Finish your last sip of wine and get ready to trade vineyard views for ocean blues. Our California adventure continues with coastal charm, salty breezes, and a touch of nautical style in Newport Beach. From luxury stays to harbor cruises and oceanfront dining, Newport is the perfect mix of elegance and laid-back beach town vibes.

Where to Stay in Newport Beach: Luxury Accommodations at VEA

Just an hour and a half from Temecula lies the iconic Newport Beach. Upon arrival, our first stop was check-in at VEA Newport Beach. From the moment we were greeted with welcome cocktails in the lobby, we knew that the VEA would be the perfect home base for our Newport beach weekend. With our Grape Escape cocktails in hand, we took in the lively pool scene from the lobby balcony before heading to our room. 

VEA offers a variety of accommodations, from modern guest rooms to spacious suites — and you can’t go wrong with an ocean-view upgrade. The property hums with energy, whether it’s the buzz of a summer wedding, live music at the summer concert series or spotting the Paris Saint-Germain soccer team checking in alongside you. Being a guest at the VEA makes you feel you are a part of the vibrant Newport Beach scene. 

There’s much to see and explore in the area but you don’t want to miss a leisurely afternoon by the pool. Take a moment to slow down to take advantage of the lively pool environment, sunshine and the refreshing cocktails delivered right to your lounge chairs.

When it comes to dining at VEA, a stop at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge is a must. We lingered over a Sunday morning breakfast, savoring cappuccinos alongside lemon ricotta pancakes and a croissant breakfast sandwich. While breakfast was our choice, VIEW’s California coastal cuisine is served all day — perfect for a relaxed meal or a handcrafted cocktail at the bar.

Explore Newport Beach: Top Ocean and Harbor Activities

Once settled in, it’s time to hit the water. We started with a cruise aboard Sea Señorita Duffy, a full-service Duffy boat experience that takes harbor cruising to the next level.  Founded by a mother-daughter duo, the service goes above and beyond, offering packages that include everything from charcuterie boards and decorated boats to personalized snack pick-ups. You can even opt into a pink duffy boat if your occasion calls for it. With music playing, a glass in hand, and a personal captain, we experienced an evening we’ll never forget — capped off by a stylish dockside drop-off for dinner at The Cannery.

For something more adventurous, book a trip with Newport Coastal Adventures for whale watching. While sea lions often lounge around the harbor, nothing compares to heading into the open ocean. The odds are good — seven out of ten tours spot whales — and on our outing, multiple Minke whales and an entire pod of dolphins stole the show. One of the boat’s features allows you to ride low to the water, giving the surreal feeling of swimming right alongside them.

Of course, no Newport visit is complete without some beach time. Locals love Crystal Cove. Carve out an afternoon to relax on the beach & pair it with a short stroll to the neighboring Shake Shack — the perfect spot to grab a casual beachside lunch.

Coastal Flavors: Dining in Newport Beach

In a place as stunning as Newport Beach, dining outdoors is the only way to go.

The Cannery is ideal for a special night out. Arrive in style by Duffy boat, then settle into a waterfront table. Sip an old-fashioned, dig into a lobster roll or crab cakes, and let the sunset paint the backdrop.

Wilma’s Patio, on Balboa Island, is a breakfast classic. Don’t miss their legendary Belly Bomber — sourdough bread filled with scrambled eggs and your choice of mix-ins — or their hearty egg enchiladas.

Skål Pizza brings Scandinavian spirit to the marina with wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, and the fan-favorite saffron miso pasta. Pair it with a glass of red wine and toast to the good life.

What’s on the Horizon

Need another reason to put Newport Beach on your travel calendar? Mark Sept. 20 for the Pacific Wine & Food Classic. Now in its eighth year, this top SoCal festival brings together world-class chefs, wines, craft cocktails, and even a brand-new dessert garden for the sweet tooth crowd. For more great things to do, check out the website for Visit Newport Beach.

With Newport Beach behind us, there’s one more seaside jewel awaiting before our series comes to a close. Stay tuned for the last stop on our grand California adventure. 

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Cover Photo courtesy Visit Newport Beach.

A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and is now a FOCUS Missionary in Louisiana. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.