Anchoring in Newport Beach
Posted March 2025 - Last Update May 2025
Newport Beach is my favorite harbor in Southern California and it has a nice anchorage to spend a night or a few days. Dinghy docks are spread all over the harbor so you have a lot of options for dining and recreation if you drop the hook and have a tender. You can also tie up larger boats at many of the dock & dines and temporary public docks.
Newport Beach City Website Links:
Newport Beach Anchorage Locations
Boaters have a three anchorage options when passing through Newport Beach, CA. The primary anchorage is off the ESE end of Lido Island. The turning basin anchorage is at the west end of Lido Channel. When the weather is calm you can anchor just outside of the harbor entrance in front of the Corona Del Mar beach. All locations have a 72hr limit within 30 days and it may be possible to extend an extra 48hrs with permission from the harbormaster. If you want to stay longer you can get a temporary mooring or guest slip at Marina Park. You are supposed to have a competent crew member onboard at night and during inclement weather and don’t leave the boat unattended during the day for more than a few hours.
Lido Island Anchorage
This anchorage is heavy mud. Its around 20’ deep but plan on a short scope on the weekends and holidays. The area is tiny for the number of boats that want to be here and all the different types of hulls and keels swing different when the wind is light and the water is moving. If you get in late plan on threading the needle between boats or pushing it right to the edge of the anchorage line.
Turning Basin Anchorage (West)
This anchorage was established in 2022 or 2023 so it is still a bit unknown to many boaters. The city webpages about the available anchorages do not mention this spot as of May 2025. I did call the harbor master office on May 27, 2025 and confirmed this anchorage is open with the same rules as the other two anchorages.
There is a dinghy dock near this anchorage that gives you easy access to a West Marine and a Pavilions grocery store. I think that is the only reason I would go down to this anchorage over the Lido anchorage if there is room at both.
Corona Del Mar Anchorage
I’ve spent a few calm nights at the Corona Del Mar anchorage when I was on my way to Catalina and didn’t want to make the extra 2 NM trip to Lido. It a beautiful place for a sunset & sunrise. Few boats stay overnight so you can generally tuck in close to the wall and be out of most of the swell. It is still a little rolly, but as good as being out at the isthmus. Watch for the floating line marking the beach swim area. I put out a stern anchor to keep me pointed towards the harbor entrance. Even if there isn’t much swell, the boat wake can be annoying. You will drop in about 30’ on soft sand that holds very well.
Harbor Services Map
Newport Beach Harbor Map provided by the City of Newport Beach
