The Most Instagrammable Spots in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a coastal gem with some of the most beautiful places in California. It’s a city by the sea where golden-hour lighting hits just right, ocean waves crash in cinematic slow motion and coastal vibes practically curate your feed for you. Whether you’re an avid content creator or just looking to flex on your followers, these eight Instagram-worthy places in Newport Beach are guaranteed to make your feed pop.
Crystal Cove State Park
A protected and pristine slice of seashore.
Tucked along the coastline just south of Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove is an Instagram dream. If you’re looking for good places to take pictures, this park features rugged cliffs, tidepools and a stretch of sand so picturesque it feels like you’re looking at a postcard. But the true star of the show? The historic beach cottages, remnants of a simpler, sepia-toned California. Snap a pic in front of the pastel-colored bungalows or pose against the backdrop of the waves crashing into the golden bluffs. Bonus points if you grab a milkshake from the Crystal Cove Shake Shack during golden hour.
Lido Marina Village
A seaside sanctuary of style and sophistication.
If the Hamptons and Southern California had a love child, it would be Lido Marina Village. Think whitewashed walls, striped awnings and a waterfront lined with sleek yachts. This village by the harbor is all things aesthetic, from the handpainted murals to the charming storefronts and brick alleyways. Pose in front of the brick-walled boutiques, or capture a moody, romantic shot at sunset with the marina’s twinkling lights in the background. Just like that—your feed just became everyone’s new mood board.
Balboa Island
A charming neighborhood straight out of a storybook.
Drive, bike or ferry your way onto Balboa Island, and suddenly, you’re in a quaint community of candy-colored cottages, charming boutiques and waterfront walkways straight out of a storybook. The quintessential shot? A snap of you strolling down Marine Avenue with a famous Balboa Bar (coated in sprinkles, of course) in hand. Or, go full “nautical romance” and pose on the seawall or a dock! Every inch of this historic island in Newport Beach is picture-perfect.
Topside Roof Deck
Beach house vibes for the ultimate sunset shot.
Newport Beach’s one and only rooftop bar, Lido House’s Topside Roof Deck, is an influencer’s playground. The aesthetic? Luxe coastal beach house with breezy cabanas, ocean views and an Aperol Spritz in every hand. Sunset here is peak photo op territory—sip your cocktail, bask in that golden glow and let the Pacific serve as your perfect backdrop. Pro tip: their custom cocktails are almost too pretty to drink…but for the ‘gram, you’ll make an exception.
The Wedge
Where the waves (and your selfies) are next-level.
The energy is palpable at this legendary surf spot in Newport Beach, which makes it one of the best Newport Beach photography spots. These waves don’t just roll in—they crash with jaw-dropping force, sometimes soaring over 20 feet high. Stand on the jetty, feel the ocean mist against your skin and capture that perfectly windswept moment. Check the surf cam before you go, and score extra style points if you time your shot with a surfer launching mid-air in the background.
Roger’s Gardens
A lush oasis perfect for an afternoon stroll.
For an Instagram feed that blooms year-round, look no further than Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar. This lush garden center not only features a nursery, boutique and farm-to-table restaurant, but it’s a maze of whimsical floral displays and plant arrangements that look straight out of a fairytale. Whether you’re snapping a pic under the twinkling lights in the courtyard or channeling cottage-core vibes in front of their ever-changing seasonal installations, this place is pure magic.
Balboa Fun Zone
A nostalgic seaside playground.
If you’re looking for old-school charm meets Insta-worthy whimsy, the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach is your place. The it shot? A colorful Ferris wheel moment, preferably at sunset when the sky melts into pink and orange hues. Or, for a dose of Venice-meets-California cool, rent a retro beach cruiser and snap a shot in front of one of the vintage signs. This family-friendly amusement area is classic, carefree and totally Newport, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy places in California.
Inspiration Point
A breathtaking vantage point with endless ocean views.
If Newport Beach had a rom-com-worthy lookout spot, Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar would be it. This scenic overlook is one of the most picturesque spots in California, offering panoramic ocean views so good they almost look edited (but no filter needed). Snap a classic silhouette shot at sunset, or channel your inner main character and capture a windswept moment on the pathway leading down to the beach. Trust us—your DMs will be flooded with “Where is this??”
