Beach Information
Newport Beach includes more than eight miles of beaches that stretch from the Santa Ana River jetty to Crystal Cove State Park and border Newport Bay. All ocean and bay front beaches are open to the public from the hours of 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Crystal Cove State Park beaches close at sunset.
Parking
There are numerous public parking lots, parking meters and on-street parking available at or near our beaches. Be sure to download and use the free mobile parking app, Park Mobile, to easily pay for your parking For more information on parking options, click here.
Dogs on the Beach
- Dogs are never allowed on the beach or any beachfront sidewalk between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., including the ocean front beaches and bay front beaches.
- Before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m., dogs are allowed, if they are securely restrained by a substantial leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length and controlled by a person who is competent to restrain the dog.
- Off-leash dogs are never allowed in any public spaces including parks and beaches.
- The person controlling the dog must have in their possession an implement, device or bag to immediately remove any feces deposited by the animal.
- For further information, call the Animal Control at 949-644-3717.
Frequently Asked Beach Questions
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The Piers are open until midnight)
- Surf & Weather: 949-673-3371 or OCBeachInfo.com
- No Lost & Found
- No glass containers or alcohol
- NO GRILLS
- Two (10’x10’) EZ-ups/canopies (open on 3 sides) & two tables per group are permitted.
- Groups are restricted to 50 people or less.
- NOT PERMITTED: Glass containers, caterers and other commercial businesses may not operate on the beach, picnic area, or parking lots. NO amplified sound or music, food/drink or product sales, displays, or giveaway’s, smoking, bounce houses, water slides, fireworks, and tents.
- Typical beach equipment such as beach chairs, umbrellas and blankets are permitted.
Fire Rings
There are fire rings located at Corona del Mar State Beach and near the Balboa Pier. View information on the fire rings to find what can be burned.
Parks and Facilities
For a complete list of parks, facilities and their amenities, including maps and other info, please click here.
Portable Barbecues
Portable barbecues are not allowed on any City beaches. Fire rings and public barbecues are available near the Balboa Pier and at Corona del Mar State Beach from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Piers
There are two piers located in Newport Beach. The Newport and Balboa Piers are open from 5 a.m. until midnight. Restaurants are located on both piers and their hours may vary. Public restroom facilities are available at the base of both piers.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs that are capable of going on the sand, can be obtained at the Lifeguard Headquarters (two chairs) located at the base of the Newport Pier and at the Corona del Mar State Beach (one chair). The chairs are available on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be reserved. To determine availability, please call 949-644-3047 during normal business hours. Personnel is available to assist you with a chair starting at 9 a.m.
Weddings at the Beach
The City of Newport Beach allows wedding ceremonies on the beach with some restrictions. The beach may not be reserved, all beach and parking areas in Newport Beach are available on a first come first serve basis. Wedding ceremonies on the beach are restricted to groups of 50 or less people, alcohol and amplified sound are not permitted. Set-up of equipment including tables, chairs, tents, arches, etc. is not permitted. Beach areas may not be roped off or otherwise reserved, all use is subject to availability upon arrival of your group. Summer weddings are not advised as during this time of the year the beach and parking lots are extremely crowded. For questions about holding a wedding on the beach, please contact the Recreation Department at 949-644-3151.
Lost Items
To check on items that were lost at the beach, please call 949-644-3047.
Beach Conditions & Web Cam
Beach Conditions can be obtained by calling the City's Surf Report line at 949-644-3171. To see current conditions, visit surfline.com for live cameras and forecasts.
California Grunion Run
A popular fishing experience during the spring and summer months is the Grunion Run. Beginning on the nights of the full and new moons, Grunion leave the water at night to spawn on beaches. For four consecutive nights, spawning occurs after high tides and continues for several hours. Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information on Grunion and a schedule of the expected runs at dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.
If you are planning to come to Newport Beach during the Grunion Run events, you should know the following:
- Beaches close at 10 p.m.
- You can be on the beach if you are actively fishing
- If you are there to watch, you may be asked to leave
- A fishing license is required
Have a fun, safe day at the beach by following these tips:
- Swim near a lifeguard.
- Learn to swim.
- Never swim alone.
- Don't fight the current.
- Never swim while intoxicated.
- Leash your surfboard or bodyboard.
- Don't float where you can’t swim.
- Always wear lifejackets when boating.
- Protect your neck from spinal injuries.
- STOP, watch, and walk into the water.
- DON'T dive headfirst into any unknown water.
- DON'T dive toward the bottom into oncoming waves.
- DON'T stand with your back to the waves.
- DON'T jump or dive from a cliff, pier, jetty or bridge.
- Avoid bodysurfing, bodyboarding or surfing straight "over the falls." Ride the shoulder.
- In a "wipeout," land as flat as possible with your hands out in front of you.
- While bodysurfing, keep an arm out in front of you to protect your head and neck.
- When in doubt, DON'T DIVE, play it safe!
- Always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
- Be careful around the BBQ or fire pits.
Newport Beach lifeguards help to protect visitors to the more than six miles of ocean beaches within the city. Please visit the Marine Operations Division page to learn more about beach and ocean safety.