Play All Day with this Recreational Guide
Sitting still is not your family’s forte. While others lounge poolside and embrace the do-nothing moments of vacation, your crew’s pursuits are riveting and recreational. Whether it’s cruising around town exploring the city’s hidden gems, hopping on a jet ski, or enjoying a competitive game of pickleball, you put the go in “go on vacation.”
With that said, we won’t bore you with in-room amenities (you won’t spend much time there anyway), and instead, we’ll spotlight the playful perks of your vacation club membership. From avant-garde culinary experiences to on-shore and off-shore pursuits, this action-packed Newport Beach itinerary will keep any notions of boredom at bay.
STAY
Location, location, location—an axiom that holds true at VEA Newport Beach. With your family’s go-do attitude, there’s no better place to call home base than this newly renovated hotel in the center of it all. Tipping its hat to travelers who want to experience the best in dining, shopping, and recreation, this 16-story property serves as a buzz-worthy hub for all things entertainment. The pool scene is perfect for families with older kids, and with proximity to attractions like Fashion Island, Balboa Island and the beautiful Back Bay, the best of Newport Beach is at your fingertips
DINE
Newport Beach’s culinary concepts are not your run-of-the-mill. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to cater to your experience-driven disposition with a list of wow-worthy restaurants where the food is remarkable and the service is exceptional. Revel in sweeping ocean views as you sink your teeth into a fresh selection of seafood at Bluewater Grill, The Cannery and A+O Restaurant | Bar. For morning delights, Lighthouse Cafe is a must, along with farm-to-table favorite Malibu Farm and Westcliff hotspot Haute Cakes Caffe.
PLAY
For this particular section, we consulted Andy “Ants in His Pants” Martin—an important member of our club’s recreation committee. While he could barely sit still during this informal conversation, we managed to gather his input on the best activities in Newport Beach for people of all ages. His suggestions are as follows: “Rent a Newport Beach Moke for a cruise around town. These retro automobiles will surely turn heads as you pull up to The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach for a competitive game of pickleball with your family. Regarding off-shore escapades, paddleboarding through the Back Bay is a splendid way to witness the area’s natural beauty, and jet skiing on the open sea is also a viable option for thrill-seekers.” A special thanks to Andy for his valuable insight.
EXPLORE
Nature abounds across the grounds of Newport Beach—from rugged bluffs and scenic shorelines to rolling hills and blooming gardens. As the sun begins to rise, lace up your sneakers for a hike through Crystal Cove—one of the region’s largest remaining examples of preserved natural beauty. The Balboa Peninsula is also worth visiting for its soft, sandy beaches and barreling blue waves. For botanical beauty and a glimpse of Newport Beach history, spend the afternoon wandering the pathways of Sherman Library and Gardens, a 2.2-acre horticultural oasis in the charming neighborhood of Corona del Mar, and don’t forget to hit Corona del Mar State Beach at sunset for a bonfire on the sand.
