It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sun-kissed skin, seascape views, and calming ocean hues. Newport Beach is where your endless summer escape begins. 

What better way to end 2023 or start the new year than a lavish, endless summer vacation in a vibrant coastal town? You’ll enjoy the radiant sun, soft sand and sophisticated charm of Newport Beach, California – a luxury paradise filled with picturesque views. A quiet or lively escape if you want it to be. Your seaside vacation destination will keep you coming back for more of the perfect beach life.

Lucky for us Texans, Newport Beach is a short flight away. We recommend staying at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa to explore this lovely coastal town and all its charm. Any room you choose at VEA Newport Beach Marriott is layered in luxury. You’ll enjoy waking up to amazing views of the pool area, Country Club golf course and, of course, the Pacific Ocean and city lights. This is your front door to one of Southern California’s most stunning and spirited cities, and you have easy access to its most pristine beaches, popular attractions (such as Balboa Island), and premier shopping at Fashion Island. 

Get your coffee fix in the morning at Elan Café & Bar, a European-inspired coffee bar and patisserie with bakery offerings. Grab a chair at the Edge Bar for some refreshing cocktails and chef-driven California-inspired bites under blue skies and stunning orange sunsets. You’ll savor every moment – bite by bite, sip by sip. 

Are you really on vacation if you’re not enjoying the 85-foot-long pool surrounded by cabanas, LED screens and iconic views of Orange County? Whether joining for the sun, the sips, or the socialization, days spent by the pool are never a wrong answer.

Retreat in this 14,000 square-foot spa sanctuary perched above the Pacific. After your invigorating yoga class or beach workout, VEA SPA will leave your mind, body and soul feeling relaxed like you deserve.

You may be on vacation, but there’s no need to stop pursuing your fitness goals. The 5,000 square-foot fitness center will help you achieve those wellness goals with ease, or keep it zen with the yoga classes led by top to local instructions.

The stunning views aren’t the only thing that will get your heart racing. Head down to Corona Del Mar State Beach for a summer sculpt beach workout. While you’re there, you may as well have a beach breakfast picnic while listening to the calm, ocean waves.

Anyone can walk or bike the city, but if you want to really get to know it in a unique way, then we suggest exploring via MOKE electric cars. Feel the wind blow through your hair and the sun shining down while you take in all the action. 

Ride down to the one-of-a-kind treasure that we know and love as Balboa Island. There are plenty of things to do here, like checking out the chic coastal shops or Island restaurants and bistros serving up a variety of dishes. It’s already iconic enough riding around on a MOKE Electric car, but nothing is more iconic than indulging in two of Newport Beach’s most famous sweet treats  – the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana. These tasty treats are dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of toppings, from nuts to sprinkles to cookie crumbs. This local, sweet-tooth treasure has been a mainstay for nearly 75 years, and has been imitated and replicated, but nothing is as good as the OG, Sugar ‘n Spice – the original banana stand since 1975. It’s a famous staple and must-do activity when in Newport. 

As you explore the charming Balboa Island, don’t miss the iconic Balboa Island Ferry that has transported passengers across Newport Harbor since 1919. The short scenic journey used to cost a measly 10 cents, but now you can expect to pay a couple of bucks.

You deserve to experience the glamorous, luxury lifestyle that you’ve always wanted, so hop aboard a private yacht provided by Newport Coast Marine. Toast to a top-tier experience and seize every moment. You may even spot playful dolphins racing the boat. All you have to do is recline, unwind, and enjoy the view with no other worries, just peace of mind and comfort in mind. 

Whether you want to enjoy cappuccino-spiked mornings or cocktails-splashed nights – or both – there’s plenty of California cravings to indulge in. There are lots of bars in exceptional, fine dining, establishments to delight in gourmet tastings, like the world renewed Nobu for Japanese delicacies, or Mastro’s Ocean Club for selections of prime steaks and seafood. If you want that luxury travel experience taken up a notch, book a private sushi dinner with Daiji Yacht Club, where you’ll enjoy a 10-course omakase sushi experience aboard a luxury yacht.

After a successful day in this charming coastal town, toast to a top-tier experience at Lido House’s Topside – the only rooftop bar in Newport Beach that offers guests an authentic beach-house feel while still mixing comfort and elegance. Whether an anniversary or bachelor party, Topside is your place for celebratory-worthy views.

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Cover photo courtesy VEA Newport Beach Marriott.

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.