Beaches and Piers in Newport Beach, California

Information on the Balboa Peninsula and Newport Beach

Dec 8, 2008

Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula has a picturesque shoreline that is not to be missed. Here's a guide to Newport's local beaches and piers.

Newport Beach is a charming seaside community nestled along the Pacific Coast about half way between San Diego and Los Angeles. There are miles of public white sandy beaches that are considered some of the most beautiful in Southern California. Newport is well-known for its year-round mild weather, but hits its high point of popularity in the summer months of July and August. Public beach hours run from 6am to 10pm. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots.

Newport Beach Municipal Beach and Newport Pier

This area spans from 61st Street south to Island Avenue with the Newport Pier sitting right in the middle. The pier is the best place to watch the surfers at sunrise, but the area has so much more than surf and sand. There is a bike route on the boardwalk that leads to the many eateries around the pier. Two popular spots are Jane’s Corn Dogs and Seaside Bakery. The beach has metered street and lot parking, restrooms, showers and picnic tables.

Balboa Beach and Balboa Pier

This area spans from Island Avenue down past the Balboa Pier. It’s always busy with sunbathers and swimmers, but is also a nice place to take a stroll out to the end of the pier to grab a shake and chili cheese fries at Ruby’s. There are fire rings on both sides of the pier, near the parking lot on the west side and by B Street on the east. Visitors can make the day complete by grabbing some hot dogs, marshmallows and fire wood (available at most supermarkets in the area or even the local liquor store near the pier) and holding a roast after the sun goes down. This beach has street metered parking and a pay lot, and offers showers, restrooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

The Wedge on Balboa Peninsula

The world famous Wedge, as the locals call it, is a fun place to walk on the rocks of the jetty and watch the best body surfers and boogie boarders. This beach is located at tip of the Balboa Peninsula at the corner of East Oceanfront and Channel Road. There is free street parking but there are no facilities.

Beach Information and Safety in Newport Beach

The city of Newport Beach makes great efforts to remind people about safety on the beach and recommends swimming near a lifeguard tower while respecting the power of the ocean. Lifeguard towers have posted hours and open between 9am and 11am and start to close between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. The Newport lifeguards use a flag system to communicate ocean conditions for beach patrons. Being aware of the flag meanings can help lead to a pleasant and safe beach experience.

The Newport area has several different beaches that offer a variety of ways to enjoy the surf and sand. From piers, to boardwalks, to restaurants, to sweet treats, to fire pits, to amazing scenery and active people, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Newport Beach.

Sources: City of Newport Beach - 3300 Newport Blvd - Newport Beach - California - 92663 - 949.644.3309

The copyright of the article Beaches and Piers in Newport Beach, California in California Travel is owned by Kathleen Curry. Permission to republish Beaches and Piers in Newport Beach, California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.