Where to take your cool LA Friend in Newport Beach
LA may be the land of celebs and showbiz, but just 44 miles down the coast lies Newport Beach—a city where sun, surf and laid-back luxury collide. Sure, LA has some of the best dining, shopping and sightseeing on the West Coast—there’s no contending that. However, it isn’t the only place with top-notch restaurants, world-class retail, beautiful views and stellar attractions. And if you’re looking to impress your chic and trendy LA friend, we know exactly where to take them. Newport Beach is home to a variety of charming cafes, sleek hotels and breathtaking scenery that’ll surely sweep them off their feet. Here’s exactly where to take your cool friend from LA in Newport Beach.
Grab a Coffee From Daydream Surf Shop
Kickstart your day with a coffee from Daydream Surf Shop. This hyper-local coffee shop is a stylish cafe (that doubles as a surf shop) with a curated menu of craft coffee drinks. Browse their selection of hand-shaped surfboards, home decor and apparel after ordering one of their espresso floats or rose cardamon lattes. For bonus points with your friend, be sure to mention that Daydream Surf Shop also houses a surf club with a rack of 24 rotating designs.
Explore Lido Marina Village + Stay at Lido House
Just about everything on Lido Isle is on-trend and in-season. Take a stroll through Lido Marina Village and explore the center’s chic selection of shops and eateries. With designers like Jenni Kayne and elysewalker and restaurants like Nobu, Lido Bottle Works and Malibu Farm, your Angeleno acquaintance is sure to feel right at home. After you’ve shown off the local charm of this seaside destination, walk over to Lido House hotel (just four minutes away), and check in for a staycation that’s sure to impress. With its all-American feel and pristine palette of nautical blues, this Cape Cod-style retreat exudes an unbeatable beach house vibe that’ll have them swooning.
Rent a Moke + Brunch at Shorebird
When it comes to brunching in Newport Beach, the options are endless. But if you’re truly trying to impress, we suggest something with an ocean view. Start by renting a moke, an adorable and colorful electric car from Newport Beach Moke rental, then cruise on over to Shorebird for a delicious brunch and unbeatable bay views. Here, you and your friend can sip mimosas and indulge in dishes like Overstuffed Bacon & Eggs and Lobster Bisque Encroute, all while watching the boats cruise by.
Head to HanaHaus
If your cool LA counterpart is visiting during the week, they’ll likely want to get some work done. And while they may be used to the abundance of hip communal workspaces in LA, Newport Beach’s HanaHaus will not disappoint. This co-working space on the harbor offers high-speed Wi-Fi, access to an in-house coffee bar and plenty of room to work and collaborate. Choose between individual open seating (starting at $3 per hour), lounges or group tables (starting at $20 per hour) or private meeting rooms (starting at $50 per hour).
Hike in Crystal Cove + Visit The Coliseum Pool
After an hour or two of screen time, you’ll both want some fresh air. Hop in the car and drive down the coast to Crystal Cove State Park—a 3.2-mile stretch of coastline with rugged bluffs and beautiful coves. Embark on a hike on the El Moro Canyon Loop Trail, which features stunning hills of wildflowers and breathtaking coastal views. Once you’ve completed your trek, take your pal to the Resort at Pelican Hill’s Coliseum Pool & Grill for lunch. Here, you can enjoy American bites, hand-crafted cocktails and views of the resort’s grand, Roman-style Coliseum Pool.
Rent an Electric Boat + Enjoy Dinner at Sushi ii
For an evening of seafaring and seafood, rent an electric boat from Lido Marina Village Electric Boat Rental and head to Sushi ii! Your friend will love cruising the bay at sunset in a colorful electric boat. These sleek vessels don’t require a license and can be rented by the hour! Once you’ve enjoyed a cool ocean breeze (and some wine), snag a table at Sushi ii for a sensational seafood dinner. Not only are Master Chef Susumu Ii’s fresh fish offerings pleasing to the palate, but they’re a feast for the eyes! Dig into one of the omakase-style offerings like the five-course Oribe or the eight-course Bizen. Whichever you decide on, a meal here will not disappoint.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
