We had a great day at Newport Beach, CA. (Saturday, Aug 1, 2009)
The weather was perfect. A little cloudy that morning but cleared out and sunny by 11ish. The water was cold until you got in and then it felt perfect.

My little boy and I were trying to learn how to 'boogie board' and the waves were just right. There were several other boogie boards around, but no surfers.

The beach was crowded, but still plenty of room for everyone to have a good spot.
(We were just south side of the Newport Pier)

The only negative part was finding parking. It was a madhouse, so be prepared to drive around awhile looking for a place to park, unless you are lucky or really early.

We ended up paying $20 at the "Old Spaghetti House" restuarant across the street, a short walk away. We had to be gone by 4pm when they open up the lot for dinner business.
I was afraid we would be disappointed about having to leave by that time, but in the end we were ready to call it a day around 3. Just right!

There are touristy shops, restaurants, all sorts of fun things around. Lots of bicycle riders on the trail above the beach.

We had a great time and can't wait to go back again.

January 2009 I went both the places near LA.. Balboa pier and Newport beach are really fantastic..There is no problem for car parking, u will have enough space...U can spend a full day there..Restroom and Restaurant are nearby...U can rent cycle. and other watersports accessories from beach side shops..My favorite place is Newport beach...donot go there in hasty...take enough time to spend there if u a nature lover ...U can enjoy the place even alone or with your family and group..Lots of rental houses are there on the beach..though the price is expensive. Opposite the newport beach..there is bay and wharf..

I recently took a trip down to Newport and had a great experience down at the beach. It was my first time ever trying to surf. I used a company called momentum surfboards and it was fun and recommend them. I just got a little too burned but i got up and it was a blast.

I come from New Jersesy and am not far from the famed "Jersey Shore" and in New Jersey, the water is not that great. Having said that Newport Beach is AMAZING!!! Water which you can see you feet in mixed with golden sand in the water, beautiful waves to surf and boogie board in, and the cleanest beach I have EVER seen in the continental U.S.! I am considerring rented a beach house for a week next year in this area, THATS how impressed I was! Only problem was parking but it doesnt become one if you get there yearly with lots of quarters for the meters!