This Newport Bay paddle starts on the local secret (for parking!) of Lido Island in Newport Beach California & goes through Newport Bay to circumnavigate Balboa Island. This paddles offers some of the best views of palms, yachts, & some of the most beautiful houses that Southern California has to offer. Since this paddle is in a protected bay, it is a great paddle for beginner & intermediate paddlers who aren’t quite ready for open ocean paddles, but want to begin taking longer paddles. Since Newport Beach & Balboa Island parking is scarce, this paddle’s put in starts on Lido Island with the best time for paddling being early morning or evening. The best part of this paddle is that it is easy to make the paddle shorter or longer depending on the needs of the paddler.
Paddling Trail Specs
| Distance: | 4.57 miles |
| Time: | 2:30hr |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Best time: | Morning |
| Parking: | Free |
Getting There
No matter if you are are coming from the PCH or the 55 freeway, Lido Island is the first left at the light (street is named Via Lido) after going over the PCH when you are going into Newport Beach. Once over the bridge, begin looking for parking & a public put in.
Approximate Address for GPS: 338 Via Lido Nord, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Parking
If you plan on following this guide by starting from Lido Island, all the parking is free. But, it will will most likely be difficult to find parking after noon. There are a lot of specific signs for street cleaners & the signs change regularly, so make sure you check where you are parking since they can change from street to street. Also, there are numerous docks that are for Lido Island residents only. Please respect those signs and go to the few scattered public docks. So, before picking a parking spot, make sure you find a public dock. If you do end up parking in Newport or Balboa Island, there is often meters (they accept credit cards).
Facilities
There aren’t any stores on Lido Island itself. However right over the bridge in Newport, there are tons of stores, breweries, restaurants, & grocery stores that have bathrooms. 
Cautions
The conditions for paddling Newport Bay are fairly consistent with the most important factor before going on the paddle being wind speeds. Even at low tide, this paddle is great & muck free. There are a lot of boats in the harbor so always abide by the “yield right of way” rule. Basically, always stay to the right of incoming vessels. If a boat is coming up on you from behind, maintain your course. This also applies the many rowers that also practice here often. Although the conditions of this paddle are usually easy, it is a long paddle.
Current Conditions
Tips & Tricks
- If you live in the area, check out The Board Club. For a reasonable fee, you become a member where you can borrow surfboards & SUPs. They have over 200+ surfboards & SUPs (all local made) & have unlimited exchanges. Even if you’re not necessarily interested in membership, they have a lot cool artwork around the shop that are worth checking out.
- Early in the morning there are a lot of rowers practicing here (particularly on the weekend).
- There is a Balboa Island Ferry that runs between Balboa Island & Balboa (right before the Balboa Pavilion) that you may need to yield to.
- If you want to extend your paddle, try going around Harbor Island and Linda Island.
- The Grand Canal through Balboa Island is not accessible to through traffic.
Photo Gallery
Don’t forget to leave me a comment with your experience or knowledge below on the Newport Bay paddle! If you have a question, write it here or write it in a comment below!
Got the chance to paddle around here last month!! Parking near town was such a treat too, we found a bunch of local board shops and cool bars that lined the beach. Conditions were excellent, will defintely go again
This is my usual spot except I go the other direction into the Newport Reserve area until you hit the sign that says not to go any further. I’d say that it usually takes me about 2.5 hours if the tide isn’t against you too much.
Love your website! I hope to try your other locations this summer.
Thanks MacKenzie!
Your input is much appreciated!
As far as how long a paddle takes it’s definitely something I struggle with because it seems so dependent on everything from the conditions to the kind of mood I’m in on the paddle and whether I want to dilly-dally. I usually go with other people too, which usually means I usually don’t go powering through all the paddles too much.
I’m glad you like the website! If you end up seeing me out by the water sometime say hi. I can give you some stickers!
An alternative entry point is Newport Back Bay. Approximate parking fee, depending on length of time, is $10. I’m usually there for 1.5 – 2 hours. It’s just as good for circumnavigating Balboa Island, and is closer to the Newport Back Bay Reserve.
Ample Parking
Restroom/shower facilities
Convenience Store
Good info on this site!
I’ll have to check that one out the next time I’m out there for a paddle. Thanks for the info!