Explore Westcliff
One of ten neighborhoods in Newport Beach, Westcliff may be the city’s best-kept secret. This compact community is situated near the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and is chock-full of shops and eateries. One could easily spend an entire day here, and we’ll tell you exactly how to do it! Here’s the perfect itinerary for a sunny day in Westcliff.
8 a.m.
Jumpstart your morning with a quality cup of joe! KIT Coffee is a modern cafe with a menu of coffee drinks, teas, pastries and more. If you’re feeling sweet, try the Strawberry Alarm Clock with espresso, oat milk and house made strawberry purée. And for those who prefer the classics, KIT’s flat white and cold brew are sure to hit the spot.
9 a.m.
After a little espresso, it’s time to get your sweat on at BE Fit Modern Pilates. This state-of-the-art fitness studio’s motto is “embrace the shake,” and trust us—you’ll be shakin’! Enjoy a full-body workout that combines cardio and resistance training to create a high-intensity yet low-impact workout. Don’t have a membership? Take your first class for just $17!
10:15 a.m.
After your workout, reward yourself with a stack of pancakes from Haute Cakes Caffe! This bakery and coffee bar whips up a killer breakfast—it’s the perfect place to fuel up for the day ahead. Try the Buckwheat Haute Cakes with house made blackberry jam and crème fraîche, or opt for the Huevos Rancheros if you prefer savory. No matter what your order, you’ll quickly realize why Haute Cakes has been a neighborhood favorite since 1990.
11 a.m.
Pick up a new fiddle-leaf fig friend at the all-new Penelope Pots location on Westcliff Drive! A trip to this trendy plant shop is the perfect way to spruce up your home. You’ll love the shop’s tasteful collection of greenery, fresh flowers, pots, stationery products and accessories. Warning, ladies: you may never want to leave!
Noon
When it comes to a light lunch, there’s no better spot than Gracias Madre. Everything about this veg-friendly restaurant is on-trend and fresh. Start with an order of the Grilled Street Corn or Hearts of Palm Ceviche, then move on to mains like the Fuerte Crunch Wrap with jackfruit carnitas or the taco flight (you pick three!). And be sure to pair your pick with one of their signature cocktails like the Paloma de la Flor.
2 p.m.
It’s time for some afternoon pampering! Facialworks’ flagship Newport Beach location features a full bar of five reclinable chairs with movie screens and two treatment rooms with warmed spa beds. Opt for the popular Hydrafacial, which improves overall skin health by using exfoliation with product infusion to target hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines and breakouts. You can even customize this treatment with boosters like Britenol, Dermabuilder, Regen Growth Factor and Nassif Hydaglucan.
5 p.m.
Treat your tastebuds to a fine dining experience at Olea, Newport Beach’s go-to destination for seafood, prime cuts of beef and a stellar wine list. Start with a dozen freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, then move on to entrees like the Bourbon Braised Kurobuta Pork Short Rib, Wild Caught Alaskan Halibut or the Farmer’s Market Vegetables & Rosemary Pappardelle. Olea’s menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to savor.
7 p.m.
Salt + Straw (coming soon!)
Portland-based ice cream shop Salt + Straw is coming to Newport Beach, and we’ve got the inside scoop! In the coming months, the popular creamery will open its doors on Westcliff Drive, and locals, you’re in for a treat. The shop serves up a variety of inventive flavors like Honey Lavender, Carrot Cake Batter w/ Pralined Hazelnuts, Marionberry Coconut Sherbet, Wild-Foraged Berry Pie and more. Stop by for a scoop!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
