Pearson’s Port Newport Beach: Fresh Seafood Direct-from-the-Boat

Pearson’s Port Newport Beach, California

Pearson’s Port is a floating shack under the Pacific Coast Highway bridge across Newport Bay. It is a seafood spot that sells fresh fish, live crab, and lobster. You can also find sea bass and buckets of prawns caught on the same day. You can enjoy live crab and lobster if you visit Pearson’s during crab and lobster season.

Pearson’s Port had operated since 1971, when Roy Pearson built the market. Roy and his wife managed the business along with their children. Roy supplied the fresh fish he caught, and Vi ran the fish market. In 1999, Roy passed away, and their son Tom Pearson took over the business.

Today, Tom carries on the tradition of fishing for whatever is in season, and his wife, Terese, runs the store. Occasionally, their children pitch in and lend a hand. Pearson’s Port offers the freshest seafood at the best prices and plans to do so for many years. The floating barge looks a little gritty, but you will find live-hold tanks that offer shrimp and lobster inside, along with the daily catch.

Pearson’s Port Seafood: Seasonal Availability

Depending on the season, swordfish, tilapia, octopus, squid, scallops, crab, white sea bass, and halibut are available. Local fishermen catch fish in Pearson’s Port and also import tuna and salmon. Availability varies daily based on regional catches—call or check Instagram!

• California Spiny Lobster (live): Season runs September 26, 2025 – March 18, 2026. Still available now, but winding down soon.
• Local Crab (mostly rock crab; some Dungeness influence): Rock crab year-round when caught; reliable fresh option this winter.
• Spot Prawns (live, sweet local specialty): Limited in mid-winter; peak starts soon in February.
• Other Fresh Catches: Halibut, white sea bass (better spring–fall), swordfish, scallops, squid, octopus—whatever’s biting!
• Staples: Imported tuna, salmon, tilapia.
• Winter selection stays more limited, but the freshness makes it worthwhile.

Current Hours (subject to change—call ahead!)

• Monday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 P

Pearson’s Port Directions & Location &

Address: 100 E Coast Hwy (or 100 N Bayside Dr), Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone: (949) 675-6771

Pearson’s Port floating barge is tucked away and easy to miss! Heading north on PCH, turn onto Bayside Drive, then immediately left into the boat/RV storage area. Drive to the back— you’ll spot the floating barge next to the bridge. There is no official website, but check Instagram @pearsonport for daily catches and updates.

Visitor Tip: Stock sells out fast, especially on weekends. Call to confirm availability of seasonal items such as California spiny lobster or spot prawns. It’s cash-friendly, but it also accepts cards and Apple Pay!

Alternative: Dory Fishing Fleet Market (Newport Beach)

For another iconic spot chasing ultra-fresh local seafood, visit the historic Dory Fishing Fleet Market at the base of Newport Pier (110 McFadden Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663). Founded in 1891, it’s one of the last beachside dory fleets in the U.S., where small-boat fishermen sell directly off the beach—often the freshest possible (boat-to-buy in hours).

Seafood specialties include local rock crab (year-round), spiny lobster (Oct–Mar), spot prawns (when in season), sea urchin (uni), various rockfish, halibut, sheepshead, and more. Saturdays offer the widest variety, including live crab and seafood.

• Hours (subject to change; sells out fast—arrive early, cash preferred).
• Wednesday–Friday: ~6:00 AM until sold out (fish only)
• Saturday: 5:30 AM–noon (crab & full seafood)
• Sunday: ~5:30 AM until sold out (variable)
• Sunday: ~5:30 AM until sold out (variable)
• Website: https://doryfleet.com/market/

Visitor Tip: The fish market is seasonal and weather-dependent; no website, but check doryfleet.com for updates or contact individual fishermen. Great for supporting local, small-scale fishing and for a unique beachside vibe.

Both spots highlight Orange County’s best direct-from-the-boat seafood—Pearson’s for convenience and live tanks, Dory Fleet for historic charm and early-morning adventure! Both emphasize freshness and often sell out quickly—arrive early!