Gay Newport Beach
A town for all seasons, there is always something to do in Newport Beach. Newport Beach is a city of 80,000 located in Southern California in Orange County. It's just over an hour's drive southwest of Los Angeles.
Even though Newport Beach is within such close proximity to LA, it feels like it's worlds away from the big city. Newport Beach is a charming seaside retreat with a boat-filled harbor, cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and restored 18th-century cottages juxtaposed with modern and sleek hotels and spas. And unlike many American coastal towns, glamorous Newport Beach offers more than beaches, boats, and boutiques -- although they’re bountiful here too!
What do you want to discover?
What's the Gay Scene Like in Newport Beach?
Best Time to Visit Newport Beach
Top Things to See and Do in Newport Beach
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Newport Beach
Newport Beach has no specific gay scene, however, the entire scene is inclusive and welcoming. LGBTQ+ travelers can be themselves everywhere.
At a nearby farmers’ market, the rainbow flags are flying high! If you want to find a gay bar, you can drive a few minutes in any direction to neighborhoods with gay bars as they are plentiful throughout Orange County. Just ask the locals, and they'll point you in the right direction.
Photo Credit: Starboard Creek on Unsplash
Best Time to Visit Newport Beach
The optimal time to visit Newport Beach is in the summer months, between July and September. This is the most popular time of year because the weather is warm, the water is comfortable for swimming, and the beaches are buzzing with activity.
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Top Things to See and Do in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, fabulous restaurants, and glamorous shopping. There is plenty to see and do, and here are some of the top things GayTravel.com recommends you do while in Newport Beach.
Go Shopping at Fashion Island - Shop till you drop here in this laid-back, outdoor mall. From high-end fashion to artisanal boutiques, this place is a shopper’s dream. Be sure to try some locally-turned ice cream while you’re there. Or get in a workout and burn off that yummy ice cream!
Photo Credit: Fallon Michael on Unsplash
Go Play a Round of Golf - This is a golfer's paradise and with a variety of courses, players can choose from among several options that best suit their needs. Whether you're a beginner looking for a great first experience with some gorgeous scenery to admire, or whether you need a more serious challenge, you will find just what you need. You can even play at night on a lighted course - now that's fun!
Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Go Whale Watching - One of the natural wonders of California is the whale migration off its coast. We highly recommend taking a whale-watching tour where you can get up close and personal with whales and the sea lie in the great Pacific Ocean. This is truly a thrill for outdoor enthusiasts and will create lifelong memories to cherish.
Photo Credit: Ty Tomlinson on Unsplash
Go Bike Riding - Taking a bike ride along the beautiful beach is always a good idea. You will have plenty of ocean views to take in, and it’s a great way to see things you might otherwise miss.
Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Go to the Locally-Owned Restaurants - from Italian food featuring handmade pasta to the freshest sushi to authentic Mexican. No matter what your food cravings are, Newport will not disappoint.
Go Explore the Newport Bay Ecological Reserve - a 752-acre area dedicated to the local marine habitat. Its sheltered waters, tidepools, marshland, and mudflats are conducive to migrating birds and offer a nursery habitat for fish and marine life. You can go kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, or bike riding.
Go to Balboa Island - part of Newport Beach is an island community that you can get to simply by walking over a bridge. A boardwalk surrounds Balboa Island so you can continue your walk and travel the circumference at a leisurely pace.
Go Catch a Wave and Enjoy the Beach - whether it's swimming, surfing, playing beach volleyball, stand-up paddling, or simply lounging, the beach and the ocean are a no-brainer for any trip to Newport Beach!
Photo Credit: Austin Neill on Unsplash
MUST DO Attractions and Activities
Photo Credit: Christopher Chen on Unsplash
MUST EAT Newport Beach Gay-Friendly Dining
Newport Beach is considered Orange County's top culinary destination. You'll find a variety of options all worth exploring from casual waterfront dining to sophisticated menus with extensive wine lists (you are in California after all). There are options for those who are health-minded and looking for locally-sourced cuisine, and of course, being in California means that there is an abundance of fresh ingredients for chefs to utilize on their menu selections.
MUST VISIT: Newport Beach Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
As mentioned earlier, there isn't a particular gay nightlife in Newport, but it’s very easy to find one. In fact, the nearby cities have a few of them within a short distance, and all of them are friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere all over Orange County is laid back so just go with the flow and expect a fun, low-key environment here and you're guaranteed to have a blast!
Photo Credit: JT on Unsplash
Travel Safety Tips
Newport Beach is considered a very safe place to visit. As always, we suggest you keep your valuables in your hotel safe so you can bike, hike, swim, and have fun without worrying about losing anything.
Of course, feel free to be your truest self as Newport Beach is very welcoming. Just make sure you keep the laid-back and casual vibe going. Doing this will make sure you have a fun and relaxing time.
Photo Credit: Andrea Leopardi on Unsplash
Cover Photo Credit: Gustavo Zambelli on Unsplash
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