Newport Beach Visitor’s Guide
If you are planning to attend the Newport Beach Boat Show this year and are visiting from out of the area, we have created the ultimate Newport Beach visitor’s guide for your stay in California. Experience one of Cali’s most popular vacation destinations — from the pristine beaches, top-rated dining options, and best attractions, Newport Beach offers something for everyone! View our guide below for the best places to visit while in town for the Newport Beach Boat Show.
About the Newport Beach Boat Show
With both on-land and on-water areas to explore, the Newport Beach Boat Show will immerse your senses as you browse, shop and dine the trendy boutiques, sponsored lounges and beautiful restaurants in the area.The show returns with a large footprint of boats and yachts for sale on land and in the water, with plenty of other fun activities to do while in attendance. The event will highlight everything from luxury yachts and boats to marine accessories and industry vendors for everything involving boating. The show anticipates over 200 boats for sale on display, over 50 highlighted brokerages, and 5000+ people per day.
Learn more about the Newport Beach Boat Show
Best Things To Do In Newport Beach, California
Things to do on land:
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- Newport Beach Pier
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- Sherman Library & Gardens
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- Balboa Fun Zone
Newport Beach Pier
The Newport Beach Pier is an iconic landmark, spanning over 1,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean. Along with breathtaking views of the coastline, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, strolling along the boardwalk, or dining at one of the many restaurants nearby. At night, the pier lights up, creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends or a romantic evening with a loved one, the Newport Beach Pier is a sight to see.
Sherman Library and Gardens
Sherman Library and Gardens is a horticultural retreat featuring a world-renowned research library containing over 15,000 books, photographs, maps, and newspapers focused on the Pacific Southwest. The gardens span 2.2 acres and showcase an extensive collection of plants, including succulents, orchids, and bromeliads and is located in Corona del Mar.
Fashion Island
Fashion Island is an upscale outdoor shopping center featuring over 100 high-end retail stores, as well as a variety of luxury boutiques and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the stunning ocean views from the center’s outdoor spaces and indulge in an assortment of dining options, from casual to fine dining. The center also hosts several events throughout the year, including fashion shows, concerts, and seasonal events. With its picturesque location, high-end shops, and dining options, Fashion Island is a must-visit destination for fashion and lifestyle enthusiasts.
Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone is a renowned amusement park in Newport Beach, California. It offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcade games, and plenty of restaurants. The highlight of the Fun Zone is its historic Balboa Pavilion, built in 1906 and offers stunning views of the Newport Harbor. Visitors can also take a ride on the Catalina Flyer, a large ferry that travels to nearby Catalina Island. Balboa Fun Zone, with it’s classic carnival atmosphere and picturesque setting, is the perfect location for anyone looking for a fun-filled day.
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Top Attractions Near Newport Beach:
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- Catalina Island
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- Crystal Cove State Park
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- Balboa Island
Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a charming man-made island community famous for its picturesque views, quaint shops, and local restaurants. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is known for its water-based activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. This island is also home to the famous Balboa Fun Zone. This is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing beach experience.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a beautiful coastal wetland in Southern California and is one of the largest remaining natural estuaries. It is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, featuring a variety of habitats, including mudflats, salt marshes, and freshwater marshes, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the trails and boardwalks that wind through the preserve or rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the bay.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a beautiful coastal park offering stunning views, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational fun. The park spans over 3 miles and highlights a pristine coastline where visitors can explore the tide pools, snorkel or scuba dive, and enjoy beach activities such as swimming and surfing. The park also features hiking trails through canyons and along the beach, the perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Crystal Cove also offers a visitor center, picnic areas, and camping facilities, making it a popular park for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is known for its captivating beaches, crystal clear waters, and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and zip-lining. The island is home to many unique and interesting wildlife species, including the Catalina Island fox, which is found nowhere else in the world. The town of Avalon is the island’s main hub, with charming shops, restaurants, and the iconic Catalina Casino. Other popular attractions include the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and the Descanso Beach Club. Catalina Island is about 1.5 hour ferry ride from Newport.
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Things to do on the water in Newport Beach:
The Wedge
Newport Beach is a very famous place in Southern California for water activities. Tourists can enjoy a multiplicity of things to do on the water, such as surfing at the Wedge (well known for its shore-breaking waves), paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The city has a long coastline with several beaches, some of the most popular listed below. These beaches offer great opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.
If you’re looking for more adventure, sportfishing charters are abundant in the area and provide a freshly caught dinner option. Newport Beach is also one of the best areas for whale watching and sunset cruises for a more laid-back experience. With its beautiful weather and ample water resources, Newport Beach offers plenty of options for water enthusiasts.
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Best Beaches in Newport Beach
Newport Beach, California, is home to several world-renowned beaches, each offering unique experiences. The most famous beach in Newport is probably the Newport Municipal Beach, located on either side of the pier. It is a very popular spot among surfers and beachgoers alike. Another well-known beach is Balboa Beach, located on Balboa Island. This beach offers a more family-friendly atmosphere with gentle waves, a boardwalk, and a nearby amusement park.
Corona del Mar State Beach, located on the east side of Newport Beach, is a beautiful and secluded beach. It is known for its cliffs, rock formations, and tide pools. For those who prefer a quieter beach experience, Little Corona Beach is a hidden gem. It’s a small cove surrounded by cliffs and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and tide-pooling. Last, on our list, Pirate’s Cove Beach provides a unique experience due to its rugged terrain and tranquil waters. It is a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking, exploring tide pools, surfing, diving, and more. Overall, Newport’s beaches offer something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities to secluded coves.
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Great Restaurant Options in Newport Beach
Breakfast/Lunch Restaurants in Newport Beach:
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- Cappy’s Café | 4.5 Google Star Rating | 1.7 Miles from Boat Show
Cappy’s Café is the go-to hang-out place for locals and visitors, with its beachy atmosphere, delicious breakfast/lunch, full bar, and fresh seafood options. - Haute Cakes Caffe | 4.5 Google Star Rating | 2.8 Miles from Boat Show
Located in Westcliff Court, this quaint café has been dishing up breakfast, lunch, and pastry favorites since 1990. - Eat Chow | 4.6 Google Star Rating | 2.1 Miles from Boat Show
American comfort food meets Mexican cuisine at this eclectic café. Open for breakfast, brunch/lunch, and dinner. - MOULIN | 4.6 Google Star Rating | 6.7 Miles from Boat Show
French-style bakery and café in Newport Beach — since 2014. Visitors will find fresh-baked bread, handmade pastries, and delicious savory food options, along with a wine store and a fresh market. - Find more restaurant options
- Newport Landing Restaurant | 4.4 Google Star Rating | 2.4 Mile from Boat Show
Newport Landing has been dishing up the freshest seafood, hand-cut steaks, locally sourced produce, their famous clam chowder, and more for over 30 years. This waterfront restaurant is a local favorite and offers outside dining and the longest happy hour around. - Beachcomber | 4.6 Google Star Rating | 7.1 miles from Boat Show
This converted cottage house is renowned for its beachside eatery, serving all the Californian favorites. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner cocktails, or dessert, Beachcomber has it all. - Malibu Farm Lido Marina Village| 4.5 Google Star Rating | Walking Distance Boat Show
The farm-to-table restaurant – best known for its fresh, organic, and local ingredients – is right on the water in a beautiful space. - The Cannery| 4.5 Google Star Rating | 0.3 Miles from Boat Show
The Cannery is an institution. Having received many accolades over the last two decades for Best Thing I’ve Ever Ate, Best Place for Lobster Rolls, Diner’s Choice Awards, Most Iconic Restaurant, Incredible Waterfront Views and more… - Find more restaurant options
Dinner Options in Newport Beach:
- Cappy’s Café | 4.5 Google Star Rating | 1.7 Miles from Boat Show
- Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach | 0.8 Mile from Show | 4.3 Google Rating
- Lido House, Autograph Collection | 0.2 Mile from Show | 4.5 Google Rating
- Balboa Bay Resort | 1.5 Miles from Show | 4.6 Google Rating
- Hyatt Regency Newport Beach | 3.3 Miles from Show | 4.3 Google Rating
- Crystal Cove Beach Cottages | 7.1 Miles from Show | 4.7 Google Rating
- More hotel options for the Newport Beach Boat Show
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Best Places to Stay Near the Newport Beach Boat Show
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Newport Beach Boat Show Information
Now that you have your bucket list full of activities to indulge in while visiting Newport Beach, California talk to the boating experts for a show experience unlike any other. Let us know you’re attending by setting up an appointment below — we will connect you with one of our knowledgeable yacht brokers in southern California to help you navigate the show. Our sales professionals will be able to show you any brokerage yacht in the show, including our exceptional line-up of yachts for sale. For the best boat show experience, you can count on us to deliver!
Check out our nearby yacht brokerages in California:
>>> Long Beach | 245 N Marina Drive
>>> San Diego | 1551 Shelter Island Drive Suite 103
