On a fall trip to Southern California’s Newport Beach, we quickly fell for this city’s thriving restaurant and hotel scenes, waterfront scenery and high-end shopping. Discover this Southern California city.
Balboa Island Pier
BALBOA ISLAND
Balboa Island is easily one of the most charming places we’ve ever visited. Strolling along Marine Avenue and popping in and out of quaint shops was a true treat. Eating a frozen banana here is a must-have experience. We opted for one that was covered in chocolate and rolled in crumbled Reese’s at Sugar ‘n Spice, which claims to be the city’s oldest banana stand. We also enjoyed fresh juice from Toastique and browsing at the various home boutiques.
Newport Harbor
Be sure to walk along the waterfront here and admire the luxury homes – some of the most expensive real estate in the country – on this tiny island.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
WHALE WATCHING
One of the highlights of the trip was going whale watching with Newport Coastal Adventure. The company’s offices are a short ferry ride from Balboa Island to Harbor Island. We wandered around the Balboa Fun Zone, an amusement park with classic rides and attractions like a Ferris wheel and then walked out on the Balboa Pier to take in those seaside views. Next, we checked in with Newport Coastal Adventure. After cruising by stunning waterfront homes – one was the former residence of actress Shirley Temple – we headed out into open water. We first happened upon a pod of dolphins. We saw them leap out of the water and even leaned over the bow of the boat to see them swimming under the water in its wake. We even spotted a massive Minke whale leap out of the water and then circle the boat.
LIDO MARINA VILLAGE
Lido Marina Village is a quaint outdoor shopping center filled with luxe boutiques and restaurants that’s right on Newport Bay. When we visited, we popped into Lido Village Books, home goods boutique Malibu Farm Home and high-end sleepwear store Eberjey. On our first afternoon, we enjoyed lunch at Malibu Farm that’s on the water. We started with a green juice shot, continued with crab cakes and a light and buttery lobster roll. While noshing, we watched boats in the bay being serviced and enjoyed the breeze. On another night, we enjoyed dinner at Zinque. We loved the Moules-Frites we devoured at the bar of the hip, dimly lit French bistro. The mussels were sitting in an irresistible white wine cream sauce and accompanied by a generous portion of shoestring fries.
Fashion Island
FASHION ISLAND
Fashion Island is a luxe outdoor mall that is home to 180 stores. We spent time in lululemon, Barnes and Noble and Loft. We loved the indoor and outdoor feel of this place with spacious outdoor corridors lined with palm trees and plenty of shops. Don’t miss the coy pond. When we were here, we even enjoyed listening to live music in the outdoor plazas. The window displays were all so colorful and festive. Before shopping, we dined at the outdoor patio at Joey. Our meal kicked off with a glass of bubbly and was followed by the Tuna and Avocado sushi roll and the tasty Szechuan Tofu Lettuce Wraps. The crispy wontons, spicy aioli, peanuts and sweet soy ginger glaze gave these wraps a spicy flavor and a very nice crunch.
Sherman Library and Gardens
SHERMAN LIBRARY AND GARDENS
The Sherman Library and Gardens was the most unexpected place we visited. It’s such a tranquil, quiet spot in busy Newport. We enjoyed wandering around the numerous gardens with over 100 species of palms in this space that’s about one mile from Fashion Square. We enjoyed smelling and touching the variety of potted herbs and seeing plenty of flowers in a lush, landscaped place. Take a seat at the outdoor patio at the on-site restaurant, 608 Dahlia, and listen to the nearby babbling fountain. The library features an extensive collection of photographs, California Impressionist art and more than 15,000 books about the history of the Southwest.
WHERE TO STAY
Vea Newport Beach
VEA NEWPORT BEACH
Located within walking distance of Fashion Island, Vea Newport Beach features stunning views and modern amenities. Vea hosted our stay when we were in town. We loved the spacious open-air lobby in this hotel most of all. Curl up in one of the many plush seats and take in the fresh California air and views. The coffee shop on the ground floor, Elan Café & Bar, serves up great java. We enjoyed breakfast twice in the View restaurant that’s just off the lobby. If you’re lucky, you can grab a table outside and take in views of the outdoor infinity pool, golf course and ocean nearby. Whether you get a table or not, don’t miss that site.
Vea Newport Beach
Our spacious, contemporary room included a comfortable bed, a balcony and a bathroom outfitted with a glass shower and marble sink and shower. If one is available, try to snag a room with an open-air balcony so you can take in the fresh coastal air along with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pendry Newport Beach
PENDRY NEWPORT BEACH
The Pendry Newport Beach hotel exudes a cool vibe in a dark, modern space with mood lighting. A few steps from the lobby is the dimly-lit Bar Pendry. This bar features a stylish circular bar with under lighting, dark flooring and chic orange lounge chairs throughout. When we checked this place out one weekend, it was bustling. Every single seat was taken. Pendry features a handful of restaurants including airy and bright SET Steak & Sushi. On the night we visited, the hotel had us as a guest at its Italian restaurant, Viamara, which is only open to members of The Elwood Club. We devoured a perfectly seasoned pasta dish at the marble bar of this dimly-lit, spacious restaurant outfitted with high ceilings.
SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach
WHERE TO EAT
Following a reformer Pilates class at Ekam Yoga & Pilates, we noticed a long line at C’est Si Bon Bakery and just had to see what all the fuss was about. We’re glad we followed the crowd. Established in 1979, C’est Si Bon serves affordable priced and tasty sandwiches. We ordered a decadent mint brownie along with a hearty veggie sandwich that we devoured on the outdoor patio that came complete with a small fountain. Be sure to try the baguettes here.
Tuna Crudo at Edge Bar & Lounge
