The Perfect Spring Itinerary for Any Trendsetter
While some prefer to be in the water, you enjoy being on the water. Whether it’s cruising the harbor in a colorful electric boat, grabbing sushi with friends bayside or doing some shopping seaside, you’re always on the hunt for a good time and the perfect photo opp. And lucky for you, Newport Beach is home to a handful of on-the-water activities, so you can stay dry and still experience the city’s coastal beauty. Here’s our five-stop itinerary for a day that’ll put some spring in your step!
3 p.m. Stay by the Bay
With its seaside location and coastal-chic aesthetic, there’s no better place to unpack your bags than at Newport Beach’s Lido House. This charming hotel on Lido Isle boasts an assortment of stylish amenities that’ll have you swooning. From the property’s signature seafood-centric restaurant, The Mayor’s Table, to the cabana-lined pool deck and custom-designed suites and cottages, you’re sure to fall head over heels for this Cap Cod-style retreat. Your best bet? Start with a cocktail at the rooftop bar, then snag a poolside cabana for an afternoon of sun and sippin’.
10 a.m. Hit the Beach
Located just about four miles south of Newport Beach sits the coastal community of Corona del Mar. Known for its collection of upscale boutiques, streetside restaurants and high-end homes, this charming enclave is the perfect place to spend a day. Start your morning with your toes in the sand and head to Pirate’s Cove—a hidden beach with crystal clear waters, silky soft sand, sea caves and towering rock formations. Located on the west side of the parking lot at Corona Del Mar State Beach, this stretch of sand sits at the entrance channel of Newport Bay, offering views of the big blue that just won’t quit.
12 p.m. Cruise the Harbor
There’s no better way to enjoy the spring sunshine than with a cruise around the harbor. At Electric Boat Rentals in Lido Marina Village, you can choose from a dynamic fleet of colorful vessels that’ll take you and your crew on a nautical adventure. Reserve your boat online before you set sail, and don’t forget an ice chest of bites and beverages for a leisurely lunch on the bay—bon voyage!
2 p.m. Shop ‘Til You Drop
After you’ve spent some time on the water, hop back on land and explore the charming Lido Marina Village! This seaside center is home to a collection of trendy boutiques, specialty shops, cozy cafes and renowned restaurants. Take a stroll through the village and admire the quaint pathways and white brick storefronts as you pop into shops like Jenni Kayne, Marrow Fine, Warby Parker, LoveShackFancy and more! Pro tip: don’t leave without snapping a few pics in front of the hand-painted murals or the boat-lined bay.
4 p.m. Dock and Dine
For a sunset dinner that won’t disappoint, head to Buddha’s Favorite, where you can feast on a fresh selection of wild-caught seafood. With a handful of Japanese small plates and over 40 different sushi rolls to choose from, Buddha’s Favorite is sure to cure your seafood cravings. This local hotspot is tucked away on the docks in Newport Beach, and while you can certainly park and walk, if you really want to “seas the day,” we recommend docking and dining! Rent a 21-foot Mahogonite electric boat from Riva de Balboa, or pull up dockside in a Cruisin’ Tiki boat—a circular vessel with a central bar that can seat up to six people! Other popular places to dock and dine include Zinqué, Bluewater Grill, The Cannery and Lido Bottle Works.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
