Newport Beaches
Newport Beach and Balboa Beach run together with an 8-mile swatch of sand and waves known for fabulous surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the shore. Two piers jut out into the ocean, providing scenic views of the coast, fishing, and opportunities for photographing surfers.
A Boardwalk runs along the edge of the sand. The path is a favorite for walkers, joggers, bikers, and skaters. The concrete Boardwalk reaches from 38th Street 3 miles south along the Balboa Peninsula.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach offers many amenities for beach-goers, most of them clustered around the pier. A small picnic area is found near the foot of the Newport Pier. A restroom oasis is located on the beach south of the pier at 15th Street and another at the pier. Newport Beach Lifeguards' headquarters is situated at the foot of Newport Pier. The 1,035-foot Newport Pier is a popular spot for fishing and sight-seeing.
Dory Fishing Fleet
The Dory Fishing Fleet is based on the beach next to the Newport Pier. The beachside cooperative sells the day's catch right there around 9 AM every day. Many local restaurants buy fish from the market. The cooperative was established in 1891 and is registered as a historical landmark.
West Newport Park
West Newport Park stretches along the edge of the beach near the Santa Ana River. Facilities there include restrooms, tennis courts, a handball court, picnic tables, BBQs, playground equipment, and benches.
Balboa Beach
Balboa Beach is spread along the Balboa Peninsula from Island Avenue to the mouth of Newport Harbor. It is a favorite with families and sun bathers. Restrooms and outdoor showers are located near the foot of the pier. Volleyball nets are set up on the sand. In the summer surfing is not allowed from 11 AM to 6 PM. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours. A number of paved paths extend from street areas out onto the sand allowing wheelchair access to areas closer to the surf.
Nearby Parks
Adjacent to the beach near the foot of the pier, Peninsula Park has broad areas often used for soccer and a smaller section of grass with nearby picnic tables and BBQs. A children's playground is set up on the sand next to the park.
At the southern end of Balboa Peninsula, little Jetty View Park is a nice place to sit on benches and watch the boats passing in and out of Newport Harbor.
The Balboa Pier
The Balboa Pier was constructed in 1906 and has been popular for sight-seeing and fishing ever since. Ruby's Diner is located at the end of the pier. Pets are not allowed on the pier.
The Balboa Pavilion
The famous Balboa Pavilion was erected at the same time as the pier, both intended to attract visitors and investors to the area. The Pavilion is situated on the harbor side of the Balboa Peninsula, directly opposite the pier and near the popular Balboa Fun Zone. The Balboa Pavilion was originally used as a bath house. Today it serves as a marine recreation facility and terminal for boats headed across to Catalina Island. Upstairs is the Harborside Restaurant and the Grand Ballroom.
