Day Trip

Start your morning with kayak adventure around Newport Harbor, or cruise around the picturesque Newport Harbor on a Duffy boat for a star tour of old and young Hollywood celebrity homes.

For lunch head over to charming Balboa Island to some of the city's favorite eateries and dine at a sidewalk café or restaurant. Don't forget to save room for dessert and pick up the sweat treat of a Balboa Bar, a decadent chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream bar dipped in nuts or sprinkles, which originated on this very island.

Walk off your lunch and stroll down Marine Avenue to shop in locally owned boutiques and specialty stores to pick up the perfect souvenir or unique find.

Take the Balboa Auto Ferry - the only functioning auto ferry in Southern California - to Balboa Peninsula. Stop over at the Fun Zone, an old-fashioned seaside amusement park and take a ride on the waterfront Ferris wheel, carousel or explore the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. Cross over Balboa Blvd and head to Balboa Beach and Balboa Pier and spend the rest of your day on the beach.

Enjoy the rest of your evening with a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants located along Pacific Coast Highway in the neighborhood of Mariner's Mile for a selection ranging from Italian, Seafood, Sushi and Thai.

Three Day Itinerary - Start with Day Trip (above)

Second Day: Begin your day with a stroll around the neighborhood of Corona del Mar and stop over at a sidewalk café for a latte and scone. Walk up and down the shop-able stretch of Pacific Coast Highway and find unique design stores and chic clothing boutiques.

Head over to Crystal Cove State Park for a perfect day at the beach. Drive along PCH and park your vehicle at the Los Trancos Parking lot and take the Beachcomber shuttle towards the beach. View the historic Crystal Cove Cottages available to rent year-round. For lunch, stop in at the Beachcomber Café located right on the sands, and catch a dolphin swimming close to shore if you're lucky! If you saved room for dessert, stop in at the Shake Shack for a Date Shake located right off Pacific Coast Highway (Rachael Ray recommends the peanut butter-date shake!)

End your day by relaxing at your hotel with a spa treatment. For dinner, check out a selection of restaurants located along Pacific Coast Highway in Corona Del Mar.

Third Day: Hit the greens for an early game of golf at the newly re-opened Pelican Hill Golf Club and play against a dramatic backdrop of ocean views at nearly every hole. Head over to Pelican Grill for lunch or enjoy lighter fare at the Café.

Next, head over to Fashion Island for the ultimate shopping excursion. Walk the open-style shopping plaza and check out over 200 stores and restaurants. Take a spin on the Venetian carousel or admire the beautiful fish in the koi pond.

Enjoy a movie at the historic Lido Theatre (built in 1938) located in Cannery Village. Walk to a selection of harborside restaurants and enjoy the rest of the evening with some live entertainment.

Romantic Activity Ideas

Romance Vacation Packages (offered at various hotels/resorts)
Gondala Rides around Newport Harbor
Spa treatments for two (check out our spa packages under Vacation Packages)
Round of Golf at Pelican Hill Golf Club
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Wine tasting
Movie at Lido Theatre
Rent a Duffy Boat
Dinner at a waterfront restaurant
Summer Concert series
Live Jazz music & festivals
Dine around during Restaurant Week

Family Friendly Activity Ideas

Visit the Balboa Fun Zone
Tour the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
Kayak tour of Upper Newport Bay
Rent bikes and ride around boardwalk at Balboa Peninsula
Movies on the Beach at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (May through September)
Rent a Duffy Boat around Newport Harbor
Spend a day at the beach
Shop at Fashion Island
Painting Lesson with Newport Beach Artist
Newport Beach Film Festival (April)

Adventure Activity Ideas

Kayak excursion on Newport Harbor
Take a surf lesson
Run/jog/bike on Upper Newport Back Bay
Bird watching at Newport Bay
Go Parasailing
Hiking
Play golf
Day trip to Catalina
Toshiba Golf Classic
Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race
Tour the Marconi Automotive Museum
Tour the Newport Sports Museum