Tucked away in Upper Newport Bay, North Star Beach is a unique spot known for its calm waters and connection to the Newport Aquatic Center. Recommended by the Newport Beach Independent and local paddling groups, it’s a hub for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Unlike ocean-facing beaches, it offers a peaceful, nature-focused experience that’s perfect for families and those looking to connect with the local environment. The nearby wetlands are a haven for wildlife and make this beach a rewarding detour from the busier coast.
A great place to launch your kayak from. Lots of convenient parking. Plenty of room where you park to prep your kayak. And the beach is family friendly and safe for kids to swim as well.
Steve Socha
Google
Great spot to bring young kids as there is no surf to worry about. Also a great place to launch a kayak or paddle board. Lots of parking.
Jim Kara
Google
A nice place to get away from the heavily traveled and trodden front beaches in this small sheltered cove!
The water appears clean with little or no wave action. It also provides welcome relief from a heat wave!
There’s paddle board, kayak and canoe rentals available at the beach, as well as the aquatic center. Great place to take the kids and dogs!
Users may park for free in the dirt lot at the beach or to the beach side of N Star Lane.
Evgeniya Bozhko (KoriAndrTheCat)
Google
This location is very nice because during our visit there was almost no people. The parking is great and very convenient, right near the water. There are no waves here, and it is a very nice spot for some paddleboarding. The only issue is that the beach is rocky, but the positives outweigh the negatives.
Heath M
Google
I like it for launching my kayak. Always relatively peaceful. The sand is composed of well 80% sand and 20% shell fragments so not the best to walk on much.
Giant sand parking lot and they rent kayaks as well as paddle boards there as well.
LC 444
Google
Too many people on this beach as it is hot in the surrounding areas. It is hard to launch boats from here because of the massive crowds blocking the shore later in the day.
Mike SAINOS
Google
Awesome spot to launch paddle board, kayak. . There's also rental spot there. Calm waters n scenery great u can go all the way to balboa island from here . 3hrs there n back .paddle board SB SOOOWOOOP!!!
Joe Revette
Google
Good, enjoyable beach. Def enjoyed the kayaking. Can see some good wildlife while on kayak.