All About Newport

Newport Beach House sits at 115 45th Street in West Newport, at the quiet end of the Balboa Peninsula, just four houses from the sand. From here, the best of Newport is an easy walk, bike ride or short drive away.

The Beaches

Your beach, steps away. The wide, sandy shore at the end of 45th Street is part of Newport's beaches, which stretch more than eight miles from the Santa Ana River jetty to Crystal Cove. City beaches are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
River Jetties and 54th/56th Street. A short stroll up the shore, these local favorites draw experienced surfers for fast, powerful waves.
Newport Pier. At the foot of the pier is historic McFadden Square and the Dory Fishing Fleet, where local fishermen sell their fresh catch on the beach in the mornings.
Balboa Pier. About a mile down the peninsula from Newport Pier, in the heart of Balboa Village.
The Wedge. At the tip of the peninsula, the Wedge is famous for huge waves and world-class bodysurfing. It is a thrill to watch, and best left to experts.

Balboa Village and the Harbor

Balboa Fun Zone. A classic waterfront amusement area with a Ferris wheel and lovely harbor views, next to the historic Balboa Pavilion.
Balboa Island Ferry. Running since 1919, the little ferry carries cars, bikes and walkers across the harbor to Balboa Island in about five minutes. It runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight. On the island, stroll Marine Avenue and try a Balboa Bar, the island's famous chocolate-dipped ice cream treat.
Harbor cruises and boat rentals. Davey's Locker, in the Balboa Pavilion, offers sunset and seasonal harbor cruises, sportfishing and a ferry to Catalina Island.
Duffy boats. Captain your own quiet electric Duffy boat around Newport Harbor with your favorite people and a picnic. No boating license is needed. Rentals are available on Balboa Island and in Balboa Village.
Whale watching. Whale and dolphin cruises leave daily from Balboa Village. Blue whales are often seen in summer and fall, and gray whales in winter and spring.

On Wheels and on the Water

Biking the boardwalk. The Ocean Front Walk is one of the region's most popular boardwalks. Hop on a beach cruiser and ride past the piers toward Balboa Village.
Surfing. Newport's south-facing beaches catch big summer swells. Beginners will find gentler days along the peninsula, and seasoned surfers head to the jetties and 56th Street.

Shopping and Dining

Lido Marina Village. Waterfront boutiques, dining and the historic Lido Theater, all with harbor views.
Fashion Island. An open-air center with some of Southern California's finest shopping and dining.
Near the pier. McFadden Square at Newport Pier is lined with casual beach restaurants and bars, and the Dory Fleet Market is a local tradition for the freshest fish.

Beyond the Peninsula

Corona del Mar. A charming village with Corona del Mar State Beach, tide pools, the scenic Lookout and Inspiration Points, and the Sherman Library and Gardens.
Crystal Cove State Park. Three miles of unspoiled coastline, tide pools, trails and restored 1930s beach cottages. Its beaches close at sunset.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer. Long, sunny beach days, warm water and the best surf of the year.
Christmas Boat Parade (December). For more than a century, glowing yachts, boats and kayaks have paraded through Newport Harbor for five evenings each December. The 2026 parade runs December 16–20, starting around 6:30 p.m., with fireworks off Newport Pier on opening night.
Whale season. Gray whales migrate through in winter and spring, and blue whales visit in summer and fall.