A Weekend in Newport Beach

Newport Beach, located in Southern Orange County, California about an hour South of LA and just over an hour North of San Diego is a beautiful coastal beach town. This popular California tourist destination, often referred to as the, "Hamptons of Hollywood," offers picturesque beaches, the largest recreational harbor on the West coast, numerous water activities, world-class food and a laidback yet luxurious community. Spending a weekend in Newport beach will leave you rejuvenated and ready to plan your next visit.

One of the most popular areas, the Balboa Peninsula, is a three-mile stretch with gorgeous California coastline on one side and Newport Harbor on the other side. The, "Peninsula," offers a wide array of restaurants with some of the best seafood in the area. You will find people surfing, fishing and sunbathing on the ocean side and boating or paddle boarding on the harborside.

This is also the location of the popular Balboa Fun Zone and where you can access a ferry to Balboa Island. Make sure to take a ride on the Balboa Ferris wheel, which has been operating for over 80 years!

Getting to Newport

If you are planning a weekend getaway, consider flying into John Wayne airport, it is only a 10-minute drive from Newport beach and offers many nonstop flights from over twenty US cities as well as flights from Canada and Mexico. If you can find a reasonable flight, this is the best options to save time and get you to the beach quickly. Another option is to fly into LAX, because it is the largest airport in California, there are often more flights to choose from and also possibly less expensive routes. If you fly to LAX, you will likely want to rent a car and drive South because an Uber or Taxi will be expensive. I like to take the scenic route if we are visiting LA and decided to head South for a couple of days. If you take PCH you will discover some other beautiful beach towns. We love to stop and have lunch in Manhattan beach when driving that route. However, it will take you much longer so taking the 405 is a better option, or take the 405 and exit at Seal Beach Boulevard and then drive along the coast to Newport.

Where to Stay In Newport

When selecting a place to stay in Newport, you have many options. For those who desire breathtaking oceanfront views, there are luxurious hotels and cozy inns that offer direct access to the stunning coastline. On the other hand, if you prefer the vibrant and bustling harborside area, Newport has plenty of options that place you right in the heart of the action. Here, you can find charming bed and breakfasts that reflect the local character and history, as well as contemporary hotels that provide modern amenities. Staying in this lively area allows you to explore the local shops, restaurants, and attractions, all within walking distance.

One of my favorite places to stay is the Lido House. This beautiful boutique hotel is perfectly situated near the Lido Marina Village and Balboa Peninsula. We love the spacious coastal designed rooms, as well as all of the amenities such as their spa, 24 hour fitness center, outdoor pool and cabanas, and especially Topside, the rooftop bar which is Newport Beach's only rooftop bar.

In addition to luxurious hotel rooms and suites, the Lido House also offers five unique two bedroom, three story cottages with rooftop patios.

Topside Roof Deck is open Thursday-Sunday and offers a beautiful space relax for happy hour or all day on the weekends.

Create an itinerary that is perfect for you! One weekend in Newport with my husband, we enjoyed a combination of relaxing, eating and exploring.

Things to do:

Start your day with Brunch! Who doesn't like a good brunch? We wanted to find somewhere with views of the ocean or harbor and a delicious brunch menu. We found Shorebird which is located near the Lido Marina Village and across the peninsula from Newport Pier.

Shorebird's brunch menu offered everything and more that we were looking for. With items such as Soufflé Hot Cakes, Chicken and Waffles to Classic breakfast items plus their vast lunch menu, we were quite happy! We had the Avocado Fries so start, and they were amazing! I then ordered the Tomato and Avocado Omelette which was massive and delicious! My husband had the Waguy Burger with Gruyere cheese and he was in heaven! I would definitely recommend Shorebird for the perfect start to your weekend!

Other Brunch spots to consider:

• The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is a beachside eatery offering beautiful ocean views with unique and classic breakfast items, "big bad bloody marys," fresh squeezed juices, and sweet treats like beignets or crepes. This mouthwater menu will get you started on your perfect weekend day. They are also an award winning spot for lunch and dinner. You can even rent beach chairs or firepits from them and enjoy their spectacular ocean views.

• Wilma's Patio located on Balboa Island's Marine Ave. offers a large breakfast menu with a long list of omelets, "Balboa Belly Bombers, which are hollowed out Sourdough bread bowls filled with a variety of scrambles, Several Benedict options, Mexican egg dishes and sweet stuff like pancakes, French Toast and Waffles. The portions are massive, and you will not leave feeling hungry!

• Lighthouse is located overlooking Newport Harbor in Marina Park, they offer a delicious brunch menu with items such as a massive plate of savory Chicken and Waffles, lemon Blueberry Ricotta pancakes, seafood omelets, and lunch specials like their lobster roll, mahi mahi tacos or fish & chips.

• Mutt Lynch's is a dive bar that serves breakfast 7 days a week as well as lunch & dinner If you are looking for a laidback beach spot, Mutt Lynch's is just the dive bar you need, and their menu is pretty extensive with several mouthwatering items such as Mexican classics like Chorizo Con Huevos and 3 egg burritos to Benedicts, Omelets, pancakes and more!

After Brunch it is time to get moving!

We wanted to get out on the water and explore and were so excited to discover the Lido Marina Village Electric Boat Rentals! If you are 21 years or older you can rent one of their fun electric boats and explore four miles of the Balboa Harbor! We had the absolute best day cruising around the harbor, checking out the shoreside and even headed over to Balboa Island. You do not need any boating experience, they are open and renting 365 days a week and offer rentals by the hour or multiple hours. Their boats accommodate groups of up to 10 people and if you want to make an afternoon of it, consider the local restaurants that will prepare a spread for you to enjoy on your boat or dock and dine at one of the waterside restaurants. You can also bring your own cooler and there are no open container laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on your boat so this is a great option!

Other fun things to consider:

• Visit Balboa Island! We did this by electric boat, but you can easily take the ferry and take your time exploring the island.

• Take a walk out on the Newport Beach Pier

• Check out Fashion Island which is a large shopping destination with a blend of luxury, designer and specialty stores as well as larger department stores and several dining options

• Take a Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

• Rent an electric bike and coast along the beach

• Take Surf Lessons

• Check out this list of other fun activities and get more inspiration for your Newport weekend itinerary

If you are hanging out at the beach and looking for a fun place to take a break from the heat and grab something for lunch, check out the oldest bar in Orange County, Stag + Kitchen

This lively bar with pool tables offers the largest selection of whiskey, scotch, bourbon and rye brands, plus draft beer and handcrafted cocktails. They also have really good food, their pizza is delicious!

Another great place to stop in if your spending the day at the beach is the beach front Super Panga Taqueria, we enjoyed tacos and margaritas while people watching. This cute little taco shop is full of energy and great tacos, plus it's beachside, so you really cannot go wrong!

Whether you decide to spend your day on the water, in the water, exploring the harbor, relaxing at the beach, shopping, or going on a tour, you're sure to have an incredible time!

At the end of a long day, you will be hungry! There are seemingly endless options to choose from for dinner.

We always enjoy the Tavern House Kitchen + Bar for a late lunch or casual dinner!

Chef David Whilhelm curated a menu that reflects his interpretation of coastal cuisines from SoCal, Hawaii and Mexico along with some classic dishes and comfort foods. The restaurant overlooks the marina and offers an upscale casual atmosphere where people gather around their massive bar or in their dining room with beautiful harbor views.

**note, they could easily have been listed on my best brunch places list, as they were awarded Best Brunch in Newport by Riviera Magazine

Here are a few other waterside restaurants to consider for dinner:

• The Rusty Pelican offers beautiful waterfront views and a seafood heavy menu. They have been serving Newport diners for over 50 years!

• Newport Landing Restaurant is another waterfront restaurant with beautiful views serving only the freshest ingredients. They have an extensive seafood menu and also offer a large array of other options, including steak, pasta, tacos and sandwiches.

• The Beachcomber was listed already for a great place for brunch, but it is equally good if not better for lunch and dinner, and you cannot beat the beachside location!

• Joey Newport Beach is a very popular relaxed restaurant with a large menu offering all types of international and regional dishes

• Mastro's Ocean Club is a high end steakhouse and seafood restaurant with several locations. If you are looking for fine dining with exceptional service you can rarely go wrong with Mastro's.

Newport Beach is such a cool spot with tons of fun things to do and see, making it a perfect weekend getaway and definitely one of my favorite places in Southern California. The beautiful coastal city is known for its stunning beaches that stretch for miles, providing a perfect day for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The iconic Balboa Peninsula is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy local shops, and great restaurants. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Newport Beach boasts a beautiful harbor that is perfect for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and my favorite electric boating. The famous Balboa Fun Zone offers a nostalgic experience with its classic arcade games, a Ferris wheel, and delicious treats like frozen bananas and funnel cakes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the family. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Crystal Cove State Park, where picturesque hiking trails wind through coastal canyons and lead to breathtaking ocean vistas. The park also features pristine beaches that are less crowded, providing a tranquil escape for those looking to connect with nature. For those interested in a more upscale experience, the area is also home to luxury shopping destinations such as Fashion Island, where visitors can discover high-end retailers and several dining options. There are plenty of great restaurants with beautiful views and fresh seafood. After a day of fun, if you are still wanting more, Newport Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, with trendy bars and lounges offering live music and entertainment. Overall, Newport Beach combines the best of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle with a diverse array of activities and attractions, making it not just a destination, but an experience that leaves lasting memories and a desire to return soon!