Pearson's Port Seafood Market in Newport Beach
Pearson's Port is a family-owned floating seafood market in Newport Beach, known for its local catch, live spot prawns, lobster, crab and other seasonal seafood. Established in 1971, this waterfront market is a distinctive place to buy fresh fish and shellfish directly from a long-running fishing family. Selection changes with the season and the daily catch.
One of the specialties at Pearson's Port are live spot prawns also known as sweet shrimp. These red crustaceans, which belong to the shrimp family, possess a distinct flavor akin to that of lobster. To preserve their lobster-like qualities, spot prawns are kept alive until cooking. They are typically captured in traps, primarily off the coast of Santa Barbara, although they can be found along the entire West Coast. At Pearson's Port, it is Tom Pearson himself who personally handpicks these spot prawns from the waters off the Newport coast. Fishermen often dock at the port to acquire frozen bait, while local restaurants and personal chefs flock to Pearson's for the freshest catch in town. Surprisingly, many locals stumble upon this hidden gem by chance, surprised that they have lived in the area for years without prior knowledge of its existence.
Pearson’s Port is tucked away off the Pacific Coast Highway under a bridge that separates the harbor and the Back Bay. This historic floating seafood market is an unusual Newport Harbor destination, with a longstanding connection to local fishing.
Pearson's Port
Hours: Hours may vary; call ahead or check Pearson's Port on Instagram for current opening times and availability.
Address: 100 N Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Near the Pacific Coast Highway bridge at the Newport Back Bay entrance. Get directions.
Phone: (949) 675-6771
Email: Info@pearsonsport.com
Seafood You May Find at Pearson's Port
Pearson's Port seafood selections vary with the season, fishing conditions and daily catch. The items below are examples of seafood the market has offered, not a guaranteed daily menu. Check @pearsonsport on Instagram for recent availability and pricing, or call before visiting.
- Live California spiny lobster
- Live spot prawn aka sweet shrimp
- Swordfish
- Sashimi grade local yellow fin tuna
- Sashimi grade salmon
- Tuna
- Whole Snapper
- Shrimp e.g., Mexican white shrimp
- Clams e.g., Little Neck clams
- Scallops
- Crab e.g., live rock crab
- Wahoo
- White sea bass
- Yellowtail
- Sole filets
Pearson's Port History
The floating seafood market was started in 1971 by husband and wife, Roy and Vi Pearson. Vi worked as a machinist during the war and then in the aerospace industry but was a fisherman at heart. Expecting to be downsized in the aerospace industry, Roy quit his job in order to start a fishing business to support his wife and six children.
In February 1971, Roy constructed a modest structure at the far end of the parking lot, giving birth to Pearson's Port. Initially, the establishment operated as an open-air market, situated a short distance from its current location. Unfortunately, a severe storm caused significant damage, resulting in the destruction of much of the dock and building. However, remnants of the original dock, specifically the pillars, remain visible to this day. Undeterred, Roy made the decision to enclose the market by adding walls, involving the entire family in the venture. With their collective efforts, the market swiftly gained popularity among locals and visitors alike.
After Roy died in 1999, his son Tommy (Tom) Pearson and daughter-in-law Terese continued the family business. Tom fishes and works with other local fishermen to supply the market. The next generation is also involved: granddaughter Carley Pearson has served as store manager. Founded in 1971, Pearson's Port has been part of Newport Harbor's fishing community for more than five decades.
