A Local’s Secret Guide to Newport Beach
When you live in Newport Beach long enough, you quickly realize there’s a whole world beyond the shiny harbor and buzzing Balboa Peninsula. Beneath the city’s postcard-perfect veneer beats the heart of a town steeped in history, quirky traditions, and a fierce loyalty to its local haunts. From low-key beaches only the most curious adventurers find to time-capsule diners and seafood spots where the scent of fresh chowder seeps out the door, Newport Beach has its own secret language—and locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s your hyper-local guide to experiencing the best things to do in Newport Beach like you actually live here.
Beloved Restaurants
The Crab Cooker
There’s a reason locals are willing to line up outside this no-frills seafood shack on the Balboa Peninsula. Since 1951, The Crab Cooker has been serving up perfectly wood-smoked fish and that famous red clam chowder—a tangy, tomato-based family recipe that’s practically a rite of passage. Nautical knick-knacks dangle from the ceiling, the menu is as straightforward as it gets, and the experience is a delicious reminder that some things should never change.
A Restaurant
Tucked along Pacific Coast Highway, A Restaurant (once known as The Arches) oozes old-school glamor with its moody lighting, leather booths, and sultry steakhouse vibes. Built in 1925 as a service station and eatery, it later became a magnet for Hollywood royalty passing through town. Today, it’s still one of the best restaurants in Newport Beach for a special night out, whether you’re clinking glasses over a ribeye or sinking into a cozy booth for a romantic date.
Galley Cafe
Galley Cafe isn’t just a diner—it’s a time capsule. Open since 1957 on sleepy Harbor Island Drive, this bayside gem is where locals go for hearty breakfasts, chocolate malts, and bottomless coffee poured with a smile. The vintage booths, retro menu, and aroma of sizzling bacon make it the perfect no-frills start to any Newport Beach morning.
Under CdM
Blink and you’ll miss it. Beneath the polished CdM Restaurant lies Under CdM, a secret speakeasy hidden behind a red leather door. Think velvet couches, a vintage photo booth, and cocktails that taste as good as they look. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—and where you’ll want to linger over a nightcap (or two).
Beaches + Outdoor Activities
Pirate’s Cove
Newport Beach has its fair share of sandy stretches, but Pirate’s Cove is pure magic. Hidden just below Lookout Point Park, this tucked-away beach feels like a secret paradise. You’ll find crystal-clear water, sea caves perfect for exploring and silky sand that’s ideal for sprawling out. Bonus points if you catch a sunset here—it’s nothing short of cinematic.
Sherman Library & Gardens
When locals want to swap salty air for fresh blooms, they head to Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. Founded in 1966 by Arnold D. Haskell, this lush hideaway is part botanical garden and part historical archive. Wander through colorful courtyards, duck into the orchid conservatory, or sip tea under the shade of ancient trees at the on-site cafe 608 Dalia. It’s a true oasis in the heart of the city.
The Wedge
If you’ve never witnessed the wild spectacle of 20-foot waves crashing onto the shore, you haven’t truly experienced Newport Beach. The Wedge, located at the end of the Balboa Peninsula, is where daring surfers and bodysurfers take on monster swells—and where spectators line the beach just to watch the show. It’s the kind of local Newport Beach event where adrenaline and awe collide.
Tide Pools at Little Corona
At the bottom of a steep ravine called Buck Gully lies Little Corona, a beach beloved for its rocky reefs and thriving tide pools. Accessible by a paved ramp off Ocean Boulevard, it’s a miniature wonderland where colorful starfish, sea anemones, and tiny crabs reign supreme. This is one of the best things to do in Newport Beach with kids, but you’ll want to check the tide chart before you go.
Crystal Cove Historic District
Step back in time with a stroll through Crystal Cove’s Historic District, where 1920s and ’30s-era cottages dot the coastline in vibrant pastels. Once a hideout for Hollywood stars, this stretch of sand feels frozen in time thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by the Crystal Cove Conservancy. Grab brunch at The Beachcomber or a milkshake from the Crystal Cove Shake Shack, explore the sandy paths, and soak up the sweet nostalgia.
Local Events
Wednesday Trivia Nights at Mutt Lynch’s
For Newport locals, Mutt Lynch’s on the Balboa Peninsula is practically a second living room. Open since 1976 (and rebuilt after a fire in 1982), this legendary beach bar is the place to be on Wednesday nights for Trivia Night. With 40 beers on tap, schooners the size of small fish bowls, and a vibe that’s pure Newport, it’s the ultimate weekly Newport Beach event!
Vintage Film Screenings at the Lido Theater
Watching a movie at the Lido Theater feels less like catching a flick and more like stepping into Old Hollywood. Built in 1939, this newly restored Art Deco gem features neon lights, hand-painted underwater murals, and even a downstairs parlor requested by Bette Davis herself. Today, vintage screenings under the blacklight-glow murals are a beloved local tradition.
Live Music at The Village Inn
If you’re in the know, you know one of the best things to do in Newport Beach is to end your evening at The Village Inn on Balboa Island. Since 1933, this cozy corner spot has been slinging burgers, cocktails, and good times with live music every weekend. Grab a barstool, order something strong, and settle in—the Village Inn’s laid-back island energy makes it hard to leave.
