Visiting Newport Beach - Surf Forecast, Where To Stay, Eat & Best Bets

Surf Spots

The Wedge

The Wedge is one of the most well-known places to watch giant surf on a Summer South swell. Situated at the eastern tip of the Balboa Peninsula, surfers come to the Wedge to test their skills against its strong shore break. 

Newport Pier

The Newport Pier is a popular destination for surfers. Unlike the fast waves at the Wedge, it has a more relaxed atmosphere and multiple surf able peaks for all skill levels. Spectators can enjoy watching surfers from the pier's advantageous viewpoint. 

Blackies

Blackies, situated near Newport Pier, is a favorite spot known for its steady waves and long rides, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

56^th street

56th Street is a beach break famous for its hollow waves and reliable surf, attracting experienced surfers seeking a challenge.

The Newport Jetties can be really fun, particularly on a South swell. Every jetty can have peeling lefts

15^th street

15th Street is another popular destination for surfers of varying abilities, offering a sandy bottom and consistent waves ideal for learning and honing skills.

*Secret Spots

Surf Season

Summer: Smaller waves and fewer crowds make summer the best time to surf in Newport Beach for beginners and those seeking a more laid-back surfing experience. Hurricane swell can be really fun here as well.

Fall: Bigger West and NW swells and consistent conditions make fall a popular season for surfers.

Winter: Bigger West and NW waves and more challenging conditions make winter a great time for experienced surfers looking for big waves and barrels.

Spring: Big swells, combo swell season and a mix of conditions make spring surfing in Newport Beach a great time to surf.

Ideal Swell, Wind, and Time of Year

Swell: The best swells to surf Newport Beach usually come from the south, which push into the wedge and South facing breaks. Northwest swells, on the other hand, are better suited to breaks such as Blackies, 56th Street, etc.

Winds: Morning light offshore winds are ideal for clean surfing, while afternoon onshore winds can make for choppy conditions.

Best Time to Surf Newport Beach: The best times to surf Newport Beach depend on your personal preferences and level of skill. Summer is great for beginners, while winter is a great time for experienced surfers looking for bigger waves.

Best Bets

The Wedge: For experienced surfers seeking powerful shore break waves.

Newport Pier: Suitable for surfers of all levels, with a variety of peaks and consistent waves.

Blackies: Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, with long rides and consistent surf.

56th Street: Recommended for experienced surfers looking for hollow waves and challenging conditions.

Newport Beach Surf Report & Live Conditions

Places to stay

Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport Newport Beach- 4.0* on trip advisor

#6 of 17 hotels in Newport Beach

4545 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660-2022

From the warm hospitality to the inviting atmosphere, every aspect will exceed your expectations. The location is super convenient for anyone visiting Newport Beach. The hotel's amenities, including the gym and pool, provide a perfect balance of relaxation and convenience.

Balboa Bay Resort-4.5* on trip advisor

#1 of 1 resort in Newport Beach

1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Balboa Bay Resort is truly luxurious in every sense of the word. Location, staff, surroundings, rooms, dining – the feeling of being wonderfully pampered. While there is a lot of hustle and bustle in Newport Beach, when the night settles in, you will experience peace and quiet and wonderful sleep at night. Overall, the hotel is an absolute 10/10 and the service is impeccable.

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas-4.5* on trip advisor

#7 of 17 hotels in Newport Beach

23000 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92657-2100

The property is beautiful and the accommodations are lovely. The property has plenty of amenities and activities for both kids and adults. The property’s proximity to Newport Beach, Balboa, and Laguna Beach makes it very convenient. The property is absolutely beautiful and provides free shuttles to the most beautiful beaches around.

Places to eat

Beachcomber Café-#4 of 226 Restaurants in Newport Beach

15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Great food and great ambiance are enhanced by the soothing sounds of waves breaking on the beach only a few feet away. The Beachcomber is situated right on the sandy shores of Crystal Cove Beach located in Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, California. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's known for its stunning coastal setting. The Beachcomber is designed to capture the relaxed and casual vibe of a beachside eatery. The open-air patio and beachfront seating provide a laid-back and enjoyable dining experience. The Beachcomber is housed in a historic beach cottage, adding to its unique charm and character. It's a great place to enjoy a meal in a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood-#6 of 226 Restaurants in Newport Beach

1370 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660

This restaurant is a rare combination of a steakhouse serving prime meat with an excellent variety of seafood options, particularly fish. The crab cake is a must-try. The mini burgers at the happy hour are great. The lobster bisque is the best you’ll ever have. The Godiva cake dessert is the best in town. Eddie V's is the best restaurant in the area.

Crystal Cove Shake Shack-#1 of 33 Quick Bites in Newport Beach

7703 E Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657-2145

This place is always busy and if you try it you’ll understand why. The parking lot is very small so you have to wait until a space opens up before you can park.

Be patient and you’ll enjoy your meal. You order at the shack and listen for your number to be called for both your shake and your food. They sell a variety of items: breakfast (eggs, burritos, avocado toast, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal), burgers, fish and chips, soup, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, coffee, and a wide variety of shakes. If you are looking for a nice little lunch joint to try with beautiful ocean views for a very reasonable price, give them a try.

Dive into the vibrant surf culture of Newport Beach, California, where the waves are as legendary as the history behind them. From the iconic Wedge with its massive shore break to the mellow vibes of Newport Pier, there's a surf spot for every level of rider. Discover the best times to catch the waves, whether you're seeking summer swells or winter barrels, and learn about the ideal conditions for a perfect surf day. After catching some waves, unwind at luxury resorts or cozy beachfront rentals, and indulge in the diverse culinary scene, from classic California cuisine to fresh seafood delights. Newport Beach is more than just a surf destination—it's a paradise waiting to be explored.