Your Guide to a Hip Holiday Escape in Newport Beach
If photo ops, festive cocktails and seasonal shopping are at the top of your holiday to-do list, this itinerary is our gift to you! We’ve rounded up our favorite Newport Beach destinations for some holiday splendor that’ll leave you (and your Instagram page) looking merry and bright. From gift hunting at Lido Marina Village to rooftop cocktails under the string lights at Topside, this day-to-night guide is sure to set the scene this season.
Stay at Lido House
Play it coastal-cool this winter with a stay at the charming Lido House hotel in Lido Isle. This Cape Cod-inspired retreat is flanked on both sides by the harbor and sandy beaches and features 130 rooms decked out with oak furnishings and marble bathrooms, along with five custom-designed cottages. Guests can enjoy access to a cabana-lined pool deck, a rooftop bar and the on-site American-inspired restaurant, The Mayor’s Table.
9 a.m. Breakfast at Malibu Farm
Tucked inside Lido Marina Village sits Malibu Farm, a stylish spot for a bayside brunch. Everything from the tableware to the boho decor here is photogenic, but possibly the biggest highlight is the restaurant’s rotating seasonal menu. Expect to eat and drink with the seasons—they’re always rolling out new cocktails and shareable plates.
11 a.m. Rent an Electric Boat
After a hearty brunch, it’s time to get out on the water! Vision Electric Boat Rental, located just a few doors down from Malibu Farm, offers a dynamic fleet of electric boats that come in a variety of colors. From ruby red to bubblegum pink, these vessels are the perfect way to set sail this winter season. Be sure to make a reservation online before you play captain for the day.
3 p.m. Holiday Shopping at Lido Marina Village
When it comes to holiday gifting, there’s no better place to shop than the charming Lido Marina Village! This seaside center is home to an array of trendy boutiques and specialty shops, including labels like Jenni Kayne, Marrow Fine, Stoney Clover Lane, Le Labo, LoveShackFancy and more. Take a stroll through the quaint pathways of the village and admire the white brick storefronts as you check people off your nice list!
6 p.m. Dinner at Nobu Newport Beach
There’s a reason why celebs love Nobu—and odds are, you will too. This world-renowned restaurant offers diners an upscale Japanese dining experience with a side of harbor views. Start with a round of Lychee & Elderflower Martinis, then dig into decadent creations like the Monkfish Pate with Caviar, Black Cod with Miso and Prime Filet Toban Yaki. And if you sit upstairs, you’ll have a prime view of the dazzling Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
8 p.m. Nightcap at Topside Roof Deck
End the evening with rooftop views and a hand-crafted libation at Lido House’s Topside Roof Deck. Beach house vibes come to life at this buzzy upstairs bar, where you can kick back, settle into a comfy lounger and sip on your nightcap of choice. Stay tuned for Topside’s menu of cozy winter cocktails.
Don’t Miss!
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is back for its 114th year! Celebrate the holiday season with us and watch as decorated boats cruise the harbor from Dec. 14-18. For more info, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
