Newport Beach offers more than just stunning coastline and sandy beaches; it’s also home to a lively craft beer scene and unique water-based experiences. The combination of excellent breweries and fun watercraft tours makes it a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy a good drink and scenic views. Whether you’re into sampling innovative craft beers or cruising on a pedal boat with friends, Newport Beach has options that cater to a variety of interests and group sizes. Expect hassle-free pickups, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back vibe that makes each tour a memorable outing.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the two best drinking tours in Newport Beach: a comprehensive craft brewery tour that takes you through three top breweries, and a lively paddle pub experience perfect for celebrating special occasions or just having fun on the water. Both tours are well-rated, offering safe, enjoyable ways to explore the local scene and unwind.
Quick Overview
This list covers two standout tours in Newport Beach: one focused on craft beer tasting at local breweries (The North Orange County Craft Brewery Tour), and a unique water-based pedal and party boat experience suitable for groups up to 16 (Newport Beach Paddle Pub Shared Experience). Each offers a distinctive way to enjoy Newport’s vibrant drinking scene, with options for beer aficionados, celebrating friends, or anyone looking for a fun, social outing.
1. The North Orange County Craft Brewery Tour
For around $91.29 per person, this 4.5-hour craft brewery tour isn’t just about drinking; it’s about discovering the local brewing innovations in North Orange County. Starting from your preferred location, the tour includes safe, hassle-free transportation, making it easy to focus on the fun. You visit three excellent breweries, with each stop offering a flight of beers to taste the diverse flavors coming out of the region.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of scenic views and the chance to sample a wide variety of beers at carefully selected breweries. The stops include Four Sons Brewing, known for its inventive brews; Ballast Point Brewing in Long Beach with stunning water views and a wide selection of beers; and Riip Beer Co, a family-friendly nano brewery in Huntington Beach famous for its award-winning beers. The tour’s relaxed pace allows for conversation and appreciation of the craft, making it ideal for friends, couples, or small parties (ages 21+).
One reviewer describes it as “a great way to spend an afternoon with friends, trying new beers and enjoying the scenery.” At just over four hours, you’re getting a good sampling of the local scene without feeling rushed. The value lies in the combination of transportation, knowledgeable stops, and the opportunity to experience three different breweries in one outing.
Bottom line: If you want a structured, sociable beer tour that combines good drinks with scenic views, this is a top choice. It’s perfect for those who want to explore North Orange County’s craft beer scene without the hassle of planning transportation or multiple stops.
For $49.95 per person, the Paddle Pub offers a lively 90-minute pedal boat cruise where you can combine drinking with a bit of physical activity. This tour is especially suited for groups celebrating birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or just a fun outing with friends. All you need to bring are your beers, wines, or canned cocktails, as this BYO experience is designed to be relaxed and social.
The tour takes you past beautiful homes and yachts, giving you a chance to enjoy the harbor’s scenery while you pedal and party on the water. The small group size of up to 16 people keeps things lively and intimate. The boat is equipped with pedal stations, and the captain helps keep the cruise smooth and safe. Guests often describe the experience as “a unique way to see the harbor and celebrate with friends,” with many noting the fun of balancing pedaling and socializing.
Unlike traditional bar crawls, this experience adds the novelty of a water-based adventure. Its affordability and flexible BYO policy make it accessible for families, groups, or anyone looking to combine sightseeing with a drink. The main consideration is to bring enough adult beverages to share, as the tour doesn’t supply drinks.
Bottom line: The Paddle Pub provides a fun, active way to enjoy Newport’s harbor, especially for groups wanting to celebrate and mingle on the water. It’s a memorable alternative to land-based drinking outings.
How to Choose Between These Newport Beach Drinking Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your group’s interests and what kind of experience you want. If you’re a craft beer aficionado looking to explore multiple breweries with scenic views, the North Orange County Craft Brewery Tour offers a structured, educational, and taste-focused outing. It’s perfect for those wanting a more relaxed, guided experience without worries about transportation.
On the other hand, if your group craves a lively, social activity that combines the fun of a boat ride with drinking, then the Newport Beach Paddle Pub Shared Experience is ideal. It suits groups celebrating special occasions or simply wanting a casual, active day on the water.
Consider your budget, the time available, and whether your group prefers a daytime brewery crawl or an afternoon/evening party on the harbor. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots on these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Newport Beach offers a variety of ways to enjoy its excellent craft beverages and scenic waters. The craft brewery tour provides a relaxed, tasting-focused experience, great for those interested in local brewing innovations. Meanwhile, the Paddle Pub delivers a lively, water-based celebration perfect for groups seeking a more active, social outing.
For a well-rounded visit, consider trying both — start with the brewery tour to savor local flavors, then hop on the paddle boat for a fun, memorable harbor cruise. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Newport Beach’s spirited side!