Balboa Island is Newport's most famous tourist attraction. A ferry takes visitors to and from the island where you can jog or walk around to admire the beautiful scenery. The nearby peninsula is also filled with cute shops and a small amusement park called the Balboa Fun Zone.
Gondola Adventures offers tours around the canals of the Balboa peninsula in an authentic Italian gondola. They serve chocolates on your ride and you can even ask for a singing gondolier! Just remember to bring a jacket; it can get chilly, even in the summer.
There's always money in the banana stand! You can buy a frozen banana on Balboa Island just like the ones featured in the television show "Arrested Development," which was partially filmed right here. The Bluth's Original Frozen Banana Stand actually made a stop at Balboa Island during the tour to promote the show's fourth season. See if you can find some of the other filming locations around the city.
Or a bubble gum shave ice-or how about a tiger's blood or butterscotch? At North Shore Shave Ice the flavors might be a bit unconventional, but they're a yummy treat on those hot summer days.
... on a jetpack! Yep, you read that right! Jetpack America is the first company to offer water-powered jetpacks for people to fly on. If you've never done it before the instructors will teach you all the basics and even some tricks like donut turns and hovers.
Not the adventurous type? That's okay-Newport Beach has just the place for you. Pure Blu Spa at the Marriott is a 14,000 square foot spa offering massages and skin treatments. Take a steam in the eucalyptus steam room after lifting in their state-of-the-art weight room.
At Crystal Cove State Park in nearby Laguna Beach you can hike, mountain bike, or swim, and this beautiful park is also home to different birds and reptiles including the cool-looking San Diego horned lizard. Fun fact for movie lovers: some filming for "Beaches" took place here.
Fashion Island is no ordinary mall: With fancy stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's, it is definitely a Southern California luxury shopping destination. There's even a movie theater inside too.
On an electric bicycle, no less! What makes these bikes so popular is that you don't have to pedal to get them moving, you can just twist the throttle. At Pedego Electric Bikes you can get a tour of all the awesome places, or just rent some bikes and go exploring!
Every year Newport Beach hosts a film festival with hundreds of films from around the world. Last year the festival included Oscar nominated films, independent movies, Q&As with directors and premieres of never before seen films.
Corona Del Mar is a small, quaint town in Newport noted for its gorgeous beaches, "Little Corona" and "Big Corona." Feel free to wander and soak up the sun-and the cliffside views here are breathtaking, so don't forget your camera!
Check out this view from the top. Revolution Aviation offers flight lessons out of nearby John Wayne Airport. Trust me, a ride in a helicopter is beyond cool-it's like being on a stool in the sky (but less scary).
Corona Del Mar Consignment Jewelry specializes in unique pieces for great prices. However, since Newport Beach is a pretty affluent town, you'll find designer brands like Cartier, David Yurman, and even Tiffany's!
The True Food Kitchen's goal is to use healthy ingredients without losing any of the flavors of yummy foods. This vegetarian restaurant doesn't compromise taste; instead, the food is more flavorful than ever. You can't go wrong with turkey lasagna and butternut squash pizza?
Orange County Museum of Art displays thousands of art pieces for visitors to enjoy. The emphasis of the museum is on California art and exhibitions include paintings, sculpture and photography.
The Christmas Boat Parade only happens once a year, but it attracts more than a million viewers. The custom dates back to 1908, and was once called "one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation" by the New York Times! Boat owners put their heart and soul into the elaborate decorations, so don't miss out!
Mama D's Italian Kitchen isn't just awesome Italian food-they'll give you complimentary chocolate chip cookies at the end of your meal! You'll have to pay for the ravioli and the chicken parmigiana, but boy are they worth it.
The Back Bay Amphitheater hosts the Newport Beach Jazz Festival every year, and past performers include Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (squeal!) among many others. The festival is three full nights of jazz, so there's no excuse to miss it!
The Environmental Nature Center strives to promote conservation through various educational programs like workshops, lectures, and even nature walks. Visit them for a tour to see the various plants and animals native to the area.
It's not as uncomfortable as it sounds. The Wedge is the most popular surfing spot in all of Newport Beach, and because of its location on the Balboa Peninsula waves can reach 30 feet high! No wonder Dick Dale wrote a song about it.
Best Kept Secret isn't your ordinary vintage store. The sleek, organized interior makes it feel more like a Manhattan boutique. You'll find Louboutin shoes, Marc Jacobs tops, and much more. But hurry-this place won't stay a secret for long!
Newport Beach Brewing Company is the original brewery in Newport, and crafts Bavarian-style brews with care. Every year, they host the Brewfest, where visitors get unlimited samples of craft beer from local brewers, plus a free pint glass!
Admittedly Newport Beach is kinda fancy, so it's nice to have a place you can walk in barefoot, right off the beach, and get great food. Big Belly Deli has no pretentious employees, no dress codes: Just order the Rajun Cajun, and you're good to go.
An awesome pastime in Newport is definitely whale watching. Newport Landing offers cruises in Newport Bay with an incredible 95 percent success rate of seeing a whale along the way. Rumor has it they swim up right by the boat!
Pelican Hill Golf Club is absolutely breathtaking. Even if you're less-than-stellar at golf (ahem, like me), you'll still enjoy the amazing view from this place. A round on the green is a bit pricey, but certainly worth it.
Well, okay, not really. But you can rent a stand-up paddleboard from Pirate Coast Paddle Company and take a guided tour, do yoga on the water or ride a glowing paddleboard at night!
Bear Flag Seafood Company specializes in bringing the freshest catch right to the table. This place is a local favorite, and has been featured in many foodie publications. Be sure to try the clam chowder and the fish tacos.
The Village Inn is a nod to old times. This Balboa Island bar and restaurant is a local icon and everyone's favorite. Come for the live music nights or just grab a drink with friends. And make sure to ask for the owners Daniel and Jessica-they love to say hello!
The Newport Pier is a treat for any history buff. At the base you'll find McFadden's Square, named after brothers Robert and James who built the pier back in the 1800s, as well as a bronze globe with inscriptions commemorating how the city has evolved.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Clintus McGintus
