How to have the perfect Picnic in Newport Beach
With summer approaching there’s no better time to throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic! Take advantage of Newport Beach’s sunny-and-75 climate by sipping, grazing and enjoying time with friends. Here are the best locations and where to pick up food for your picnic in Newport Beach.
Choosing the Perfect Picnic Spot
Tucked away next to Big Corona in Corona del Mar is Pirate’s Cove—a “secret” beach with soft sand, clear blue waters and scenic sea caves. Assemble your picnic using the beach’s barbeques and make your way over the rocks to enjoy a front-row seat during golden hour. Watch as boats cruise in and out of the harbor and revel in a beautiful sunset. Don’t forget your swimsuit for a spontaneous evening dip!
Grab your hot dogs and s’mores and claim a fire pit over at Balboa Peninsula Park. Pack your picnic essentials and spend your evening snacking, stargazing and listening to the waves crash along the shore. If you and your crew enjoy some friendly competition, challenge your picnic buddy to a round of classic arcade games minutes away at the Balboa Fun Zone. To top it all off, end your night by taking a spin on the famous Ferris wheel.
Trek down to the bottom of Crystal Cove State Park to the Historic District, where you’ll be captivated by the beautiful cottages and jaw-dropping views. Take it all in while enjoying a tasty spread, whether it be a handmade charcuterie board or your favorite take-out meal, on the sand or nearby picnic tables. End your day by watching the sky turn from blue to orange to pink. On your way out, be sure to stop by the Crystal Cove Shake Shack on Pacific Coast Highway and indulge in one of their popular creamy milkshakes.
Perched on the cliffs looking over Big Corona, this picnic spot is hard to beat. Bring your preferred company and even your furry friends! Inspiration Point is in the heart of Corona del Mar and is a popular lookout point for both visitors and locals. Take in views ranging all the way from the Balboa Peninsula to Big Corona. This spot, paired with your special picnic munchies, will become your own little slice of paradise.
Looking for a place to picnic with a little side of entertainment? Set up shop at The Wedge, where you can enjoy your favorite bites and watch some of the biggest daredevils in Newport Beach. The Wedge is a famous spot to spectate bodyboarders and surfers as they charge down massive waves. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Planning Your Picnic Menu
You bring the plaid blanket—we’ll supply on where to pick up the appropriate provision. Newport Beach offers a variety of local markets, bakeries, and restaurants where you can grab fresh and tasty food.
Newport Beach’s A Market offers a unique selection of specialty items like fine wines, cheese and baked goods. In other words, leave your Tupperware at home and pick up all of your picnic essentials here. You can even place an order online for pick up! Simply select your grab n’ go items, and they’ll have it all ready for you when you arrive.
With an on-site bottle shop and a menu of farm-to-table eats, Lido Bottle Works is a no-brainer when it comes to picnicking. Executive Chef Joel Gutierrez is constantly adding new seasonal items to the menu, so you know your food will be as fresh as can be. Order one of their bistro boards or a few plates to share like the hummus, ceviche or pork belly bao buns. Then, pick up your food and take it to go.
The Beachcomber Cafe’s Express Menu
The Beachcomber Cafe’s express menu, which features everything you might need for a well-rounded picnic experience. This includes staples like cheeseburgers, turkey panini, hot dogs, grilled cheese and frozen treats. And no, we’re not forgetting the obvious thing here—s’mores! You can order this campfire classic, too.
Located on the peninsula, lil Budda’s offers your favorite sushi itmes to-go! Elevate your picnic experience with fresh and delicious sushi rolls, all expertly crafted with the finest ingredients.
Plan
Looking to have an expert plan the perfect picnic for you?
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or want some seriously Insta-worthy content, The Picnic Collective will meet all of your needs! These local picnic pros will set up a beautiful picnic in whichever location you choose—from the bluffs to the harbor and everything in between. All you have to do is select your date, time and location, then choose which “experience” you’d like. These include the “Duffy Experience,” Movie Night Experience,” “Bliss Picnic” and more. It doesn’t get easier than this!
Written By: Katharine Caston
