How to Spend a Fall Day in Corona del Mar
Known for its upscale charm and seaside location, Corona del Mar is the perfect place to spend an autumn day. This Newport Beach neighborhood is home to an assortment of local boutiques, family-owned restaurants, natural beauty and places to explore. Whether you’re taking a stroll down the shop-lined stretch of PCH or embarking on a serene hike through the hills, you’re sure to fall in love with everything this enclave has to offer. Not sure where to start? We’ve planned the ideal autumn day in Newport’s “Crown of the Sea.”
Brunch It Out at Zinc Cafe + Market
Kickstart your fall day with a hearty and healthy meal at Zinc Cafe + Market. This Californian cafe serves up delicious, plant-based brunch dishes in a quaint cafe setting. Snag a seat on the shady patio or cozy up inside and enjoy a variety of a.m. eats, including specialty coffee drinks and baked goodies like the currant and nut scone or oat cake. If you prefer savory over sweet, choose between egg dishes like the chilaquiles bowl, bacon gruyere omelet and fried egg sandwich. After your meal, be sure to browse through the market and shop a variety of pantry staples, wellness products, home goods, gifts and more!
Hike Buck Gully Trail
While Corona del Mar is typically known for its beautiful stretch of coastline, there’s plenty of reasons to head east and explore the natural beauty of the foothills. Burn off those breakfast calories with a peaceful hike on Buck Gully Trail. This 4.4-mile, out-and-back trail is good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. And while blooming wildflowers are in full force in the springtime, hiking here in the fall is just as beautiful. To embark on this serene hike, head to 872 Poppy Ave, where the trail begins. From here on, signs will direct you and keep you on your desired path.
Shop ‘Til You Drop at Corona del Mar Plaza
It’s never too early for a bit of holiday shopping! Spend a few hours at Corona del Mar Plaza for some leisurely retail therapy. Whether you’re getting a headstart on your Christmas gifts or you’re looking to revamp your home or wardrobe in time for fall, this luxury retail center is a one-stop shop! With stores ranging from Chico’s and Jack’s Surfboards to Sur la Table and McKee & Company Home, you’re sure to find the perfect pieces for your space or closet! And when hunger strikes, snag a snack at one of the plaza’s eateries, which include everything from Peete’s Coffee and Sprinkles Cupcakes to Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille and Gulfstream.
Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch at Summer House
After a few hours of hiking and shopping, it’s time to refuel with a tasty lunch! Corona del Mar’s Summer House is the ideal spot for a cozy midday meal. This quaint restaurant dishes out familiar American eats and libations in a space built to resemble a beach cottage. You’ll love everything about this cozy eatery, including the nautical-inspired interior and charming streetside patio. To eat, we recommend the homemade turkey chili, roasted beet salad and oh-so-tasty tuna melt. Despite the name, you can’t go wrong with an autumn afternoon at Summer House.
Visit Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique
Christmas and holiday foliage are on full display at Roger’s Gardens! If you’ve never visited this lush oasis, now is the time! Each autumn, the gardens showcase a variety of seasonal plants, botanicals and decor that’ll surely put you in the fall spirit! Stroll through and discover an abundance of garden accessories, including pottery, furniture, fountains, wind chimes, art and more. And before you leave, be sure to stop by Roger’s Gardens’ renowned Christmas Boutique where you’ll find holiday decoration for yourself or others!
Cozy Dinner + Cocktails at CdM Restaurant
Velvet booths, low lighting and a decadent menu of elevated American comfort food make this restaurant the perfect spot for a fall dinner. As the fall season settles in, CdM is stirring up seasonal cocktails that pair flawlessly with dishes like charred octopus, cioppino and chicken pot pie calzone. Sip on a Ginger Snap Mule, a spicy twist on the classic Moscow mule, or indulge in the Pumpkin Flip, a libation reminiscent of a whiskey sour. For a sweeter sip, the Them Apples cocktail is an ideal choice. Whether you’re enjoying a warm dinner or sipping a fall-inspired drink, CdM Restaurant is an inviting destination this season.
