The Newport Beach coastline runs from Santa Ana River-Mouth at the city's northern boundary to Crystal Cove State Park at its southern end — about 10 miles of mostly south-facing sandy beach.
Newport Beach proper — the stretch from the Santa Ana River south to the Newport Pier — is wide, sandy and busy in summer, with a beach-volleyball culture and a paved boardwalk. Walk south to the Balboa Pier for a quieter, more residential feel.
Corona del Mar State Beach, at the harbour entrance, is the prettiest swimmable beach in town: a perfect cove sheltered by the harbour jetties, with high bluffs at one end. Crystal Cove State Park is rougher, more dramatic, and has the best tide pools. Little Corona beach next door is a quiet alternative.
Lifeguards work all the main beaches in summer. Beach fires are allowed only at the designated fire rings on Big Corona — reserve early or arrive at sunrise to grab one.