It is a nice beach with nice sand. There is a bathroom (with flush toilets) at the start of the pier. The lifeguards drove by several times in a truck. The water was cold, 68 degrees, but it was still swimmable. There is also a shower to wash off.

Such an amazing beach to go to. The boardwalk is very long and has a little bit of everything for every type of person! Great vendors, fresh markets, makers market, shops, food! Kid and dog friendly too. Highly recommend

Beautiful, clean beach. The staff at all the stores I visited were polite and pleasant. The cupcakes at Sprinkles were delicious. The auto ferry to the island was fun. I definitely recommend it for the kiddos. Perfect weather. Pricey parking, but the streets are clean and the infrastructure in general is well maintained, so it's worth it.. I look forward to my next visit

Newport Beach offers a quintessential Southern California beach experience, though a few practical considerations are worth noting for visitors. Without a doubt, the beach at Newport is a major draw. The sand is consistently clean and well-maintained, inviting long strolls, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The ocean water is generally clear and enjoyable for swimming or surfing. A significant hurdle for many visitors is parking. It can be incredibly difficult to find a spot, especially on weekends or during peak season. Even with early arrival, prepare for a hunt and potentially a bit of a walk to the sand. For those really struggling, exploring options like parking at nearby establishments like Starbucks or other restaurants (with a purchase, of course) might be a last resort on exceptionally busy days, though this is not a guaranteed solution and depends on the specific establishment's policies. The proximity of the (near the 32nd Street pole) is a huge plus. It's incredibly convenient for grabbing snacks, drinks, or any forgotten beach essentials. Beyond the supermarket, the area boasts a good selection of restaurants and, of course, Starbucks, offering plenty of food and beverage options throughout the day. One notable positive is the visible and effective security presence, which contributes to a feeling of safety and well-being while enjoying the beach. However, a significant area for improvement lies with the public restrooms. They are consistently not clean, which can be an unpleasant experience for beachgoers. It's advisable to plan accordingly or be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions when needing to use the facilities. Newport Beach remains a beautiful and enjoyable destination with its pristine sands and convenient access to food and drink. While the parking situation and cleanliness of the restrooms are definite drawbacks, the strong security presence and overall beach experience still make it a worthwhile visit for those willing to navigate these challenges.

The thing I like the most about the beach is no spot Is really a bad spot when you are there to relax. We parked away from the busy pier, and were still able to enjoy a calming beach experience. I go to the beach to take naps

I wish I could have more time to enjoy it… seems very fun, a lot of local shops and the beach is beautiful 🤩 I will be back soon

Very clean. There was a major volleyball event happening, so might have been a little biased, but it was a very nice, family friendly atmosphere.

Quick and fun way to get to Balboa! My 2.5 year old loved riding the “car boat.” We walked on with a big stroller and the Captains helped us get onto the boat- super friendly guys! Very affordable ($2 total for myself and 2 little kids.) Two ferries are always running so we had no wait on either end of our trip. Cash only, pay on the boat. A fun & affordable way to experience the bay.

The best most fun thing on the Peninsula!!! I love how rain or shine. The ferry always runs you know during Covid. They never shut down. It was almost surreal, riding the ferry with no passengers or no boats on the ocean. It’s a Newport Beach tradition and very cool so ride the ferry people.!!!

Our ferry ride was incredibly smooth and efficient from start to finish. Boarding was quick and well-organized, and the staff were friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. The ride itself was fast and steady no bumps, no delays, just a relaxing trip with great views along the way. The seating was clean and comfortable, and everything ran right on schedule. It was such a pleasant experience overall. Whether you’re commuting or just sightseeing, this ferry makes traveling easy and enjoyable. I’ll definitely be choosing this route again!

I had such an amazing time along with unwinding and taking it all in after being away from home. It’s certainly not my first time but absolutely enjoy it and it’s my favorite every time I’m home. If you love the ocean as much as I do, this is it!

I LOVEEEE BALBOA ISLAND FERRY, it's incredible cheap!! My trip was only 7 dollars compared to 40 bucks a normal ferry would charge. It's honestly SOOOOO amazing, it reminds me of a punt ferry, so amazing, absolutely recommend!!

$2 each way. Cash only. Two ferries constantly run on most days. The best deal in these parts. Very efficiently run.

This is an excellent way to cut your commute time from Balboa Island to Newport Coast without having to go all the way around. The ferry is inexpensive and very short and a must do addition to your visit to Newport. Been operating for many decades and is a quick entertaining attraction for anyone visiting Newport and Balboa Island.

Was really impressed with the experience! I debated going back for a second day in a row it was that good. It was easy to purchase my ticket online. Check-in was pleasant and a breeze, and the tour itself was amazing. 2:30pm sailing, saw tons and tons of dolphins, 2 sea lions, and whale spouts and whale tails at least 3 times. Staff were really pleasant. Lots of room to wander around the boat. Didn’t purchase any concession but it looked like there were lots of snacks and beverages available. Highly recommend.

The crew were extremely welcoming, friendly, helpful, and professional. Even though the hurricane related waves proved to be too much and prevented us from going out into the ocean, they gave it a good college try but called it quickly when it became clear that it wasn’t going to work. I’m grateful they put Safety First! We spent some time on the way back in the harbor with the sea lions, and received free passes for another trip. Such a beautiful experience. Can’t wait to visit them again SOON.

My son and I had a wonderful time on our Whale Watching Cruise. Although we didn’t get to see any whales, this is a chance you take when viewing nature. We did get to see some dolphins and sea lions. The crew were great! They were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. The boat was clean and there was plenty of seating. There was always someone at the bar when we wanted to order snacks and to answer questions. The instructions provided before our trip were easy to understand and made parking and checking in easy and stress free. Overall I would definitely recommend this trip! Even without seeing the whales, the value for the experience and the couple hours on the boat were well worth it.

My family and I went out on the Ocean Explorer ship today, and it was amazing! I can't for the life of me remember the captain's name, and I wish I could (Andrea, I think?), because she and her crew (Tanner and Alan and someone else I also can't remember) went above and beyond! I loved that we learned a little about dolphins and their biology, and got great info about where we were going and the common dolphin pod we saw. The dolphins were SO awesome, and the captain even took us a out a little further than normal to find them since we hadn't seen anything yet! It was literally a dream come true for me, and I was so happy I actually cried. I'm so happy with the effort, friendliness, education, and clear instructions and organization of the whole trip! To the 2:30 pm, Nov. 6th captain, crew, volunteers, amd staff-- thank you for literally one of the best few hours of my life that I got to share with my whole family!

Huge thank you to Captain Dani & Jill, they made my day with their extensive knowledge and overall positive, fun attitudes. I booked this trip the morning of (very spontaneously), not expecting much given the season, but I was so happy we found some adorable/playful dolphins. It was nice to be out on the water with such good company. Thank you again ladies!

Whale watching with Newport Landing Whale Watching was an incredible experience. The boat was clean and safe and the staff were beyond friendly. They had a full bar offering both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and snacks at a reasonable cost. The tour guide was upbeat and fun and captured the hearts of children and adults alike. We saw an array of wildlife… most notably a large pod of mother and baby bottle nose dolphin that came right up to the edge of the boat and made viewing easy and immersive. We had a great time and I would definitely recommend this activity to anyone looking for a unique day experience!

Amazing sunset! Views were spectacular. Our first trip to Newport. We got to see all of the harbor, giant yachts and beautiful homes, and enjoyed a relaxing, no frills trip. Great communication and details explained on parking and accessing tickets/boarding. We got in line early and were able to sit on the top in the front. My two teenagers loved it!

It was a gloomy day, but the area was still lovely for hanging out, shopping, and enjoying some delicious food. The boat show was a lot of fun, and there are various events where you can purchase tickets, which is a great feature. Parking can be a challenge, but aside from that, the entire area is quite nice.

One of the most upscale spots in the area for walking, eating, and drinking. Follow us on instagram @gemislist for more info and to discover other great spots!

This outdoor upscale mall-like location is a great place to enjoy the marina as well as visit a few luxury boutiques such as the Real-real, Le Labo and many others. After each visit we like to pass by Nobu, for a gastronomic stop. This location is definitely less crowded than the Malibu one. Overall Lido Marina village is a pleasant stop if you are in the Newport Beach area, ideal for some fun shopping and dining while not being too busy away from LA crowd.

We really liked this small, clean area with luxury shopping and restaurants along the marina. Public picnic benches and pedestrian walkways are available. Plenty of parking nearby = if you eat at a restaurant they will endorse the parking.

Wonderful place to hang out and listen to music drink coffee or have a delicious meal. The shopping is the best! Doen, Cynthia Rowley, Aleph, The Real Real, and sugar paper. Never have to leave. The French Buckets flower Stand well I’m a little partial but it is so fun and beautiful!!!!

Good place to visit. A lot of restaurants and goods shops.

It is hard to park near Lido Marina Village during weekends. However, if you can park near here, you can enjoy walking down the streets and the boat docks. There are lots of good restaurants and small beautiful shops. Also, you can find Blue Bottle Coffee. (only one in OC County)

This place keeps getting worse every year. To start, in the last five years they have closed ALL water side trails to hikers. This was the best part about coming here. 90% of the interesting native plants and animals are down in the tidal zone. Closing all single track hiking trails only makes the other hot and dusty road trails that much more crowded. When I am hiking I want to see no cars, bikes, or other people, just nature. Closing the water side trails makes this place a joke. On top of this they cemented the once nice crushed granite parking lot and made the spaces tiny. This is why locals now park on the street, they don't want dented cars! Just too many people at this place now. They should just close this whole park down and fence it off for just the wildlife if they are not going to let people hike down at the waters edge. All you are going to see on the dusty dirt roads are cars, bikers, and hikers surrounded by dry brown fields. I posted some pictures of the lower waterside trails to show you what you are now missing!

Amazing place to take a walk anytime if the day and even more beautiful during sunset! I wish it hadn't taken me 25 yrs to finally decide to explore the area. I was always deterred by the smell that sometimes accompanies the tide changes. Haven't noticed it at all now that I frequently ride my bike down the trails that go around the back bay.

This was a nice walk/hike. There are several trails to choose from so you can make your own trail. The weather was great and you get a nice breeze in this area. Would definitely come back.

If you’re looking for an easy to moderate walk, I highly recommend checking out the Nature Preserve. There are several trail options to choose from, including paved paths that are perfect for a scenic run. I’ve been coming here for years and love the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also a free parking lot available, but it tends to fill up quickly on weekends—so plan accordingly!

Open preserve on Santa Ana River that opens to the ocean. Nice trails - dirt and paved, with great lookouts.

There are two nature centers and a rest area with faded panels about wildlife. Plenty of walk out platforms. Two lane road and a bit of slanted gravel lakeside. Only thing is it isn’t a total loop. Had to cross via pch south side and jamboree north side with some diverted in residential streets.

First time here and I was blown away by the wide open views and variety of trail options. I wasn’t expecting such a peaceful escape in the middle of the city. You’ll see everyone here—from first-time visitors and families with strollers to runners, joggers, and even pet parents. It’s definitely a spot for all kinds of outdoor lovers.

This upscale restaurant absolutely nails the aesthetic. The atmosphere is chic and vibrant, making it a great spot for a stylish night out. The staff were genuinely warm and attentive, which added to the overall positive vibe. Things started off promisingly with a great bread service — fresh, warm, and flavorful. The rabbit dish missed the mark for me; the flavor and texture just didn’t come together. The fish, on the other hand, was decent — nicely cooked and seasoned, but nothing particularly memorable.

Visited for our anniversary. We weren't particularly hungry so we ordered some of the small plates, which actually looked more exciting to us. Server kept asking if we'll be ordering more food, which wasn't very pleasant. Food was good but nothing stood out as memorable. Highly recommend the octopus. 10/10 for the interiors and ambience. 8/10 for the food and drinks. 8/10 for the personal interaction.

Nestled among the iconic Lido street in Newport, Fable & Spirit certainly can stake a claim as one of its best. All of the dishes were well seasoned and cooked, but our favorite was definitely the Pork Porchetta. Nearly falling apart with a touch of your fork, it’s got a great mix of meat and fat that just melts in your mouth. Add in a little bit of soft and truffle-y polenta and I couldn’t help but ask for more A great, helpful staff and a refined, yet still friendly space really knots this place together

The tables are too closed together, I got a 2 person table next to a table of 6 it was quite loud. I wish I was seated in a quiet corner. Other than that the food was not bad, I liked the mussels and pork belly. The rabbit was lacking flavors, the veggies had no imagination and should be served with the other food that was ordered. I did not enjoy sitting there eating couple plates of vegetables only.

Fable & Spirit hits all the right notes—coastal elegance, delicious food, and service that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you sit down. Nestled in Lido Marina Village, it has that effortless Newport charm with a chic Marina vibe, especially if you grab a seat outside. Bonus points for the free parking lot tucked away in the back—huge perk. Let’s talk about the food lineup. The Kale Romaine Caesar was an absolute standout—tossed with black garlic, capers, cherry tomatoes, pita crisps, and crunchy croutons. I added the sous-vide chicken breast, and it was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. We also shared the roasted cauliflower, the woodfired pizzetta with a perfectly blistered crust, and the Alaskan halibut, which was buttery, flaky, and cooked to perfection. The burger? Unreal. Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with a side that somehow made fries feel gourmet. The citrus salad was bright and refreshing—exactly what you want as a palate cleanser in between bites. And don’t sleep on the bread—it comes out warm, with a perfect crust, and is just begging to be devoured. I sipped on a Last Word cocktail to start—smooth, herbaceous, and beautifully balanced—and we wrapped it all up with the warm bread pudding, which was rich, comforting, and worth every bite. Big love to Munoz (amazing GM) for his incredible service and kind, upbeat energy. He made the night feel extra special. Fable & Spirit is one of those places where everything just clicks—and you start planning your next visit before you’ve even left the table.

Great restaurant and service. I prefer to sit inside than outside for the full experience but they only had reservations available outside this time. The citrus salad (not pictured) was excellent as was the fish and chips and burger. I would definitely return. Ps Chad gave great wine recommendations.

I had an amazing time at FS. We really wanted to try the beet agnolotti but they were sold out of them. Instead, we got the pizzetta, heirloom carrots, and their cracked pepper bucatini. For their pizzetta, I was expecting a basic pizza, but their dough they use felt like a crispy pancake, with a good texture of soft and crunchy from their burrata and hazlenut. This comes in 4 pieces. Heirloom Carrots were tasty, and helped balance out the meal, the chimichurri went perfectly with the carrots. The Bucantini was good but the noodle was a bit overcooked for my taste. All the taste profile was pleasant. For cocktails, we got the beet cocktail with Gin being the base, and it was very pleasant and tasty! Our 2nd cocktail was a vodka based orange/vanilla cocktail. I personally liked it, but some people may not like the smell of the egg white so be aware! Service was very welcoming, with all the workers being very attentive. Will visit again!

Love that a reservation can be made through OpenTable. I scored a reservation for my birthday without having to go through the hassle of a 3-6 month advance as I had with the Malibu location. The food is amazing. My favourites include the toro carpaccio, Nobu style tiradito, and their selection of nigiri pieces. The view of Newport Harbour is also a plus when it comes to patio dining. Overall, it is a great location and restaurant.

We came to Nobu Newport Beach for a Friday night date and it did not disappoint. A generous gift card from one of our amazing clients gave us the perfect excuse to come back, and we’re so glad we did. We walked up right at 5 PM with no reservation and were seated immediately. It was a beautiful day and we got a cozy table inside with an incredible view of the harbor through the window. The layout is really open and airy, with plenty of space between tables. Definitely not one of those spots where you feel crammed in. The vibe was relaxed but still had energy, thanks to a DJ spinning upbeat tunes that set a fun tone for the night. Service was super friendly and attentive from the moment we sat down. We ordered a variety of dishes (photos incoming) and everything we tried was delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. We sipped on a couple cocktails, laughed a lot, and really just soaked in the whole experience. It felt elevated but not pretentious, which is hard to pull off. That said, if you’re planning to come here, expect to pay a premium. The sushi is delicious and the presentation is a solid 10 out of 10, but you’re definitely paying for more than just the food. You’re paying for the real estate, the ambience, the harbor views, and the overall Nobu experience. It’s worth it for a special night, but definitely something to be aware of. Parking was easy in the nearby structure. Nobu validated for one hour, but we ended up staying for two. Totally worth the extra few bucks. If you’re heading there during peak hours, it’s worth planning ahead for that. All in all, it was a chill, delicious, and memorable night. Perfect for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat yourself kind of evening. We’ll definitely be back.

We celebrated Father’s Day lunch at Nobu Newport and it was incredible! The location is absolutely beautiful, ocean views from the upstairs patio made it so special and romantic. The food was outstanding (spicy tuna crispy rice, yellowtail, lobster tacos, prime rib!) and they were great about accommodating my son’s allergies. Tito, our server, was kind and attentive. Can’t wait to visit again!

Best dinner at Nobu ever. Here’s exactly what to order: Usual favs 10/10: black cod w miso, wagyu tacos, spicy edamame, yellowtail jalapeño app, prime filet w balsamic teriyaki. New favs 10/10: Nobu Caesar salad (request extra walnuts), baked crab sushi roll- cut (not “hand” like a burrito). 9/10 crispy rice w spicy tuna 7/10 cauliflower & Brussel sprouts, strong flavor. Share them. 3/10 *won’t order again: thin, cold cut fish app with crispy sliced mushrooms on top. Get yellowtail jalapeño instead. Desserts: date cake - 10/10 xurros 9/10

The food here is... Good. Not great. Don't get me wrong. Everything is well done but the flavors are familiar. Nothing is innovative or "new*.

I greatly enjoyed my meal at Nobu. Great atmosphere and location right on the marina. Instead of choosing things in the menu, we had our server bring out dishes kind of like an image style and each dish she recommended was excellent! I also thoroughly enjoyed the cocktails as well. Great place for a group meal and didn't feel like we were rushed through our meal.

Nobu served the best food and drinks I’ve ever had! We enjoyed an amazing time with friends and family out on the patio — it was absolutely incredible!

Fantastic spot to hit up right after Dory’s when you need to sober a little bit. Come to Beach Ball to shoot some pool and win/lose for some beers to your buddies. This spot is really chill and even has a little jukebox to make it all more interesting. Shoot some pool, have some light beers, and continue on your journey of day drinking.

This place is a Legendary Dive! And I mean *dive* in a good way. The locals are always friendly and the bar service is quick. Even when it gets busy. I always stop at Beach Ball when I visit Newport cause it's always open. It is Very comforting to know that this place still exists even when the rest of Huntington Beach is turning into a yuppie playground infest.

Friendly little tavern / pub with pool tables in the back. Always wanted to come here and I’m happy I did. Fresh cold beer on two served in a chill glass while watching the waves through the window, what else do you want? Worth a visit for sure.

Review of Beach Ball Bar – Newport Beach I’m writing this as a warning to anyone considering visiting Beach Ball Bar. Two of my daughters were roofied at this bar on a Thursday afternoon around 3:00 PM, during what was supposed to be a joyful bachelorette celebration. We left them at the bar around 2:30 PM, and within minutes, a man—whom we have on video—was seen bringing shots to them. Those drinks were drugged. After piecing everything together through texts, videos, and calls, we’ve identified three predatory men, and we believe one may have been an employee. Multiple women from our group, who were traveling with us, saw these same men on FaceTime calls made repeatedly during the chaos that followed. This was not just suspicious—it was predatory and calculated. Thankfully, the group barely made it out safely. But this place is not safe, especially for women. We are not the first to report something like this—search the reviews yourself. Beach Ball Bar has a pattern of similar allegations. This should not be allowed to continue. Please think twice before stepping foot in this establishment. Your safety—and the safety of your loved ones—comes first.

Beer/Alcohol: a handful of taps, bottle selection and hard alcohol. No food offered at this bar. Final thoughts: The Beach Ball is right on the beach, literally. There are two large window fronts where you can take a seat and stare out into the Pacific Blue Ocean. Couple of pool tables and plenty of seating. Not your uppity crowd, down to earth hole in the wall type people, good people. You can catch a drink here and enjoy all the sights and sounds within a 1-minute walking distance.

Awesome place to have a quick drink. Our bartender was super friendly and made us a nice drink. They have a table pool games and nice music to vibe in.

The bouncer with the man bun wouldn’t let my 25 year old girlfriend into the bar because he didn’t know how to read a Idaho license.. very disrespectful as well. Will never come back here.

There was nothing like ending the day with dinner at Ruby’s Diner in Corona del Mar, right on Pacific Coast Highway. The red booths, the jukebox, the salty breeze drifting in from the ocean—it all felt like stepping back in time. We’d grab a window seat, watching the cars roll by and the sun slowly dip into the Pacific. Dinner was always a comfort ritual: crispy golden fries, perfectly seasoned onion rings, and those ridiculously addictive fried green beans—served hot and ready to share. The Cobb salad was our attempt at balance (kind of), right before diving into thick, juicy burgers piled high with everything we loved. And the drinks? Always Cherry Cokes and root beers, ice cold, served in those tall, retro glasses that made everything taste better. We’d laugh, talk about anything and everything, and linger longer than we should’ve, never wanting the night to end. Ruby’s wasn’t just a diner—it was our little slice of classic Americana by the coast. Those nights were simple, warm, and unforgettable. If you know, you know.

We love having breakfast here….. we always enjoy Alfredo’s great customer service he is the best worker there! Food is always good but the service puts the cherry on top we will drive all the way from long beach to have a meal here

I used to go to rubys all the time as a little kid and I came back for a nostalgic moment during a birthday trip with my partner. I wanted to show him where I spent a lot of my summers which included rubys! We were there 9/30. I told him all about the car menus, gumball machine, and the moving trains/cars in the sky. We were served by Gerardo who was so welcoming and made me feel as if I was a child again. He went above and beyond for us. He gave us the car menus and turned on the trains so I could experience it all. I truly appreciate him for making my memories come rushing back and made such a special moment even more special! Thank you Gerardo!!

Really really nice and attentive staff. Very good burger and fries...and fresh onion ring prepared to perfection. Accommodated pet dog at side walk dining. I had the Chinese Chicken salad... very flavorful excellent crunch. Wonderful at night after a day at the beach. 4 stars due to busy street.

Ruby’s Diner is always such a fun and cozy spot to enjoy a meal. The atmosphere feels welcoming, the service is friendly, and the food is delicious every time. From classic burgers and fries to milkshakes that taste like pure nostalgia, everything is made with care and comes out just right. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel happy and comfortable, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends and family.

I decided to take my beautiful lady to this Ruby’s for breakfast for her birthday after our early morning walk on the beach. Wow! Everything was awesome from the moment we walked in the door! But the greatest part of our visit was our waiter, Alfredo! This guy deserves a raise! We live over 30 minutes away, but we will definitely be returning soon because of this man! Decor was great, food was great, music was great, but Alfredo was absolutely amazing!!!!

Our server this day was Alfredo; he was fantastic! He was right on top of our drink refills (we are very thirsty people, particularly for their Cherry Coke!), checked on us frequently (even though the place was rockin') and did it all with a smile on his face. He even slipped in a few jokes along the way. He made our experience excellent and I'm excited for my next trip in the area so I can return.