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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Balboa Peninsula's best

Beach spots

Made for those who measure the success of their day by how much sand they can get between their toes.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 2026
01
Newport Beach Pier image 1
Newport Beach Pier image 2
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Fishing pier

Fishing pier offers amazing ocean views and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and fire pits. Beach sands provide a soul-soothing vibe perfect for surfing and fishing. Nearby shops and restaurants add to the relaxing experience.

Sands at sunset offer a peaceful, soul-soothing vibe. The beach near the pier is clean, safe, and great for surfing and fishing. Shops and restaurants line the area, making it easy to explore and relax.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing."

"The sunset views here are truly amazing and beautiful."

"It's a fun and lively spot with a vibrant atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking payment machine requires cash; cards are not accepted.

2

Parking is very limited and fills up fast near the pier.

3

Public restrooms are available but may not be well maintained.

02
Newport Beach image 1

Extremely large, clean sandy shoreline offers space to relax without crowds. Calm, family-friendly atmosphere blends with laid-back vibe and amazing Pacific Ocean views. Nearby shops and restaurants complement a wide boardwalk and bike path perfect for strolling or biking.

A large sandy shoreline offers plenty of space to relax without crowding others. The beach stays clean and well maintained with beautiful ocean views and a family-friendly vibe.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful, clean, and not too crowded."

"The waves at this Surf Spot are huge and great."

"Parking was a little tough depending on the time of day."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find during peak times, especially on weekends.

2

The beach is clean and well-maintained, with facilities available.

3

There are many restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the beach.

03
Newport Beach Municipal Beach image 1

Wide, clean beach with volleyball courts and lifeguards offers easy access and stunning ocean views. Nearby bars and restaurants add a cool vibe without pretension. A walkway for running and cycling creates an active, social scene enjoyed by families, friends, and couples.

Waves roll along a long, clean beach with plenty of volleyball courts and lifeguards patrolling. Parking sits close to the beach and bathrooms, making access easy even with a big car.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful, especially at sunset."

"I loved strolling the pier and people-watching for some fun activities."

"Parking was available and close to the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking is free after 6 pm every day.

2

Expect parking difficulties; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The beach area is clean, safe, and well maintained.

04
Newport Beach Balboa Pier image 1

Fishing pier offers roomy space and stunning ocean views for a peaceful stroll or catch. Clean sand and water with close parking make beach access easy. Family-friendly playgrounds and arcades add to the relaxed coastal vibe for all ages.

Clean sand and water meet close parking for easy beach access. The quiet atmosphere makes it great for family fun and watching sunsets from the pier.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful."

"The sunset views here are absolutely stunning."

"It's a fun beach with activities for the whole family."

Good to know

1

Parking at the pier costs over $40 for all day.

2

The parking lot is large and located right next to the pier.

3

The pier and Ruby's at the end are free to access.

05
19th St Bay Beach image 1
Public beach

Quiet beach with wave-free waters is perfect for SUP and kayaking. Clean sand and easy parking make family outings simple. Friendly locals add to the peaceful atmosphere near a park.

A quiet, out-of-the-way beach with no waves offers a calm spot for families and launching SUP or kayaks. The beach stays very clean and has paid parking right up against the shore for easy access.

People are saying

"It's a quiet place for a nice day on the bay."

"This beach is perfect for families and a great hidden spot."

"It's a quiet, out-of-the-way spot for a day on the bay."

Good to know

1

Paid parking is available right next to the beach for easy access.

2

The beach is great for small kids with calm waters.

3

Expect a clean beach environment with friendly locals around.

06
Balboa Pavilion image 1
Beach pavillion

Historic pavilion with big bay windows offers stunning seaside views and a spacious, relaxing atmosphere. Beautiful beach nearby invites walking along the shoreline and enjoying local eateries. Boat rentals and harbor cruises add to the scenic waterfront experience.

Beautiful beach near a historic pavilion offers a nice spot for walking and enjoying the shoreline. Local eateries add to the beachside experience.

People are saying

"It's a fun place with lots to do and interesting sites to see."

"The food here is really good."

"I found the beach here to be beautiful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers buy one get one free cocktails during happy hour.

3

Expect a surf competition on August 3rd, which may affect parking.

07
Newport Beach Hotel image 1

Quaint, historic building offers oceanfront views and an intimate, lively atmosphere with nearby nightlife. Steps from a soft, clean beach with free towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen. Complimentary bike rentals make coastal exploration easy and fun.

Steps from a soft, clean beach with free towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen provided. Bikes are available to ride along the coast, enhancing beach access and exploration.

People are saying

"I loved staying right on the beach, close to everything."

"The rooms are clean and comfortable."

"The front desk staff was helpful and responsive."

Good to know

1

Parking is only suitable for small cars like a Fiat or motorcycle.

2

The hotel is just steps from the beach and local restaurants.

3

Expect noise from the nightclub until 2am on weekends.

08
Balboa Beach image 1

Wide beach offers clean sand and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Fire pits and grassy spots provide relaxing areas for families and friends. Ample parking with app payment and bike rentals make visits easy and fun.

Huge, clean, and endless sand stretches along the shore with crystal-clear water. Plenty of parking and fire pits make it easy to relax and enjoy the sun with friends and family.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and amazing."

"Parking is available and easy to pay for with an app."

"It's so fun for the kids with lots of things to do."

Good to know

1

The rip current can be quite strong, so be cautious if you're planning to swim.

2

There is paid parking available at Balboa Beach, costing around $9 for two hours.

3

There are not many lifeguards at Balboa Beach, so exercise caution.

09
Blackie's By the Sea image 1

Bar offers a beachfront location with a strong beach vibe and surf-themed decor. Casual dive atmosphere lets you relax without shoes while enjoying cold beer at 29ยฐ. Multiple TVs and pool tables keep the fun going.

Close to the beach, this spot offers a strong beach vibe with an authentic, laid-back feel. It functions as a dive bar right on the sand, perfect for hanging out with a few cocktails.

People are saying

"The beer here is ice-cold, even pouring at 29ยฐ."

"It's a great dive bar right next to the beach."

"I was right on the beach, it's awesome."

Good to know

1

Blackie's By the Sea is located right on the beach.

2

The prices at Blackie's By the Sea are affordable.

3

Blackie's By the Sea is dog friendly.

10
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot boasts giant margaritas and generous nachos with colorful decor and ocean breeze. Beachfront seating offers sunset drinks and easy access to food. Multiple TVs show sports, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages.

Lots of activity happens right on the beachfront with easy access to drinks and food. Enjoy sunset drinks, margaritas, nachos, and breakfast while sitting right on the sand.

People are saying

"You have to try the giant margaritas with the Mexican food."

"The happy hour drinks here are two for one and really tasty."

"It's right on the beach, perfect for sunset drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM with buy one, get one free beers.

2

Two-for-one cocktails are available during happy hour.

3

Expect confusion around happy hour promotions; they may not always apply.

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Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

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