Catalina Flyer Ferry to Avalon
The classic Newport Beach escape: a morning ferry from the Balboa Peninsula across the channel to Avalon, with dolphins often alongside and a full island day before the late-afternoon ride home.
California
Newport Beach & Laguna
Newport Beach is a harbor town first and a beach town second: one of the largest small-craft harbors on the West Coast, a ferry to Balboa Island that has crossed the channel for about a century, and a peninsula where the Catalina ferry, whale watching boats, and Duffy electric boats all leave from the same few docks.
A short drive south, Corona del Mar's coves, Crystal Cove's historic cottages, and Laguna Beach's art-colony bluffs add tide pools, trails, and one of California's most distinctive summer traditions. This guide books the area properly: the Catalina Flyer to Avalon, whale and dolphin cruises, sunset and dinner cruises, surf lessons and e-bikes, then matches you to a hotel from a Balboa Peninsula inn to a Laguna cliff-top resort.
Don't miss
Catalina Flyer Ferry to Avalon
The classic Newport Beach escape: a morning ferry from the Balboa Peninsula across the channel to Avalon, with dolphins often alongside and a full island day before the late-afternoon ride home.
Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
A narrated cruise out of Newport Harbor into the open Pacific, where dolphin pods are a near certainty and gray, blue, and humpback whales appear in their seasons.
Duffy Electric Boat Rental
Captain your own quiet electric boat around Newport Harbor, past Balboa Island, the waterfront mansions, and the sea lions on the docks, with a picnic table on deck.
Balboa Island and the Balboa Island Ferry
A tiny waterfront island of cottages, boutiques, and frozen bananas, reached by a three-car ferry that has crossed the channel for over a century. Walk the loop, browse Marine Avenue, and eat something frozen.
Things to do in Newport Beach & Laguna
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
A narrated cruise out of Newport Harbor into the open Pacific, where dolphin pods are a near certainty and gray, blue, and humpback whales appear in their seasons.
SuperRib Whale Watching Tour
A small, fast rigid-hull boat with a limited passenger count, built to cover more ocean, reach distant sightings, and bring you closer to the water than a big cruise vessel can.
Duffy Electric Boat Rental
Captain your own quiet electric boat around Newport Harbor, past Balboa Island, the waterfront mansions, and the sea lions on the docks, with a picnic table on deck.
Newport Harbor Sunset Cruise
An easy evening cruise through Newport Harbor as the light turns gold, passing Balboa Island, the Pavilion, and the lit-up waterfront homes without anyone having to steer.
Newport Harbor Dinner Cruise
A multi-course dinner served aboard a harbor cruise vessel, with the lights of Balboa Island, the Pavilion, and the waterfront homes drifting by through large windows.
Balboa Island and the Balboa Island Ferry
A tiny waterfront island of cottages, boutiques, and frozen bananas, reached by a three-car ferry that has crossed the channel for over a century. Walk the loop, browse Marine Avenue, and eat something frozen.
Balboa Fun Zone and Pavilion
The old-fashioned heart of the Balboa Peninsula: a 1900s dance pavilion, a small Ferris wheel and carousel, cruise docks, a ferry landing, and ice cream, all within a few steps of the beach.
Newport Beach Walking Food Tour
A guided walk through Newport Beach's restaurants and markets, with tastings that mix California coastal cooking, local specialties, and the stories behind the neighborhood.
Newport Beach Paddle Pub
A pedal-powered party boat for up to sixteen, cruising Newport Harbor at a lazy pace with music, a bar-style seating layout, and the waterfront passing slowly by.
Newport Beach Surf Lessons
A private lesson on the gentle waves near Newport Pier, with a coach, a board, and a wetsuit if needed. A classic Southern California first, no experience required.
Electric Bike Rental in Newport Beach
Pedal-assist e-bikes make the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk, Balboa Island, and the Back Bay trails easy for every fitness level. Ride the coast with the wind at your back.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Lido House
Lido Village
A Lido Village boutique hotel with a relaxed coastal feel, a short walk from the harbor, restaurants, and shops. Newport Beach polish without the resort sprawl.
Check rates →Balboa Bay Resort
Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor's classic waterfront resort, with bayfront rooms, a pool, a spa, and a dock where boats come and go. The best location for a harbor trip.
Check rates →The Resort at Pelican Hill
Newport Coast
An Italian-inspired luxury resort on the hills above Crystal Cove, with bungalows, villas, a signature rotunda pool, two golf courses, and sweeping Pacific views.
Check rates →Montage Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach
A cliff-top Craftsman resort in Laguna Beach, with oceanfront terraces, a private beach, a famous spa, and an art-inspired atmosphere. The area's definitive luxury stay.
Check rates →Pendry Newport Beach
Fashion Island
A high-rise hotel beside Fashion Island, with harbor and ocean views, a pool terrace, and boutiques and restaurants at the door. Convenient and polished.
Check rates →VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort and Spa
Newport Center
A large resort hotel in Newport Center with multiple pools, a spa, tennis, and ocean-view rooms. A flexible base for families and groups.
Check rates →Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
Bayview Circle
A practical, well-equipped hotel near John Wayne Airport and the Back Bay, with bay views, a pool, and quick access to the coast. A sensible choice for a short stay.
Check rates →Balboa Inn
Balboa Peninsula
A Mediterranean-style inn on the Balboa Peninsula, a few steps from the beach, the pier, the Fun Zone, and the dock for Catalina and whale watching.
Check rates →Inn at Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach
An oceanfront boutique hotel at the edge of downtown Laguna Beach, steps from Main Beach, galleries, and restaurants, with balconies facing the Pacific.
Check rates →Pacific Edge Hotel
South Laguna Beach
A relaxed oceanview hotel on Laguna's coastline, with two pools, tiered gardens, and a short walk to a quiet beach. Casual California in a lovely setting.
Check rates →Newport Beach & Laguna guides
Newport Beach in Three Days: Harbor, Beaches and Laguna
A three-day plan that puts the harbor first, then the coast, then Laguna: Balboa Island, a cruise or Duffy boat, Crystal Cove tide pools, and an easy Catalina option.
Laguna Beach: Art, Coves and a Day on Foot
How to spend a day in Laguna Beach: Main Beach, Heisler Park, tide pools, the Laguna Art Museum, galleries, and summer's Pageant of the Masters, with parking tips and sunset spots.
Whale and Dolphin Watching from Newport Beach
Seasons, species, boat types, and what to bring for whale and dolphin watching from Newport Harbor, including gray whale migration and summer blue whale sightings.
Where to Stay in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to hotels on the Orange County coast: Balboa Peninsula, Lido Village, Newport Center, Newport Coast, and Laguna Beach.
Catalina Island Day Trip from Newport Beach
How to do Catalina Island as a day trip or overnight from Newport Beach: the Catalina Flyer, the crossing, timing, what to do in Avalon, and how to plan around the fixed return.
Newport Beach on the Water: Cruises, Boats and Paddles
Every way to get on Newport Harbor: Duffy boats, sunset and dinner cruises, paddle pub, kayaks and paddleboards, with advice on timing, rules, and choosing the right option.
