6/8/19 - Sunset at Newport Beach Pier.
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Newport Pier Newport Beach

4.7
·18k reviews·Newport Beach, United States

Iconic Southern California beach destination with a classic pier, vibrant boardwalk, and stunning ocean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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6/8/19 - Sunset at Newport Beach Pier.

Newport Pier Newport Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Southern California beach destination with a classic pier, vibrant boardwalk, and stunning ocean views.

4.7
(18k reviews)

"Newport Beach offers a quintessential Southern California beach experience, though a few practical considerations are worth noting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends to snag parking, or be ready for a walk. :parking_area:

🌊 Embrace the Ocean

The water is cool but swimmable, perfect for a refreshing dip. 🌊

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 17,879 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Balboa Pier

Balboa Pier

Newport Beach

Classic pier with a vintage Ruby's Diner, perfect for sunset views and a quintessential beach town vibe.

Instagram
The Wedge

The Wedge

Eastern end of the peninsula

Witness massive waves and daring surfers tackle this iconic, powerful surf spot.

TikTok
Marina Park

Marina Park

1600 W Balboa Blvd

Family-friendly park with a playground, splash pad, and direct beach access for summer fun.

TikTok
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

Heliotrope Ave & Ocean Blvd

A beautiful, clear-water beach with golden sand, ideal for swimming and relaxing.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Newport Pier can be a challenge, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early or be prepared for a hunt and a walk to the sand. Some visitors suggest parking at nearby establishments with a purchase, but this isn't guaranteed. Reddit

Restroom Realities

While Newport Beach offers a beautiful experience, be aware that public restrooms can be consistently unclean. Plan accordingly or be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Stunning ocean views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but crowded
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

maybe you just need to go back to the ocean 🌊 #ocean #beach #pacificocean #pacificcoast #newportbeach #newport #oc #orangecounty #theoc #coronadelmar #coronadelmarbeach #beachy #beachvibes #fyp #foryou
@lorenas.notes
326.9K likes • 2M views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends to snag parking, or be ready for a walk. Reddit :parking_area:

🌊 Embrace the Ocean

The water is cool but swimmable, perfect for a refreshing dip. TikTok 🌊

Newport Beach, CA ☀️ #fyp
@daterightstuff
141.3K likes • 2M views
The last original Ruby’s Diner on a classic pier location is on Balboa Pier, Newport Beach! ©SoCal Nation® #socalnation #socal #southerncalifornia #socalblogger #socallife #socalliving #newportbeach #balboaisland #orangecounty
socalnation
4.4K likes • 96.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Strolls

Enjoy the long boardwalk with shops, food, and vendors. Kid & dog friendly! Reddit 🚶

🍽️ Dining Delights

Explore diverse restaurants and cafes near the pier. Reddit :forkandknifewithplate:

Newport Beach Day Idea! 🌊🛝🥤 📍 Balboa Pier 🛝 Visit Peninsula Park playground with a surfboard 🏄🏼 for iconic OC pics! Climbing, slides, pretend play lifeguard truck & lifeguard boat. Inclusive, baby & kid swings. 🩱🌊 Bring your swim suits to play in the ocean & in the sand. Restrooms & beach showers right next to the playground. 🥤🥤Walk the pier to grab milkshakes or food from Ruby’s Diner on t...
goparkplay
568 likes • 22.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends to snag parking, or be ready for a walk. Reddit :parking_area:

🌊 Embrace the Ocean

The water is cool but swimmable, perfect for a refreshing dip. TikTok 🌊

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Strolls

Enjoy the long boardwalk with shops, food, and vendors. Kid & dog friendly! Reddit 🚶

🍽️ Dining Delights

Explore diverse restaurants and cafes near the pier. Reddit :forkandknifewithplate:

📸 Sunset Spectacles

Catch breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific from the pier. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🎣 Pier Fishing Fun

Try your luck fishing from Newport Pier for mackerel and more. Instagram :fishingpoleand_fish:

🚲 Bike the Beach Path

Rent bikes and cruise along the scenic beach path. Instagram 🚲

What Travellers Say

4.7
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Newport Beach is celebrated for its clean, spacious beaches, stunning ocean views, and vibrant boardwalk filled with shops and eateries. Visitors appreciate the classic beach-town vibe, especially around Balboa Pier, and the family-friendly atmosphere. However, parking can be a significant challenge, and the public restrooms are frequently noted as being unclean.

"Newport Pier is one of the best around! I've been lucky enough to live near this iconic spot most of my life! The homeless drug addicts have been cleared out for the most part but there could definitely be more police presence. The shops, food, athletic paths are excellent. The sunsets are the most amazing you will see!"

LibsterMarie

"Beautiful, Relaxing, and Full of Life!

Newport Beach is one of my favorite places in Southern California! The beach is clean and spacious, perfect for long walks, sunbathing, or playing volleyball. The ocean views are stunning, especially at sunset. There are so many great restaurants and cute cafés nearby, plus shops and activities for everyone. I love the Balboa Pier area for its classic beach-town vibe and the ferry ride to Balboa Island is a must. Parking can be tricky on weekends, but it’s worth it. Whether you’re looking to surf, bike, shop, or just relax, Newport Beach has it all. Highly recommend visiting!"

Amelia Tran

"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"

Chris Caro

What People Like

Clean and spacious beaches
Beautiful ocean views
Vibrant boardwalk

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Unclean restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Newport Pier is located on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. You can drive and find parking nearby, though it can be challenging on busy days. Public transportation options are limited, so driving or ride-sharing is often preferred. Reddit

Parking can be very difficult, especially on weekends and during peak season. Be prepared for a hunt and potentially a walk to the beach. Some visitors suggest parking at nearby businesses with a purchase. Reddit

Public transportation to Newport Pier is not extensive. While some bus routes may serve the general Newport Beach area, direct access to the pier via public transit is limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services is generally more convenient. Reddit

Yes, biking is a great way to reach Newport Pier, especially if you're coming from nearby areas. There are bike paths along the coast, and bike rentals are available. Instagram

Yes, the auto ferry to Balboa Island operates from the Balboa Peninsula, which is easily accessible from Newport Pier. It's a fun and convenient way to explore the island. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to walk on Newport Pier. Access to the pier itself is free for everyone. TikTok

Newport Pier is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, individual businesses on or near the pier, such as restaurants and shops, will have their own operating hours. Instagram

No, there is no cost to access the beach at Newport Beach. You can enjoy the sand and ocean freely. Reddit

Newport Beach often hosts various events, especially during summer and holidays, including block parties and celebrations. It's best to check local event listings for specific dates. TikTok

Yes, fishing is a popular activity on Newport Pier. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can walk the pier, enjoy ocean views, fish, visit Ruby's Diner, explore nearby shops and restaurants, and relax on the beach. Instagram+1

There are restrooms with flush toilets at the start of the pier. Showers are also available nearby to wash off sand and saltwater. However, be aware that public restrooms can be consistently unclean. Reddit

Yes, the ocean water at Newport Beach is generally clear and enjoyable for swimming, though it can be cool. TikTokReddit

The pier itself offers great vantage points, especially during sunset. The playground at Marina Park also provides iconic OC photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Marina Park has a great playground, and the beach is kid-friendly. The boardwalk also offers activities for all ages. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Ruby's Diner is a classic spot on Balboa Pier. You'll also find various restaurants, cafes, and shops along the boardwalk and nearby streets offering diverse cuisines. Instagram+1

Yes, Newport Beach is known for its seafood. Restaurants like Flyn's Oysters and Shorebird are recommended for seafood lovers. Instagram

Yes, Handel's Ice Cream is a popular spot for sweet treats near the pier. Instagram

Newport Coffee Company is a recommended spot for coffee lovers in the area. Instagram

You can find New York-style pizza in Newport or Balboa, with a focus on crust and flavor. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is a prime time for photography, offering stunning golden hour light. Early mornings can also be beautiful with fewer crowds. Instagram

The pier itself, with its classic structure and ocean backdrop, is a great subject. The playground at Marina Park offers unique shots, and the waves at The Wedge are dramatic. TikTokInstagram+1

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the Newport Beach Police Department or relevant authorities regarding drone operation in the area. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy. Instagram

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide ocean views and details on the pier. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots. Instagram

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