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Things to do in Newport Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Newport Beach

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Set sail on a 50-foot catamaran yacht in search of wild marine wildlife on this cruise from Newport Beach. Enjoy the 360 degree walk-around deck that ensures that you never miss a moment with the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for giant blue whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Board the ship and set sail from the landing. Get up close to different whales and discover facinating details about these creatures from your naturalist guides that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Let your captain take you to places where the whales are more active to increase your viewing chances. Head to the front of the ship and look for bow riding dolphins which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows. Feel the excitement of watching these playful creatures frolic in their natural environment. End your tour at the meeting point where it began.

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

2. Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins. Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm. The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

3. Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a whale-watching adventure off Newport Beach, CA and look out for a variety of whales, including humpback whales and blue whales. Observe marine life in the wild and admire the Newport-Laguna coastline. On these year-round cruises off Newport Beach, many whale varieties are regularly seen including the giant blue whale (summer and fall), finback whale, grey whale (winter and spring), minke whale, and humpback whale. Several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life are typically spotted on the excursions as well. The cruises depart from Newport Harbor, located in the heart of Orange County, which is just a short drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Each cruise is a unique experience as you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a pod of more than 30 killer whales, including adults and their young, making for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. The cruises enjoy a 96 percent success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin.

Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

4. Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

Take a 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour from Newport Beach. Cruise in an open boat that offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   Board a custom-built RIB, perfect for whale watching. The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, giving each passenger a piece of the action. See dolphins come almost close enough to touch. The boat can travel at speed and cruises up to 14 miles from port to ensure the highest success rate of animal sightings.

Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

5. Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

Book a one-way or roundtrip ferry service from Newport Beach to Catalina Island's Avalon. The ferry ride from one place to the other takes about an hour and fifteen minutes one way. For a round-trip service, simply book 2 separate one-way trips. All of the vessels have multiple decks. Snacks and beverages, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are available for purchase onboard, we accept cash/credit and contactless payments. We travel in the open ocean and can experience rough waters at any time. Catalina and Newport Beach both have many activities - great dining, water excursions, golf cart tours, and much more.

Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

6. Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

The waters surrounding Newport Harbor are deep and nutrient-rich, attracting all types of marine creatures. Cruises typically see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience in that you never know what you might encounter. The Laguna Beach coastline lies just to the south of Newport Harbor and is some of Southern California’s most beautiful coast. The grey whales are commonly seen in this area. Most whale watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are very calm allowing whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewings. Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet long, and has a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows. The ship was purpose-built for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guarantee a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains and crew members are well-versed in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

7. Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

Come aboard for a romantic evening away. Unforgettable views listen to music, and a duet entrée sit-down dinner all make this is a can’t-miss getaway for visitors and local residents alike. Newport Beach is classic California, filled with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island and bustling Mariner's Mile. See the area while enjoying a luxurious evening out. Sample Dinner Menu: Assorted bread and butter (V) and your choice of a starter of beet and baby arugula salad with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette (G)(V), or signature seafood chowder with clams, flounder, potatoes, and cream (G). Enjoy your choice of main course with options like root vegetable fricassee with butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, gremolata, and coconut cream sauce (G)(VG)(V), or broiled salmon fillet with roasted tomato vinaigrette with lemon orzo, and farm-fresh seasonal vegetables. Choose from rosemary and thyme oven-roasted chicken breast with roasted new red potato and scallion salad, haricot verts, and creamy mushroom sauce, or braised beef short ribs with Fresno pepper glace, garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and Broccoli (G). Finally, end on a sweet note with your choice of signature chocolate cake with crème Anglaise, raspberry coulis, and candied pecans (V), or mixed fruit with strawberries Madagascar vanilla and orange cream(G)(VG)(V), or New York Cheesecake with lemon mascarpone cream, blueberry and compote (V).

Los Angeles: Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

8. Los Angeles: Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

Relax and unwind on a 2-hour cruise departing from Newport Beach. Enjoy a buffet brunch prepared from the freshest seasonal ingredients and sip on unlimited champagne or sparkling cider. Set off on a morning cruise from Newport Beach, where sunlight bounces off the water and a bottomless glass of bubbly or sparkling cider awaits. In addition to salty breezes and abundant sunshine, your champagne brunch cruise includes free-flowing champagne and a delicious buffet brunch to enhance your magical escape. Newport Beach is classic California, with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island, and bustling Mariner's Mile. Sample Buffet Brunch Menu EARLY RISER BREAKFAST PASTRIES (V)(N)Assorted Muffins and Danishes *May Contain NutsSCRAMBLED EGGS (G*)(V)American Cheddar CheeseBREAKFAST MEATS (G*)Applewood Smoked Bacon | Pork Sausage LinksBREAKFAST POTATOES (V)Carmelized Onions | Red & Green Bell PeppersFRENCH TOAST (V)Whipped Cream | Maple Syrup LATE RISERS KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano VinaigretteGREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | ScallionsHAND CARVED STRIP LOIN (G*)Hornblower Signature Spice Rub | Horseradish Crème | Au JusHAND CARVED OVEN ROASTED TURKEY (G*)Cranberry SaucePASTA AL FORNO (V)Alfredo Sauce, Panko Parmesan Crust DESSERT SIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)(N)Cakes | Brownies | Seasons Fruit *May Contain Nuts(N) Contains Nuts(VG) Vegan(V) vegetarian

Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass

9. Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass

The Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass has over 25 destinations, museums, and tours to choose from, including some of the most popular attractions all over Hollywood. With the option to select 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 redemptions, you can enjoy the attractions that interest you most, with no fixed start date. With the Sightseeing Pass, take advantage of full admission to attractions, saving you up to 50% of total visitation costs all over La La Land. Really see the city where the silver screen comes to life with over 20 themed bus, boat, and walking tours: Take a hop-on/hop-off bus tour for 24 hours all over LA; enjoy a 2-hour nighttime Hollywood bus tour; snap a pic outside the houses of the rich and the famous on a celebrity homes tour; or hike up to the iconic Hollywood sign from Griffith Park. Sail down a glass-bottom slide over the expansive city on a OUE Skyscape and Skyslide; compare celebrity handprints at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre; or saunter down Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard for some shopping and cinema history tours. With the LA Sightseeing Pass, you can take in all the best of Hollywood, and even day trips to breezy San Diego. Attractions: 24-Hour Hop-On/Hop-Off StarLine Bus Tour Madame Tussauds Hollywood Two Bit Circus Virtual Reality Experiences Virtual Room Los Angeles Bus Tours: 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour by Day — Star Track Tours 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour by Night — Star Track Tours Celebrity Home and Rodeo Drive Shopping Bus Tour — StarLine Tours Disneyland Transportation Knott's Berry Farm Transportation Malibu Stars' Homes Van Tour — StarLine Tours Movie Stars' Homes Van Tour — StarLine Tours San Diego Sightseeing City Tour — Five Star Tours Universal Studios Transportation Cruises: Winter Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure — Hornblower Cruises   One-Hour Harbor Cruise — Hornblower Cruises Rock the Yacht (21+) — Hornblower Cruises Summer Cocktail Cruise (21+) — Marina del Rey — Hornblower Cruises Summer Cocktail Cruise (21+) — Newport Beach — Hornblower Cruises Summer Whale Watching Adventure — Hornblower Cruises Walking and Bike Tours: Downtown LA — Arts & Culture Tour — LA Tour1 Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Walking Tour — Red Line Tours Hollywood Highlights Walking Tour - Urban Adventures Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Walking Tour — LA Tour1 Melrose Street Art, Selfies, Coffee, and Couture Walking Tour — LA Stories Paparazzi Safari Scavenger Hunts — Los Angeles Sunset Boulevard Walking Tour — LA Stories The Fantastic Race The TCL Chinese Theatre — Lobbyists and Handprints Tour

Orange County: Coastal Beach and Highlights Tour by Van

10. Orange County: Coastal Beach and Highlights Tour by Van

Visit Orange County's striking coastline beach cities, beaches, and iconic landmarks on a van tour. Stop at multiple locations to enjoy some free time to stroll around, buy a snack, and simply relax. See coastal landmarks like Newport Beach and the Balboa Island Ferry crossing. Listen to your local guide narrate and identify coastal landmarks and locations as you drive from point to point along the tranquil coastline. See what this world-famous beach destination is all about. Take your time at multiple locations for photos, snack breaks, and some exploration without your guide to truly feel like a local. See iconic spots including Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Beach, Hiesler Park, Newport Beach, Balboa Island Ferry crossing, Huntington Beach Pier, and Main Street.

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What people are saying about Newport Beach

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 509 reviews

Parking was so easy, and the boat was right there. We were greeted by the staff and our friendly/helpful waiter. Views were amazing at night with all the lights. Loved that we could roam the entire boat. The upstairs lounge area was a nice surprise. Food was good, so were the drinks. I liked the music and dance floor. So glad the dining was inside!

It was a magical afternoon! We saw a humpback whale, common dolphins, bottle nose dolphins, and sea lions. I would do it again!

We seen a bunch of dolphins and sea lions one super late whale but it was an experience. I will never forget. Scholarship

Really great, even though we couldn’t see the Wales they offered us a discount for our next booking

definitely worth buying this tour. Even if you will not see any whales.