Your Guide to the Newport Beach Coastline

Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated communities along the California coast. A perfect combination of sun, sand and surf, Newport Beach is a friendly beachside oasis so inviting, you’ll want to stay forever. Whether you’re looking for complete relaxation or exciting adventures, you’ll find both in this coastal paradise. 

Newport Harbor, the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, provides plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, yachting, snorkeling, parasailing and the newest adventure - jet packing, are just some of the options the area offers.  

Newport Beach is comprised of several distinct ‘villages’ each with its own unique character, including: Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Newport Center/Fashion Island and Newport Coast. 

Balboa Peninsula

bordered by Newport Harbor on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the peninsula is home of the Balboa Fun Zone with its signature Ferris wheel, arcade games and shops. The fun zone is one of the last remaining beachside amusement parks in the country. The popular oceanfront boardwalk stretches along the peninsula and attracts roller bladers, runners, walkers and cyclists. Lido Marina Village, a quaint shopping and waterfront dining area, marks one end of the peninsula and The Wedge, a world famous body surfing spot, sits at the other end. In between the two are the Newport Pier and the Balboa Pier both with restaurants, bars, shops and beach rentals. The Newport Pier is home to the historic McFadden Square, named after the family that helped found the city and the Dory Fishing Fleet, where local fisherman bring in fresh seafood daily. Approximately one mile south of the Newport Pier is the Balboa, another of the city’s villages. Balboa includes the Balboa Pier, the Balboa Fun Zone, and the historic Balboa Pavilion. Catch the Balboa Ferry from here for the short ride over to Balboa Island. 


Lido Marina Village

Lido Marina Village is a charming shopping area with waterfront dining, stores, the historic Lido Theater, and dynamic views of the harbor. Just over the bridge sits Lido Isle, a residential neighborhood located on one of the seven islands of Newport Harbor. The Cannery, a former fish canning operation, still stands nearby. 


Mariner’s Mile

This section of Coast Highway is located between the Arches Interchange (where Coast Highway meets Newport Boulevard) and Dover Drive. It contains yacht brokerages, marine supply stores, high-end automobile dealerships, a mix of retail and restaurants, and the beautiful Balboa Bay Club & Resort.

Balboa Island

The area known as Balboa Island is actually comprised of three islands – Balboa Island, Little Balboa Island and Collins Island. The main street, Marine Avenue, is lined with quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. “The Island” is known for its great walking path that circles the perimeter, the annual Balboa Island Parade, its annual Art Walk, and, of course, the legendary Balboa Bar – vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate with assorted toppings. 



Corona Del Mar

Corona Del Mar, or the Crown of the Sea, is home to the beautiful Corona Del Mar State Beach. Lookout and Inspiration Points offer scenic views of the ocean and the entrance to Newport Harbor. Just a few blocks inland is the “downtown” area of the village, where shops, boutiques and restaurants border both sides of Coast Highway and the 2.2-acre Sherman Library and Gardens is known as a “horticultural retreat.” 


Newport Center / Fashion Island

Newport Center contains high-and mid-rise office and residential buildings, hotels and Fashion Island, one of the most exclusive shopping and dining destinations in Southern California. 



Newport Coast

Newport Coast was annexed into the City of Newport Beach in 2002. Newer homes, upscale hotels and the Pelican Hill Golf Course line the hillsides and offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The historic Crystal Cove State Park, tucked between Coast Highway and the ocean, includes three miles of coastline and its historic district contains more than a dozen restored 1930s-era vacation cottages that can be rented year-round.

With ten miles of coastline, a natural estuary, historic district, active harbor and plenty of resorts, Newport Beach quite possibly, is picture perfect.