Things to do in Newport Beach

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins. Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm. The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Set sail on a 50-foot catamaran yacht in search of wild marine wildlife on this cruise from Newport Beach. Enjoy the 360 degree walk-around deck that ensures that you never miss a moment with the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for giant blue whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Board the ship and set sail from the landing. Get up close to different whales and discover facinating details about these creatures from your naturalist guides that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Let your captain take you to places where the whales are more active to increase your viewing chances. Head to the front of the ship and look for bow riding dolphins which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows. Feel the excitement of watching these playful creatures frolic in their natural environment. End your tour at the meeting point where it began.

Embark on a whale-watching adventure off Newport Beach, CA and look out for a variety of whales, including humpback whales and blue whales. Observe marine life in the wild and admire the Newport-Laguna coastline. On these year-round cruises off Newport Beach, many whale varieties are regularly seen including the giant blue whale (summer and fall), finback whale, grey whale (winter and spring), minke whale, and humpback whale. Several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life are typically spotted on the excursions as well. The cruises depart from Newport Harbor, located in the heart of Orange County, which is just a short drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Each cruise is a unique experience as you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a pod of more than 30 killer whales, including adults and their young, making for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. The cruises enjoy a 96 percent success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin.

The waters surrounding Newport Harbor are deep and nutrient-rich, attracting all types of marine creatures. Cruises typically see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience in that you never know what you might encounter. The Laguna Beach coastline lies just to the south of Newport Harbor and is some of Southern California’s most beautiful coast. The grey whales are commonly seen in this area. Most whale watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are very calm allowing whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewings. Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet long, and has a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows. The ship was purpose-built for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guarantee a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains and crew members are well-versed in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

Take a 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour from Newport Beach. Cruise in an open boat that offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   Board a custom-built RIB, perfect for whale watching. The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, giving each passenger a piece of the action. See dolphins come almost close enough to touch. The boat can travel at speed and cruises up to 14 miles from port to ensure the highest success rate of animal sightings.

Come aboard for a romantic evening away. Unforgettable views listen to music, and a duet entrée sit-down dinner all make this is a can’t-miss getaway for visitors and local residents alike. Newport Beach is classic California, filled with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island and bustling Mariner's Mile. See the area while enjoying a luxurious evening out.

Relax and unwind on a 2-hour cruise departing from Newport Beach. Enjoy a buffet brunch prepared from the freshest seasonal ingredients and sip on unlimited champagne or sparkling cider. Set off on a morning cruise from Newport Beach, where sunlight bounces off the water and a bottomless glass of bubbly or sparkling cider awaits. In addition to salty breezes and abundant sunshine, your champagne brunch cruise includes free-flowing champagne and a delicious buffet brunch to enhance your magical escape. Newport Beach is classic California, with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island, and bustling Mariner's Mile. Sample Buffet Brunch Menu EARLY RISER BREAKFAST PASTRIES (V)(N)Assorted Muffins and Danishes *May Contain NutsSCRAMBLED EGGS (G*)(V)American Cheddar CheeseBREAKFAST MEATS (G*)Applewood Smoked Bacon | Pork Sausage LinksBREAKFAST POTATOES (V)Carmelized Onions | Red & Green Bell PeppersFRENCH TOAST (V)Whipped Cream | Maple Syrup LATE RISERS KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano VinaigretteGREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | ScallionsHAND CARVED STRIP LOIN (G*)Hornblower Signature Spice Rub | Horseradish Crème | Au JusHAND CARVED OVEN ROASTED TURKEY (G*)Cranberry SaucePASTA AL FORNO (V)Alfredo Sauce, Panko Parmesan Crust DESSERT SIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)(N)Cakes | Brownies | Seasons Fruit *May Contain Nuts(N) Contains Nuts(VG) Vegan(V) vegetarian

Visit Orange County's striking coastline beach cities, beaches, and iconic landmarks on a van tour. Stop at multiple locations to enjoy some free time to stroll around, buy a snack, and simply relax. See coastal landmarks like Newport Beach and the Balboa Island Ferry crossing. Listen to your local guide narrate and identify coastal landmarks and locations as you drive from point to point along the tranquil coastline. See what this world-famous beach destination is all about. Take your time at multiple locations for photos, snack breaks, and some exploration without your guide to truly feel like a local. See iconic spots including Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Beach, Hiesler Park, Newport Beach, Balboa Island Ferry crossing, Huntington Beach Pier, and Main Street.

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and make your drive come alive on this self-guided driving tour along the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Simply download your personal audio guide and tour to get started. Let your audio guide transform your scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure as you pass through and learn about some of the cities and small towns nestled along the coast. Along the tour, you’ll pass Oceanside, Carlsbad, Long Beach, Dana Point, San Onofre, San Clemente, and more. Your audio guide will point out must-see sights, parks, historical sites, tourist attractions, recreation areas, and more. Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, the Batiquitos Lagoon, and look for dolphins at Dana Point. Walk along some of the world’s most famous beaches. Other tour highlights include Las Flores Estancia, Crystal Cove State Park, Sunset Beach, Torrey Pines, and the San Elijo Lagoon. Feel free to visit as many sights and attractions as you want: you have complete freedom to take as much time as you like to complete the tour. As you drive, get a historical overview of the area, including its original inhabitants, the Tongva. Hear about Louis Zamperini, the RMS Queen Mary, the Rise of Long Beach, Huntington Beach Oil Fields, and Crystal Cove's 1930 era beach cottages. This tour works in either direction and you can stop anywhere while you discover this incredibly scenic and historic drive.

Our signature Emerald Bay Ocean Cruise is an amazing adventure! Tour Newport’s luxurious harbor and spend the day in the pristine Emerald Bay (or Ebay as the locals call it). First, we'll cruise out of Newport Beach harbor, admiring the gorgeous million-dollar homes and yachts. Next we will cruise along the coast past Corona Beach in Corona del Mar. Once we arrive to Emerald Bay, we can anchor, swim and hang out! Spend the day relaxing, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the calm blue waters. Or, ask your captain to take you searching for marine life and watch dolphins dance directly below the boat! We will dock in Newport Beach harbor at the end of the cruise.