Newport Beach Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Newport Beach tours and things to do on the Orange County coast: watch whales and dolphins offshore, cruise the harbour past waterfront mansions, glide the bay on a classic Duffy electric boat, catch the ferry to Catalina Island, and learn to surf on the golden California sand. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Newport Beach by interest
Whatever brings you to Newport Beach — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Whale watching
Whales & dolphins.
ExploreHarbour cruise
Mansions & yachts.
ExploreDuffy boat
Drive your own.
ExploreCatalina Island
Ferry escape.
ExploreSurf lessons
California waves.
ExploreBalboa Island
Old Newport.
ExploreOrange County coast
Coastal drive.
ExploreNewport highlights
Harbour & whales.
ExploreTop attractions in Newport Beach
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Whale Watching
Whales & dolphins.
Harbour Cruise
Mansions & yachts.
Duffy Boat
Drive your own.
Catalina Ferry
Island escape.
Dolphin Cruise
Playful pods.
Sailing
On the bay.
Electric Boat
Self-drive fun.
Orange County Coast
Coastal drive.
Offshore awayWhale Watching
Whales & dolphins.
Harbour awayHarbour Cruise
Mansions & yachts.
Bay awayDuffy Boat
Drive your own.
1 hr awayCatalina Ferry
Island escape.
Beach awaySurf Lesson
California waves.
Coast awayOrange County Coast
Laguna & beyond.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Newport Beach visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm beach days and blue-whale season.
Peak
July and August are busiest and warmest.
Winter (Dec–Mar)
Cooler, with the grey-whale migration.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild and quieter, with active wildlife.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm sea, sunny days and fewer crowds.
Best overall
September and October for warm, calm days.
One day
A whale cruise and a harbour cruise.
Two days
Add a Duffy boat and Balboa Island.
Three+ days
Add the Catalina ferry and the coast.
For wildlife
Whale-watching and dolphin cruises.
For families
Duffy boats and the Balboa Fun Zone.
For a day trip
The ferry to Catalina Island.
On foot
Balboa Island and the pier are walkable.
By bike
The beachfront boardwalk is great for cycling.
By boat
The Balboa ferry and Duffy boats cross the bay.
By car
A car helps for the wider Orange County coast.
Where to stay
Stay near Balboa or the pier for the beach.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards are widely accepted.
Whale cruises
Morning trips have the calmest seas.
Harbour cruises
Sunset sailings have the best light.
Duffy boats
Book a sunset slot and bring snacks.
Catalina ferry
Take an early ferry for a full island day.
Surf lessons
Mornings bring smaller crowds and cleaner waves.
Balboa Island
Try the original frozen banana treat.
Whale cruises
Weekend trips fill up — book ahead.
Sunset cruises
Evening sailings fill up — reserve early.
Duffy boats
Sunset rentals fill up — book ahead.
Catalina ferry
Summer sailings fill up — reserve early.
Surf lessons
Weekend lessons fill up — book ahead.
Summer peak
July and August are busiest — book far ahead.
Whale cruise
Around $39 for a whale-watching trip.
Harbour cruise
About $22 for a sightseeing cruise.
Duffy boat
Roughly $99 an hour for the whole boat.
Catalina ferry
Around $47 each way to Avalon.
Surf lesson
About $100 for a private lesson.
How to save
Share a Duffy boat and travel midweek.
Newport Beach through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Grey whales.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Wildlife & calm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Beach & blue whales.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.