The 15 best things to do in Newport Beach (2026)

We rank 118 experiences in Newport Beach, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center at 95/100, and 1 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center in Newport Beach, United States

    The Escape Game Irvine is located at Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County, conveniently close to shopping, entertainment, and delicious dining options. Our favorite spots for a pre-game meal include Yard House, The Ch. Peak Performance at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 866 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $47, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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  2. Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

    During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport Beach & Laguna Beach as backdrop. Year-round w. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.4/5 from 1,048 traveler reviews, 2.3h from $33, free cancellation.

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  3. Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff in Newport Beach, United States

    Onboard our 50’ pristine Catamaran Yacht, our always low passenger capacity makes for an intimate at sea experience. The luxury whale watching cruises feature a perfect balance of gorgeous nautical details, and spacious. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 4.6/5 from 212 traveler reviews, 2h from $59, free cancellation.

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  4. Electric Boat Rental in Newport Beach for Up to 12 People

    Our fleet of electric u-drive boats has Sun Cruiser & Bay Island Duffy boat models and is the most upscale electric boat rentals in Newport Harbor and has the best pricing. As a couple or group your guests will be pamper. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 4.8/5 from 325 traveler reviews, 2h from $150, free cancellation.

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  5. Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County in Newport Beach, United States

    On this guided California wine tasting tour, join BEST COAST TOURS as we visit four different local wineries. Savor the hundreds of award-winning wines offered by the local wineries and vineyards while enjoying the irres. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 24 traveler reviews, 8h from $165, free cancellation.

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  6. Mosaic Art Classes Orange County: Turkish Lamp Workshop in Newport Beach, United States

    You will learn and practice assembling geometric patterning as well as techniques for laying the tiles (tesserae). Using your selected geometric template you will be guided to create your own traditional Turkish mosaic l. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 29 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $89, free cancellation.

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  7. Walking Food Tour of Little Saigon in Newport Beach, United States

    Experience authentic Vietnamese flavor through local eateries and hidden gems. Indulge in a wide variety of dishes from street food and traditional favorites. Our culinary guide will show you extraordinary flavors of aut. Solid Choice at 70/100, 5.0/5 from 22 traveler reviews, 2h from $89, free cancellation.

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  8. Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach

    Come aboard Newport Surfrider for an adventure of a lifetime, one of the nicest RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) boats in Newport Harbor. Captain has over 20 years of experience working on the water and is a certified. Solid Choice at 69/100, 5.0/5 from 71 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $425, free cancellation.

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  9. Yosemite 3 Day Tour from Los Angeles and Orange County in Newport Beach, United States

    Yosemite National Park 3-Day Adventure from Orange County & Los Angeles Available Dates: July 11–13, July 24–26, Aug 7–9, Aug 14–16, Sept 4–6, Sept 11–13, Oct 9–11, and Oct 16–18. Private departures are available upon r. Solid Choice at 68/100, 5.0/5 from 10 traveler reviews, 72h from $950, free cancellation.

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  10. Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

    View many varieties of whales which include the giant blue whale which is over 90 feet in length, humpback whales, gray whales, finback whales whales, several types of dolphin, seals, and other neat marine life. Just ou. Solid Choice at 68/100, 4.2/5 from 239 traveler reviews, 2h from $39, free cancellation.

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  11. City Cruises Premier Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

    There's no better way to admire Newport Beach's lively waterfront, beautiful homes, and stunning islands than from the water.Take in the sights and fresh air listen to relaxing music, and unwind in the sun on this leisur. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.8/5 from 38 traveler reviews, 2h from $128, free cancellation.

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  12. Private Coastal Air Tour from Orange County in Newport Beach, United States

    Get an unparalleled perspective of Orange County on this air tour of the Golden Coast. Fly in an aircraft that’s specially designed for sightseeing and accommodates private flights for up to 3 passengers. Soak up views o. Solid Choice at 67/100, 5.0/5 from 45 traveler reviews, 0.8h from $212, free cancellation.

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  13. Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

    Our sunset cruises take in amazing sunsets while cruising though Newport Bay and along the Newport Beach Gold Coast. Newport Bay is the largest recreational bay on the West Coast as well as the largest natural bay. Durin. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.4/5 from 44 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $22, free cancellation.

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  14. The Boat People Cruise Private Harbor Cruises in Newport Beach, United States

    Join us for an hour and a half picnic cruise with a coastal ambiance on the bow of our sailboat. We strive to create an unforgettable evening with contagious laughter and panoramic views of the Newport Bay. Bring your pl. Solid Choice at 66/100, 5.0/5 from 52 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $100.

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  15. Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt Newport Beach

    An outdoor daytime activity designed to be engaging and entertaining for adults! Explore beautiful areas of Newport Beach & collaborate with your team to solve logic-based clues to reveal the murderer. Not a gimmicky. Solid Choice at 66/100, 5.0/5 from 9 traveler reviews, 4h from $40, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

December to April for grey whales, June to September for blue whales.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Newport Beach?

The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center is the top ranked experience in Newport Beach right now, with an Outty Ranking of 95 out of 100 from 866 traveler reviews, from $47 per person. It leads a field of 118 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions in Newport Beach?

Newport Beach runs year-round whale watching out of the harbour, duffy boat and sailing charters, Balboa Island walks and coastal e-bike rides toward Laguna.

How much do things to do in Newport Beach cost?

The 15 best experiences average $170 per person. The cheapest of them is Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach from $22, and 14 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in Newport Beach with kids?

Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit Newport Beach?

December to April for grey whales, June to September for blue whales.

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Newport Beach, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.