20 Best Beaches in Newport Beach, CA
Visit Newport Beach if you’re ever in southern California.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, this coastal city is renowned for its many museums and piers.
One of Newport Beach’s most popular pastimes is basking in the sun and riding the waves.
Don’t forget the SPF and get some much-needed vitamin sea!
If you’re planning a trip to Newport Beach, California, here’s a list of the top beaches not to miss.
- Balboa Peninsula Beach
Notable Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa inspired the beach’s namesake on the Balboa Peninsula.
The Peninsula is about 3 miles long and has a similar width.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Balboa Peninsula Beach is a fantastic spot for swimming if you’re in Newport Beach.
Locals often claim that this stretch of waterfront has the cleanest waters and beaches in the metropolis.
For the most part, most people can safely wade in the waves.
During the day, there are also lifeguards on duty, so you know that someone will be watching out for you.
Expert Tip
In addition to being a fantastic beach, this stretch of water is frequently overrun by swimming classes during the warmer months.
If you want a good spot, you should arrive early.
Alternatively, you could move closer to the Pier.
- Balboa Pier Beach
To the south of Balboa Peninsula Beach and close to Newport Beach Pier is where you’ll find Balboa Pier Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The spectacular ocean vistas at Balboa Pier Beach have made it famous.
You could stroll on the pier or relax on the beach.
The pier is great for fishermen and anglers because you can stay here even after dark.
You can use the dock until midnight.
Expert Tip
Parking is free near Palm Street for those visiting Balboa Pier, but given its popularity, spots go quickly.
If you want to park without hassle, you should arrive early or late.
- Cameo Shores Beach
Below the neighborhood of Cameo Shores is a sandy stretch of water known as Came Shores Beach.
It is reachable via the south end of Little Corona del Mar Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You want to find a beautiful, uninhabited waterfront in the area.
Cameo Shores Beach is where you want to be.
At low tide, the sand exposes colorful pools of water.
Additionally, beachgoers will play around with cameras near Arch Rock and Ocean Arch.
Expert Tip
Cliff Island is located at the southernmost tip of Cameo Shores Beach.
Locals frequently jump off the cliffs at high tide and into the water below.
Though it may sound exciting, it’s not a good idea to try it without a guide who knows the area.
Rather than risk failure, it’s best not to try.
- Genoa West Beach — Lido Isle
Lido Isle, a private island community, is home to Genoa West Beach.
This area is on Newport Bay’s waterfront, near the homes that face the bay.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Genoa West Beach is one of the better beaches in the area, and it’s worth the trip if you have a friend or acquaintance who lives on Lido Isle.
Despite its diminutive size, this beach boasts fine, powdery sand and a sizable playground, perfect for the kids in your life.
The small dock at the shoreline makes it convenient to go swimming and enter the water.
Expert Tip
Residents of Genoa and their guests are the only people allowed on West Beach.
Don’t bother moving here unless you know someone who already does.
Marina Park, also in the area, has a public beach similar to Marina Beach.
- Marina Park
On the Balboa Peninsula, close to 16th Street, you’ll find Marina Park.
This park is relatively recent, built on the previous Las Arenas Park site.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Regarding beaches, Marina Park is by far the most kid-friendly and secure option.
First, it faces Balboa Bay, where the waves are typically the calmest.
Young children and toddlers can safely wade in here.
Marina Park’s main draw, however, is its waterfront playground with a nautical theme.
You can easily take your children from watching TV to playing in the ocean.
Expert Tip
Although it is safe for children to swim here, you should always keep an eye on them.
Please use caution, as there are no lifeguards on duty.
- China Cove Beach
Located on Cove Street, China, Cove Beach is a tiny, ‘hidden’ stretch of sand.
You can find it under Fernleaf Avenue.
Why We Recommend This Beach
China Cove Beach is where you want to be to blend in with the locals while on vacation.
Houses line the shores of this hidden beach.
If you take the stairs down Ocean Boulevard, you’ll find yourself on a street that opens up to the beach.
Expert Tip
Below Ocean Boulevard, there are no public parking lots.
Don’t forget to leave your car where it is and head to the stairwell.
- Newport Dunes Resort Beach
The sandy shores of Newport Dunes Resort Beach can be found within the grounds of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina.
Newport Harbor is where you will find it.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This is the best place to have a “staycation” and visit the beach simultaneously.
One can stay in a cottage or a recreational vehicle at Newport Dunes Resort Beach.
You’ll be within walking distance of the resort’s horseshoe-shaped beach the whole time.
Watersports like kayaking, pedalboard, and more can be enjoyed on the beach in addition to relaxing there.
Expert Tip
You won’t be staying at the resort.
I have no problem with that. Day guests of Newport Dunes Resort can enjoy the beach.
Parking on Back Bay Drive is also completely free.
- Corona del Mar State Beach — Corona Del Mar
Located on the opposite side of Newport Harbor from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach can be reached in just 8 minutes.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a beach to visit near Newport Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visitors to Corona del Mar State Beach can sunbathe on the beach’s broad, flat sand or play volleyball in ideal conditions for such activities.
It’s great for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Barbecues and picnics are welcome activities as well.
Expert Tip
Warning: unless you park near Ocean Boulevard, parking will cost you.
Access to this beach is located in Inspiration Point, at the intersection of Ocean and Orchid Boulevards.
- North Star Beach
The Newport Aquatic Center’s North Star Beach can be found in the area of Upper Newport Bay.
You can get to Back Bay from here, a popular spot.
Justification for Picking This Beach
North Star Beach is one of the Newport Beach beaches that serve as a great jumping-off point for exploring Back Bay.
The Newport Aquatic Center rents out canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards that can be used for getting around the area.
Expert Tip
Not in the mood to paddle?
North Star Beach has not lost its white sand and remains a pleasant place for a stroll. You will arrive at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in due time.
- Little Treasure Cove — Crystal Cove State Park
Little Treasure Cove is a small cove in the northernmost part of Crystal Cove State Park.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Little Treasure Cove is a must-see if you enjoy exploring the hidden worlds that emerge at low tide.
At low tide, the deep tide pools are exposed for easy exploration.
The rocky beachside scenery also makes for a great photo op.
Expert Tip
The path to Little Treasure Cove is inaccessible at high tide.
However, that should not prevent you from taking pleasure in it.
If you want to see whales, head to the lookout point that overlooks Treasure Cove and Little Treasure Cove.
- Little Corona Del Mar Beach
Near Cameo Shores Beach, you’ll find Little Corona del Mar Beach at the end of Buck Gully.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Snorkelers and scuba divers will be pleased to know that this shore stretch is among Newport Beach’s best.
You’ll find a fantastic set of tide pools just south of the beach.
Expert Tip
Always wear sturdy, nonslip footwear when tide pooling.
Slipping and falling on the rocky ground of Corona del Mar’s tiny beach can be painful.
- Los Trancos Beach — Crystal Cove State Park
Beachgoers can find Los Trancos in Crystal Cove State Park.
It’s at the mouth of Los Trancos Creek, where that stream empties into the Pacific.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you fancy a stay in one of the charming old beach houses of Crystal Cove?
You can stroll down to the lovely Los Trancos Beach from one of these vacation rentals.
However, even if you don’t rent a house, you can still enjoy a walk on the beach.
It’s a bit of a walk, but you can park across Pacific Coast Highway.
Expert Tip
The nearby village has excellent food and drinks to enjoy after a day of fun at Los Trancos Beach.
Excellent restaurants abound, and picking just one won’t be easy.
- Santa Ana River Beach
To the south of the Santa Ana River is Santa Ana River Beach.
This is the northernmost stretch of beach in Newport Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Surfers in the area frequent Santa Ana River Beach, also known as River Jetties, for the excellent waves and water access.
In addition to surfing, the Santa Ana River Trail is a popular place to go biking and roller skating on this beach.
Expert Tip
Do you want to take your pet dog to the beach?
River Jetties is dog-friendly during designated hours.
- Newport Harbor Patrol Beach
The slight stretch of beach known as Newport Harbor Patrol Beach is part of the Orange County Harbor Patrol base.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This rare Newport beach doesn’t get swarmed by tourists every day.
You might be the only company around if it’s a scorching day.
This is a great place to go if you’re looking for some quiet time.
Expert Tip
Despite its lack of popularity, this beach is packed with activities.
While here, try out some water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Pelican Point Beach — Crystal Cove State Park
Beaches at Pelican Point and Los Trancos can be found adjacent.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Pelican Point Beach expands into a long stretch of sand when the tide is out, and the tide pools at the north end are spectacular.
In addition to being a popular destination for swimmers, this beach is frequently visited by scuba divers.
Expert Tip
Pelican Point Beach is fantastic for camping, whale-watching, scuba diving, and tide-pooling.
- West Newport Beach
One end of Newport Municipal Beach, West Newport Beach, can be found close to the Santa Ana River. You can find it right alongside the PCH.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A popular sports complex with tourists can be built on West Newport Beach’s expansive sand shores.
While you’re here, you can play various sports, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
In addition to the standard fare of surfing, strolling, and sunbathing, there are other things to do on the beach.
Expert Tip
By coming over here, you can avoid the hustle and bustle of the more crowded Newport and Balboa piers.
Unlike the beach piers, West Newport Beach is less well-known and, therefore, less crowded.
- Treasure Cove Beach — Crystal Cove State Park
Access to Treasure Cove Beach at Crystal Cove State Park is gained via the Pelican Point entrance. To get there, you’ll have to use the hiking trails.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Crystal Cove Underwater Park, home to Treasure Cove Beach, is a popular destination for scuba divers because of its beautiful reefs.
At low tide, a small cave in the wall of Treasure Cove becomes accessible, making it ideal for spelunking.
Expert Tip
Want to go on a whale-watching trip?
Between Treasure Cove Beach and Little Treasure Cove, you’ll find a series of trails leading you to an overlook.
- Newport Municipal Beach
Dunes can be found on either side of Newport Beach Pier, and both are part of Newport Municipal Beach.
Newport Beach is one of the top beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The long stretches of sandy beach at Newport Municipal Beach are popular attractions for locals and tourists.
There is a considerable length of beach accessible from either end of the pier.
The ocean views, however, are best appreciated while strolling along the pier.
The doors swing open at 6 AM and don’t close until midnight.
Expert Tip
Have you been looking for a way to have fun that is also special to your area?
Wake up early and make your way to Newport Pier’s Dory Fleet Fish Market, located right on the sand, to stock up on seafood for the day.
- The Wedge — West Jetty View Beach
West Jetty View Beach’s Wedge can be found at the very tip of Balboa Peninsula.
Among surfers, this is one of Newport Beach’s most frequented beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Wedge is the best beach in Newport Bay for adrenaline junkies to go surfing.
Swells here can reach 30 feet, making it the most potent surfing spot in Southern California.
Any surfing you try on this beach is bound to be a new and exciting challenge.
Expert Tip
Long surfing sessions in The Wedge are great fun, but you must observe Newport Beach’s curfew.
You should never even consider swimming at The Wedge.
The rip currents and large waves make it unwise to swim there.
- Pirates Cove Beach
You can find Pirates Cove Beach, a slight sandy stretch of shoreline, not far from Corona del Mar State Beach.
Indeed, this beach in Newport Beach, California, ranks high among the city’s finest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach is great if you’re looking for a relaxing spot to take a dip.
The waters at Pirates Cove Beach are more tranquil and suitable for wading because they are located within the entrance channel of Newport Bay.
Expert Tip
Just south of Lookout Point Park and close to Ocean Boulevard is where you’ll find Pirates Cove Beach.
Parking on the street is entirely free.
The only option is to hold out hope that a spot will become available.
