Vacation Rentals in Newport Beach

Flying into Newport Beach

Newport Beach is primarily served by the John Wayne Airport (SNA / KSNA) which has both international and domestic flights. Just 6 miles from the city center, a taxi will get you to your Newport Beach vacation rental in no time. Another option is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX / KLAX), which is around 44 miles away.

Driving to Newport Beach

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, Newport Beach is ideally located for visitors who want to explore southern California. Driving from San Diego along the I-5 N, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Newport Beach, while the drive from the desert town of Palm Springs should take around 2 hours and 30 minutes on the CA-91 W.

Pick up some fresh cheese, fruit and veggies to enjoy back at your vacation home in Newport Beach from at the Corona del Mar Farmer’s Market. There are also fresh live crabs, sea urchins, spot prawns, snails and lobsters waiting at the colorful Dory Fishing Fleet and Market.

Newport Beach is made up of a smorgasbord of seafood dining establishments. Malarky’s Irish Pub, Woody’s Wharf and Blackie’s by the Sea regale diners with their classic beach town vibes. For some creative cuisine and artisan cocktails, check out Back Bay Tavern, Crow Bar and Kitchen and SideDoor. Knockout waterfront views coupled with succulent seafood preparations await at 21 Oceanfront, Billy’s on the Beach and SOL Cocina. Newport Beach's ultra lounges, nightclubs and bars are among the finest in SoCal (Southern California) so put on those dancing shoes and hit the floor!

The town's year round good climate makes it a year-round destination. Summer is undoubtedly the peak period when families with kids arrive to profit from all that sun and sand. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring mean there will be plenty more choice on vacation rentals in Newport Beach.

Newport Beach's claim to fame is, unsurprisingly, its beach so make the most of it while you're here! The semi-artificial Newport harbor is a terrific spot to take in the sea breeze. The 1891-built Newport Pier boasts excellent views towards Huntington Beach and Balboa Pier. Nature enthusiasts will love the bluffs, coves and cliffs of Crystal Cove State Park, and Corona Del Mar Beach whose unmatched beauty regularly attracts television crews. Check out Southern California's priciest real estate while riding the Newport Beach bike trail. Segway riders are often spotted cruising down the city's boardwalks and bike routes.

Visit Fashion Island, a beautifully designed open-air lifestyle mall that boasts a Koi water garden and an eclectic selection of high-end stores. Dogs are welcome too! A Duffy boat tour lets you navigate the harbor as captain of your own boat. You can also take the traditional tour, where a guide lets you into the secrets of Balboa Island, Mariner’s Mile, Crystal Cove State Park and Newport Coast.

Newport Beach is known for its vibrant artistic and cultural community. The Orange County Museum of Art popularly known as OCMA houses over 3,000 pieces of Californian art from the early 20th century to present. Another gem is the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society that houses interesting historic photographs and artifacts.

Learn about the seven principals of ocean literacy at ExplorOcean, an interactive experience that kids love. You can even touch tide pool creatures such as sea cucumbers and starfish here. The Back Bay Science Center impresses with its exhibits on the species of the estuary. Culture enthusiasts can look forward to Shakespeare by the sea and open air concerts at the breezy Newport Beach City Arts Commission.

A vacation home in Newport Beach is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a stress-free getaway with the kids. The Balboa Fun Zone is a big hit with kids thanks to spine-tingling rides such as the 18’ tall bungee that lets you execute some crazy flips through the air. Some more flying and hovering beckons at the world’s first water-powered jetpacks at Jetpack America.

Take the family down to Balboa Pier, a stunning five mile stretch which beguiles surfers, divers, swimmers and sunbathers. The pier is also a haunt with local anglers who take home a rich catch of flounder and mackerel. On the pier is a California Historical Landmark and National Historic Place — the Balboa Pavilion which is one of the oldest waterfront recreational pavilions on the Californian coast.

Seasoned skimboarders, surfers, and bodyboarders should check out The Wedge at 2172 E, which can churn out waves as high as 30ft! Hiking and biking opportunities abound at the scenic Upper Newport Bay. The kids will enjoy a guided whale watching tour where giant blue whales and grey whales thrash around majestically right in front of you.

1. Newport Beach Film Festival

Throughout the year, Newport Beach hosts several impressive events for visitors and locals. Stay in a Newport Beach vacation rental to enjoy the Newport Beach Film Festival, which was launched in 1999 and is held every spring. Filmmakers from around the world screen their work during the festival, while question and answer sessions allow the audience to interact with the directors and actors.

2. Fourth of July

One of the most prominent annual celebrations in Newport Beach is Independence Day, which includes cultural and historical events alongside the classic firework displays and festive picnics. Get the best view of the Fourth of July fireworks by taking a boat trip out on the bay!

3. Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival

Experience the finest local produce at the annual Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival. Each fall, you can sample local produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations, as well as buying some delicious treats to take back to your beach house rental. Get tips from respected gastronomes on which local Californian wines you should be drinking with your favorite meals.

4. Newport Beach Jazz Festival

Finally, music fans should visit Newport Beach in June, when the town's Jazz Festival takes place. Attracting some of the biggest names in jazz, including The Commodores and George Benson, the festival features free open-air concerts, along with ticketed events.

5. Wooden Boat Festival

One of the most popular summer events in Newport Beach is the Wooden Boat Festival at the Balboa Yacht Club, celebrating traditional sea-going vessels.

Balboa Fun Zone

The Ferris wheel at the Fun Zone is just the beginning of the amusements that light up the harbour at this entertaining park for the whole family.

Newport Beach Pier

Stroll out on the pier for some of the best views around, and grab a bite in the restaurant at the end of the pier, where you can relax in the sunshine as the waves drift by.

Sherman Library & Gardens

Welcome to horticultural heaven. These gardens are adjoined by a library filled with iincredible exhibits, events and information that celebrate the flora of the region and importance of plant-growing.

Balboa Island

Get ready for some serious surfing at Balboa, where you can see whales, big waves and the world-famous Wedge tree.

Newport Beach

When you're on Newport Beach, you know you've arrived. Gleaming white sand, seaside cliffs and yachts are joined by family activities and yoga on this renowned California beach.