Where to Dock in Newport Beach: A Pier-by-Pier Breakdown
If you're planning to enjoy the beautiful harbor during your stay in Newport Beach, it’s important to understand the rules and etiquette of using the public docks. Whether you're docking your boat for a quick bite at a waterfront restaurant or picking up guests for a day on the water, the City of Newport Beach has guidelines in place to ensure everyone has safe and fair access to these shared spaces. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from time limits and permitted uses to tips for responsible docking—so you can make the most of your time on the bay without running into trouble.
All public docks allow drop off and pick up, as well as tying boats up for up to 2 hours at a time. A handful of docks also allow fishing.
To find all public docks within the Newport Beach Harbor, please click here.
Public Docks in Newport Beach:
Balboa Marina Public Pier
Fifty-foot yachts can tie up at this public pier, which offers plenty of space. The only nearby restaurants are SOL and Tavern House, just a short walk away. This is a No Fishing dock, and it's very difficult to maneuver your vessel into these slips due to strong currents and cross breezes. There is also a large amount of vessel traffic in this area. Note that there are two rental side ties for Duffy boats on the southeast corner of the dock.
Balboa “Little Island,” Balboa Avenue
This small dock/ramp in the Grand Canal is only suitable for Whalers, small inflatable boats, and SUP boards. You must pull your boat onto the sand and anchor or tie it down. Odds are good you’ll get your feet wet, although there is great access to Marine Avenue on Balboa Island.
Park Avenue “Little Island”
This dock also provides access to Marine Avenue on Balboa Island. There is a public restroom next to the fire station. Public restrooms in Newport Beach are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is a very active fishing dock, so maneuvering into a spot can be challenging.
Coral Public Pier, Balboa Island
This is a clean fishing dock with a good amount of mooring traffic. Mooring traffic refers to people tying up for short stays before returning to their moorings. This pier is a short walk to Marine Avenue and The Village Inn. There is enough room for two Duffy boats. Fishing is restricted between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on public docks.
Sapphire Public Pier “North Bay Front,” Balboa Island
This is another clean fishing dock, located five blocks from Marine Avenue. Mooring traffic is light here, offering one of the better chances of finding an open spot.
Opal Avenue Public Pier, Balboa Island
Located next to the Ferry Landing and Island Marine Fuel, this is a clean fishing dock with public restrooms nearby.
Emerald Avenue Public Pier “North Bay Front,” Balboa Island
A clean and simple fishing dock.
Central Avenue Public Pier
This is a non-fishing dock that offers direct access to Lido Village.
Rhine Wharf Public Pier
Located on Lido Park Drive between The Cannery and Bluewater Grill. Both restaurants have their own docks, so the odds of finding an open spot to dine are very good. Forty-foot yachts can tie up here. No fishing is allowed.
Lafayette Public Pier
Located at 2900 Lafayette Avenue, this has been one of the best-kept secrets among public piers. In fact, it’s not even on most charts yet. It’s being newly refitted and installed this month, offering everything Rhine Wharf does — but brand new.
Be sure to keep a watchful eye out for any signs when looking for a dock as well. Most importantly, make sure to abide by the dock's and city's laws and regulations. Happy docking!
Published on Tuesday, August 5, 2025