The view from Balboa Pier at sunset in fantastic. We visited in April 2006. It was sunny and breezy and the storm cloud formations on the horizon were beautiful. You can see down the beach for miles and locals fish from the pier. There is also a great view of the hillside homes that are featured in The OC tv show. Ruby's diner is located on the pier. There is not a lot of indoor seating but the view and 50's decor are great. We enjoyed some ice cream treats as we walked that were sooo yummy and fat filled. . We ate dinner at BJ's located half a block into town from the pier (all located on 1st St). Bj's had great deep dish pizza and was kid friendly. Be aware as you walk down the sidewalk that there is a bar next door to BJ's filled with staggering surfers. They seemed harmless but loud and clumsy. The quality of the views and pizza far out weighed their volume and it was Newport was a wonderful mini-escape from the manufactured joy of Disneyland (the focus of our vacation).