NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. (June 26, 2025) – Visit Newport Beach concludes its 2024–2025 fiscal year on a high note, marked by strong visitation, bold destination marketing, and an ever-evolving collection of luxury hospitality, entertainment, and coastal experiences that continue to attract discerning visitors worldwide. From world-class restaurant openings and resort expansions to the return of iconic signature events and major capital investments, Newport Beach remains one of Southern California’s most desirable and dynamic coastal destinations.
Building on this success, Visit Newport Beach launched five, targeted, seasonal marketing campaigns showcasing the destination’s newest offerings and attracting a diverse range of travelers. These efforts led to increased visitation, higher average daily rates at hotel properties, while generating more than $1.5 billion in visitor spending. Together, these fresh hospitality, retail, and culinary experiences layered with strategic marketing initiatives have further established Newport Beach as a premier destination for luxury, coastal living, and unforgettable experiences. Over the past 12 months, the destination has welcomed an impressive array of new and upcoming developments that continue to enhance overnight visitation and local vibrancy:
WHAT’S NEW: OPENINGS IN 2024–2025
Hospitality & Hotels
- The Resort at Pelican Hill
Now managed by Marriott International, The Resort at Pelican Hill has begun renovations and will operate the hotel within its Luxury Group under The Resort at Pelican Hill name before it is set to join the St. Regis brand at a later date. - Peninsula Village | Opened 2024
This reimagined waterfront district near Newport Pier blends residential luxury with vibrant food and retail. With 20 private boat slips, a public dock, and concierge Duffy dining, it’s fast becoming a cultural hotspot for locals and visitors alike. - Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel | Opening Fall 2025
Nestled along the sun-soaked shores of Newport Beach, the 25-room boutique retreat evokes the charm of a classic seaside escape with breezy, individually designed guest rooms, thoughtful amenities such as custom beach coolers, beach toys and bike rentals. - Ritz-Carlton Residences
Construction is slated to break ground soon on this 22-story luxury residential tower, completing the integrated campus with VEA Newport Beach.
Culinary
- New Restaurant Openings:
- Buona Forchetta – Handcrafted pastas and award-winning pizza in Peninsula Village.
- CasaDami – An Italian-inspired wine and coffee bar also offers an array of savory tapas and a highly-curated wine list, now open in Peninsula Village.
- Nick’s Newport Beach – An upscale, contemporary American restaurant with a menu of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and cocktails galore.
- Ocean 48 – An award-winning, five-star, fine dining restaurant nestled in the heart of Newport Beach that features world-class steaks, a wide array of fresh seafood and an expansive wine list, all with an open kitchen concept.
- RH Ocean Grill – Located on the rooftop of RH Newport Beach, enjoy a menu of seafood and caviar specialties, along with a selection of signature salads and tried and true classics.
- Noteworthy Culinary Events:
- Rosé & Crudité Classes at The Resort at Pelican Hill | Launched in May
- 20th Anniversary Newport Beach Wine Festival at Balboa Bay Resort | Memorial Day Weekend
- RELISH Festival at VEA | June 27–29
- Pacific Wine & Food Classic | September 20 at Newport Dunes
- Sushi Saturdays at Balboa Bay Resort | Every Saturday, 5–10PM
- SET Steak & Sushi Brunch with DJ | Weekends
- Topside at Lido House Brunch | Weekends
Retail & Lifestyle
- Third Thursdays in Corona del Mar | Third Thursday of Every Month
Monthly community nights featuring live music, art, food tastings, and pup-friendly pop-ups—an ideal way to experience CdM’s charm. - Fashion Island
- Welcomed new openings including L’Agence, Fashionphile, Todd Snyder, CHICJOC, Cinq à Sept, Elia Parfum, Fitigues, J. Pritchard, Monica Vinader, Rubin & Chapelle, and more.
- In Spring 2024, RH debuted its 80,000-square-foot flagship, featuring the RH Ocean Grill rooftop restaurant.
- Launched a Personal Shopper Program in collaboration with Pendry Newport Beach.
- Live on the Lawn summer concert series began June 7.
- Joe & The Juice – Arriving at Fashion Island this summer. Enjoy fresh-pressed juices, nutritious shakes, and tasty sandwiches in a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired space.
- Summer Trolley service returns July–August.
Arts & Culture
- Lido Theatre | Reopened October 2024
Restored and reopened as a cultural gem on Via Lido after a multi-year Art Deco restoration, once again welcoming audiences for classic, indie, and community film screenings. - Newport Beach Film Festival
Newport Beach’s annual international film festival was held October 17–24, 2024, and will return this year from October 16–23, 2025. - Inaugural Newport Beach TV Fest | June 5–8, 2025
The four-day event celebrated television artistry, bringing together industry professionals and audiences to honor both emerging and established talent.
- London Week
London Week is an annual initiative that strengthens Newport Beach’s ties with the UK, engaging top media and promoting the destination as a premier luxury travel spot to high-value British tourists during the BAFTA season.
WHAT’S NEXT: MAJOR PROJECTS & ENHANCEMENTS
- John Wayne Airport Modernization | Ongoing
A $700M renovation is underway, bringing a full interior transformation with upgraded aesthetics and enhanced traveler amenities.
- Crystal Cove Cottages Expansion | Opening Late 2025
Eight newly restored historic cottages offer rare overnight stays on the sand inside Crystal Cove State Park.
- Balboa Fun Zone Reimagining | Ongoing
This beloved attraction is undergoing a thoughtful transformation. The first addition, Captain’s Club—a waterfront venue for up to 300 guests—sets the stage for more exciting updates while honoring its 80-year legacy. - Witte Hall at Newport Beach Library | Opening May 2026
A new civic space for author talks, lectures, and community events, located within Civic Center Park. - Lido House Expansion | Ongoing
A new meeting space opens Fall 2025, with construction beginning this summer on luxury cottages.
ON THE CALENDAR: SIGNATURE EVENTS COMING UP
- RELISH Festival at VEA | June 27–29
- Pacific Wine & Food Classic | September 20
- 20th Annual Art in the Park | September 20
- Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational | October 12
- Newport Beach Film Festival | October 16–23
- 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | December 17–21
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ABOUT VISIT NEWPORT BEACH:
Visit Newport Beach Inc. is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Newport Beach, dedicated to promoting the destination and driving economic growth by attracting leisure and conference visitors. As a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, Visit Newport Beach partners with the tourism and hospitality industry to enhance visitor spending, ultimately contributing to the community’s quality of life. Through strategic sales, marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts, the organization positions Newport Beach as a premier travel and conference destination. For more information, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Johns
Communications Manager, Visit Newport Beach
megan@visitnewportbeach.com | (949) 706-5309