Things to Do This Summer in Newport Beach
Boredom doesn’t exist in Newport Beach—it’s just a fact!
Our coastal city offers a little something for everyone, making it the perfect place to visit as the weather heats up. From recreational pursuits like boating, parasailing and whale-watching to leisurely activities like shopping and sunbathing, you’ll never run out of things to do in Newport Beach in the summer! With that said, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite activities and pastimes, so you can make it a summer in Newport Beach to remember.
Things to Do This Summer in Newport Beach
Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone
Located at the Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach’s premier waterfront amusement area, the Ferris Wheel has been a day and night landmark since 1936! Take a spin and enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor from above.
Get a Frozen Banana
Ah, the classic frozen banana! These sweet, chocolate-dipped confections can be found at Sugar ‘n Spice and Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop on Balboa Island. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Newport Beach, take a stroll down Marine Avenue to get a taste of the good life this summer.
See the Surfers at The Wedge
With its barrelling, pyramid-shaped waves, The Wedge is an iconic spot to watch the surfers do their thing. The waves here can reach up to 20 feet tall! Grab a seat on the sand and enjoy the show.
Watch The Old Glory Boat Parade
Looking to dive into some classic Fourth of July fun? The American Legion Yacht Club’s Old Glory Boat Parade is an annual tradition that invites boat owners to deck out their vessels in red, white and blue for a cruise around Newport Harbor. Not a boat owner? No worries! Grab a prime spot on the sand and enjoy the spectacle of this star-spangled summer celebration.
Take the Ferry to Balboa Island
Hop aboard the historic Balboa Island Ferry for a short cruise across the harbor to Balboa Island. Take a stroll down Marine Avenue as you pop into quaint boutiques and family-owned restaurants. This island is a little slice of paradise and features a beautiful walking path that loops around the bayfront, making a visit here one of the best things to do in Newport Beach in the summer.
Rent an Electric Boat
Celebrate the sunny season with a boat ride around the harbor. Newport Beach is home to a variety of rental companies, including Duffy Electric Boat Rentals, Lido’s Electric Boat Rentals, Pacific Electric Boat Rentals and more. Renting a private boat is one of the most popular things to do in Newport Beach in the summer—and for good reason!
Paddleboard on the Back Bay
Make waves this summer with a paddleboard cruise around the sparkling Back Bay, which is home to 1,000 acres of pristine and preserved wetlands. Pirate Coast Paddle Company rents both kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and even offers moonlight paddles and glow-in-the-dark tours.
Plan a Beach Bonfire
Reserve a fire pit in Crystal Cove this summer and enjoy a beautiful Newport Beach sunset on the sand! Bring a cooler with hot dogs to grill and marshmallows to roast. And if you don’t feel like doing any heavy lifting, The Beachcomber in the Crystal Cove Historic District offers a range of bonfire experiences for groups of up to 10 people. To book a fire pit, click here!
Spend a Day at Newport Dunes
Looking for fun things to do in Newport Beach with the whole family? Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Let the kids play on towering waterslides, inflatables and icebergs at the Newport Dunes Water Park (now open!).
Shop at Lido Marina Village
This charming village by the bay is home to a medley of cozy cafes, trendy restaurants, fashion-forward boutiques and specialty shops. There’s no better place to revamp your summer wardrobe than Lido Marina Village. Be sure to make a reservation at one of the center’s many bayside restaurants too!
Try a New Restaurant
In recent months, Newport Beach has welcomed several new restaurants, ranging from Euro-inspired cafes to snazzy seafood houses. Some of these include CasaDamí, Ocean 48, Nick’s and RH Ocean Grill. Make a reservation—you might just discover your new favorite dining spot!
Explore the Tide Pools
At the end of a ravine called Buck Gully in Corona del Mar sits Little Corona—a small beach known for its rocky reefs and tide pools. Spend an afternoon exploring the vibrant marine life, and be sure to check the tide schedule before you go!
Go Whale-Watching
Another one of the most popular things to do in Newport Beach in the summer is whale-watching! While animals like dolphins and seals can be seen year-round, warmer waters bring blue whales close to shore during the months of May through November. Book a whale-watching excursion with Newport Landing, Newport Coastal Adventure or Davey’s Locker to see these magnificent creatures up close.
