Private list of best places in Newport Beach, California
- Ansari FabricsThe PeninsulaA large selection of rare and beautiful fabrics, open to the public in the workshop of a custom designer and dressmaker. Particularly exquisite lace and other fabric for formal...
- AubergineThe PeninsulaIn a cottage in one of the few remaining parts of Newport Beach that still gives the feeling of the beach and fishing town it used to be, a small restaurant consistently rated as...
- Auto FerryThe PavillionA ferry large enough for three cars and walking passengers, going back and forth across the harbor between Balboa Island and the Fun Zone on the Peninsula. Great for walke...
- Balboa CandyBalboa IslandWine-barrels filled with saltwater taffy, a Balboa Island specialty, made and sold here for years. Other small candies as well: 52 varieties....
- Balboa Fun ZoneThe PavillionOn the harbor at the Pavillion and ferry dock, an old-fashioned amusement park with a small ferris wheel, bumper cars, video games, "scary" dark ride, and the cotton candy and hot...
- Big Y Yardage OutletotherA huge selection of upholstery and drapery fabric, including chenille and tapestry. Excellent quality and design....
- Catalina FlyerThe PavillionThe best way to get to Catalina Island is this high-speed ferry....
- Charlie's ChiliThe PeninsulaA casual restaurant at the beach end of the Newport Pier, next to a bike rental and bait and tackle shop, with long hours and good food. Teenage boys will delight in the...
- Cliff Drive ParkNewport HeightsA an attractive, little-used neighborhood park, the best part of which is past the main section, on the Santa Ana Avenue end. Directly behind the post office, two sets of stairs...
- Dory Fishing FleetThe PeninsulaSince 1891 small dory fishing boats have sold their catch at mcfadden Wharf. Couldn't-be-fresher fish, live lobster and crabs. The last beachside cooperative in the United ...
- Edgewater Avenue to Buena Vista StreetThe PeninsulaA pedestrian walk on the harbor side of the Peninsula past lovely gardens and landscaped docks for private yachts. Note the cottage at 325 Coronado for an idea of Newport Beach's...
- Fabric LandotherA family-run shop will friendly and professional service and an unusually good and broad selection of dressmaker's fabrics, notions, lace, and millinery supplies. Specialists in...
- Five CrownsCorona del MarA traditional, rather formal restaurant with an old-fashioned, good menu and an excellent wine list. Set in a flower garden, a well-done imitation of an English coaching inn, with...
- Newport and Balboa beachesBalboaThe beaches at Newport Beach and Balboa (from Main Street to the end of the Peninsula) are usually uncrowded and offer a great boadwalk for cycling and walking as well as...
- Newport Harbor Sightseeing CruisesThe PavillionNarrated cruises around Newport Harbor, the largest pleasure craft harbor on the West Coast, particularly pleasant on a hot day....
- Newport Theater Arts CenterNewport HeightsGood community theater at Theater on the Cliff, a lovely setting with a panoramic view over Newport Beach and the ocean....
- Orange County Museum of ArtNewport CenterA very good collection of the work of modern California painters and sculptors, particularly strong in the early part of the 20th Century. Also photography and mixed media. Many...
- Orange County Performing Arts CenterotherA multi-building center offering symphony and dance in Segerstrom Hall; cabaret, jazz and concerts at Founder's Hall; Opera Pacific, and Broadway theater, and a range of other...
- Overstreet's Wine Tasting BarThe PeninsulaA very attractive interior along the lines of a British men's club. Jazz in the evenings. Bread and cheese at the store's wine-tastings (mentioned on the website); a more...
- Paddle Power KayaksThe PeninsulaLessons, rentals and sales of kayaks for the harbor or open sea. Singles or doubles; a great way to see the harbor....
- Ruby'sBalboaA 50's-style American diner with friendly service, good burgers, and an unbeatable location at the end of the Balboa pier....
- Sherman Library and GardensotherOver two acres of charming botanic gardens developed in the 1960's, with a particularly good collection of cactus and succulents. Residential-style stucco buildings house a...
- Sid's Blue BeetThe PeninsulaThe oldest bar in Newport Beach, opening as Stark's Saloon in the early 1900's. Mahogany back bar from the gold fields. Good drinks; music nightly, excellent blues performers;...
- Studio CafeBalboaThe best jazz venue in Newport Beach, and good food too. Right on the beach in the historic center of town. Pleasant crowd, good service, recently remodeled so not as scruffy as...
- The CanneryThe PeninsulaBeautiful restaurant in the old cannery building, with excellent seafood. Interesting blown-glass lighting fixtures. Very popular and crowded bar upstairs....
- Upper Newport BayThe Back BayThe back bay has been saved as one of the few remaining estuaries on the California coast. It is a beautiful area to run, cycle, bird-watch, or just walk through to enjoy nature....
- Villa NovaPacific Coast HighwayA restaurant that looks like a Hollywood movie set of a Disney Italian town, with 50's Italian interior. Very good traditional Italian food and an excellent piano bar. Harbor...