

For those looking for a more challenging outdoor experience, Crystal Cove State Park offers rugged hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views. The park’s coastal cliffs, rolling hills, and tide pools make it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether taking a leisurely stroll or embarking on a more strenuous hike, the trails in and around Newport Beach provide stunning scenery and fresh ocean air.

Attend Local Events and Cultural Attractions

Newport Beach is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous events and festivals held throughout the year. The Newport Beach Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in Southern California, showcasing independent films and attracting filmmakers from around the world. The Christmas Boat Parade is another must-see event, featuring elaborately decorated yachts and boats lighting up the harbor in a dazzling holiday display.

For those interested in the arts, the Orange County Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary and modern works. Live music, theater performances, and open-air concerts are also common throughout the city, adding to the lively cultural atmosphere.

Golfing at Premier Courses

Golf enthusiasts will find some of the best courses in Orange County right in Newport Beach. Pelican Hill Golf Club is a world-renowned destination offering two championship courses with stunning ocean views. Designed by Tom Fazio, these courses provide a luxurious golfing experience with impeccable fairways, challenging layouts, and five-star service. The Newport Beach Country Club is another excellent option, offering an exclusive golf experience in a pristine coastal setting.

The File Group Can Help You Find Your Dream Home in Newport Beach

With its beautiful beaches, world-class shopping and dining, and endless outdoor activities, there are countless things to do in Newport, CA. Whether exploring the harbor, relaxing on the sand, or enjoying the city’s cultural attractions, Newport Beach offers a vibrant and luxurious lifestyle.

For those looking to make Newport Beach their home, The File Group provides expert real estate guidance. Whether searching for a waterfront property, a luxury estate, or a charming coastal retreat, The File Group can help find the perfect home. Contact The File Group today to explore available listings and experience the best of Newport Beach living.

Janelle File

Primary phone
949.466.5661
License Number
#01952433
Email
[email protected]
Address
2919 East Coast Hwy, Suite A,
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Get to Know Me

Licensed Realtor® and Certified Residential Appraiser #AR028996

As the Principal agent at The File Group, Janelle File is a natural team leader and trusted real estate expert. Just as importantly, she has been a constant fixture in her home community of Corona del Mar for well over 25 years. Today, as a top agent in Corona del Mar, Janelle leads The File Group with her husband Brandon Goethals. The File Group has become one of the highest-producing teams in the area, known for their steadfast commitment to unparalleled client service and providing a luxury experience that leaves clients beyond satisfied. Janelle, like the rest of her team, operates with honesty, integrity, and a relationship-driven approach to ensure complete client satisfaction.

Janelle strives to achieve an outcome for her clients that exceeds every expectation. For decades, many individuals and families have relied on her for her business expertise and her first-hand familiarity of the high-end business world in Orange County. In her former role as the Director of Special Events at Fashion Island, Janelle was responsible for organizing major events, including the Fashion Island Concert Series, the Taste of Newport, fashion shows, and numerous charitable events. She was later promoted to the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Irvine Spectrum Center, where she used her marketing expertise to increase center-wide sales by over 150% over two years. She then moved to marketing at the Irvine Company, where she was the Director of Partnership Development for all of the Irvine Company properties and partnered with mega-corporations like Coca Cola, Jaguar, and Aston Martin to facilitate cross-promotional events to help subsidize marketing budgets and build brand awareness.

Janelle switched to real estate many years ago and developed her real estate appraisal firm, where she employed 15 appraisers that serviced all Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego. She worked for major lending corporations such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and many private brokerages around the country. Janelle’s primary focus was on the luxury coastal properties along the Southern California coast. Janelle earned a sterling reputation for her appraisal skills and is still highly regarded and relied upon for her stellar appraisal skills today.

After crossing over half a billion in team sales, The File Group now operates out of its own first-of-its-kind office in Corona del Mar (with a fitting office name of "Sea Diem"). Janelle and Brandon are proud to further integrate into their home community of CdM where they work, live, are raising their three young children, and happily support the schools, businesses, and events in the area.