Newport Beach City Guide

Seafood, especially Dungeness crab and fish tacos, is a must. The city has lots of international food options and good choices for vegans and vegetarians. Late-night food is limited but available near entertainment spots.

Nightlife centers on the Balboa Peninsula and Lido Marina Village with bars and lounges. The scene is lively but smaller than major cities.

Good mix of local coffee shops and chains with a growing specialty coffee scene.

Tipping is expected for most services, around 15-20%.

SIM cards are sold at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores and Best Buy. Coverage is good, especially with T-Mobile and Verizon. eSIMs are available. ID is required for registration.

The city is clean with efficient waste and recycling services.

Some convenience stores and gas stations are open 24/7, but late-night pharmacies and food options are limited.

Supermarkets carry international products. Main stores include Pavilions, Ralphs, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Farmers' markets offer fresh produce. Most stores open 7 AM to 10 PM with few closures.

Card payments work almost everywhere. You rarely need cash for daily expenses.

ATMs are at banks, supermarkets, and stores like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Fees for out-of-network machines usually run $2.50 to $5.

Public schools like Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar High are main options. Private schools such as Sage Hill offer diverse programs. International schools are limited.

The nomad community is small but growing. There are some meetups and good nomad-friendly cafes. No co-living spaces.

Parks like Balboa Peninsula Park and Crystal Cove offer green areas and walking trails.

Safe and scenic running routes exist along beaches, parks, and trails. Running groups meet regularly.

Several gyms and fitness centers offer group classes, weight training, and cardio options.

Courts are available at public parks and private clubs. Booking is usually online or by phone. Coaching and equipment rental are often available.

Padel courts are not common in Newport Beach.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes. Wellness centers and spas are also present.

Various martial arts gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing nearby; closest ski resorts are 2-3 hours away in the mountains.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are popular. Rentals and guided tours are widely available.

Popular surf spots include The Wedge and Blackies. Wave sizes vary by season. Surf schools and rentals are easy to find.

Diving spots near Laguna Beach and Catalina Island offer good visibility and marine life. Equipment rental and certification are available.

Hoag Hospital Newport Beach has English-speaking staff. Healthcare is high quality but costly without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer common meds and have extended hours.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks and playgrounds are plentiful. Kid-friendly restaurants and baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach Pier, and whale watching.

Generally accepting with safe spaces. Larger nearby cities have more events. Legal protections are strong.

Pet-friendly parks and dog beaches exist. Vet services and pet stores are easy to find. Pet accommodations are increasingly common.