Newport Beach is a photographer’s paradise. Tourists travel from all over to visit Newport Beach and experience its gorgeous beaches featuring soft sand, beautiful people, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

But what fewer people know is that Newport Beach also boasts plenty of other spectacular views to behold that are as diverse as they are breathtaking. Simply put, Newport Beach is a sightseer’s dream, and it’d be a shame to miss it. That’s why we’re handing you our road map to some of the most beautiful vistas and lookouts in and around town. But our best piece of advice? Make sure to bring your camera and a fully charged phone, because we guarantee you’ll want to share these unforgettable sights with the entire internet.

Bird’s Eye View at Inspiration Point: 

Sometimes it’s nice to get above the action to gain a better perspective on the world around you. These are some of our favorite places to post, picnic, or ponder on the more important things in life.

Perhaps the most breathtaking vista is Inspiration Point, an easily accessible out-cropping along the coast that overlooks Little Corona and the harbor entrance.  Or take a walk through Castaways Park and you’ll see Newport Beach from a whole new angle. It’s never crowded here on the walking paths, and the views are arguably the best in the city. And don’t forget about the local parks!  Our favorite parks for stellar views in ranked order: Cliff Drive, John Wayne, West Jetty View, Kings Road, and Sunset Ridge Park.

Inspiration Point – Overlooking Little Corona & Newport Harbor

Zoom in on the Balboa Peninsula 

The Balboa Peninsula is the heart and soul of Newport Beach. Capture the town’s essence with pictures of landmarks that have been around since the birth of this town. The Newport Pavilion and Fish Cannery, both sites boast of the city’s history and its aesthetic prowess, as these two buildings are as unique as they are beautiful in design.

The Newport and Balboa piers are also two must-see sites, with eye-catching angles and anglers that beg to be photographed. Beach hot spots include the classic surf breaks at the Wedge and Blackies, where you’ll be sure to spot plenty of surfers gracing the crest of the waves. The jetties and lifeguard towers that accent the peninsula are also must-capture landmarks. 

Mother Nature is Ready for her Close-Up at Newport Back Bay

While the Newport Back Bay and Nature Preserve is a favorite spot for bird watchers, it also is a perfect destination for those looking to take stunning photos. Wide paths wind and loop around the wetlands, where you’ll spot plenty of wildlife and plantlife native to California.

The Environmental Nature Center is situated along the Back Bay which provides further exploration into Newport’s natural topography. No matter where you stop to snap your photos, you will be sure to capture serene and peaceful landscapes that are hard to beat. 

Show off your Flair for Fashion Island

One of the most elite shopping destinations in the world, Fashion Island is a shopper’s dream, filled with prestigious stores and specialty boutiques. But the thing that makes Fashion Island a must-see landmark is its gorgeous outdoor layout.

Palm trees line the streets that lead to this hub of commerce with fountains, koi ponds, and outdoor seating spaces at every turn. It truly is a feast for the eyes. Make sure to snap a photo in front of the luxury brand storefronts, the sprawling courtyards, and of course, the ocean views that can be seen from all over the mall. 

No Filter Needed at the Newport Harbor

The largest recreational harbor in America, the Newport Harbor is home to some of the most jaw-dropping yachts, motor boats, and sailboats. It’s also teeming with photographic opportunities. If you want to experience the sights of the harbor from land, the bridges on Newport Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, or Lido Island are great lookout points.

Speaking of points, Pearson’s Point is also a picturesque destination that features a photo-worthy fish shack by the bay. If you’d rather explore the harbor on water, be sure to float past the luxury homes along Lido and Balboa Island. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, paddle or boat to the harbor’s entrance where you’ll see a red buoy that’s home to some of the cutest sea lions around. 

Newport Harbor with View of Catalina Island in the Distance

Balboa Island is Full of Nostalgia and Photo Ops

For a day of snapping photos and posting stories, Balboa Island is your answer. Begin at the Fun Zone and take the old school ferry across the harbor to enter this idyllic, little island town. It’s full of immaculate beach cottages that are bursting with flowers in the spring and bedecked with Christmas lights in the winter.

Stroll down Marine Ave, the main street in town, and peruse the shops, boutiques, and the old-fashioned candy store. Treat yourself to a Balboa Bar – a frozen treat that is not only delicious but extremely photogenic. You’ll find delightful details to capture at each and every corner in this neighborhood. 

Picture Perfect PCH

The Pacific Coast Highway rivals Route 66 in its fame – and for good reason: it’s beautiful at every turn! For an afternoon of timeless selfies, head south along this highway to see mile after mile of ocean views. Along the way, you’ll pass the gorgeous Pelican Hill Resort that is worth an afternoon visit. Just past it is the Crystal Cove Shake Shack, a small beach bungalow that serves up American favorites like burgers, fries, and of course, delicious shakes. Directly below the Shake Shack, you’ll find Crystal Cove, a beach inlet so idyllic, it deserves a whole day of photo snapping and posing.

Parking is $15, but it’s well worth the cost. Restored homes from the 50’s and 60’s overlook this cove and add a sense of timelessness hard to find anywhere else. Tidepools can be found on the southmost part of the cove and make for fun exploring and photo sessions. 

As long as there is memory in your phone and film in your camera, there will be photos worth taking in Newport Beach. 

Don’t let your photo adventuring be a whirlwind. Take a breath and stay awhile.Check out this curated collection of homes that are photo-ready themselves and give yourself a few days to capture one of the most beautiful towns in Southern California.

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