A Honeymooner’s Guide to Newport Beach
So, you’ve said, “I do.” Now what? If you’ve chosen Newport Beach as the destination for your honeymoon, you’re in for a getaway filled with romance, adventure and laid-back luxury. Whether you’re craving sun-soaked days on the sand, intimate candlelit dinners, or unforgettable experiences along the coast, this seaside haven offers endless ways to celebrate your newlywed bliss.
From leisurely gondola rides to sunset strolls along the shore, Newport Beach is where love lingers in the ocean breeze. Here’s your curated guide to the most enchanting honeymoon activities in this stunning coastal paradise.
Where to Stay in Newport Beach for Your Honeymoon
For honeymooners seeking a dreamy getaway, Newport Beach is home to some of the most luxurious hotels. The newest addition to the portfolio of romantic hotels in Newport Beach, Pendry Newport Beach sets the stage for a sophisticated escape, featuring lavish suites, a tranquil spa and exceptional dining—perfect for couples looking to unwind in style. For those who prefer a more intimate waterfront retreat, Newport Beach Marriott Bayview offers spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the serene Back Bay, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. Meanwhile, if a lively and social atmosphere is more your speed, VEA Newport Beach delivers with stylish accommodations, curated dining, and a stunning destination pool where you can sip cocktails and soak up the sun.
Over at Balboa Bay Resort, honeymooners can enjoy oceanfront luxury with a front-row seat to the marina, plus seasonal festivities that add a magical touch to any stay. And just a short distance away, Lido House blends East Coast charm and elegance with its nautical, all-American design, placing couples within walking distance of Lido Marina Village’s boutique shopping and waterfront dining.
For the ultimate in seclusion and sophistication, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers Tuscan-inspired villas, an award-winning spa and breathtaking ocean views, making it a favorite among California honeymoon destinations. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, these Newport Beach stays promise romance, luxury, and unforgettable moments.
Activities for the Adventurous Couple
Tee off at Pelican Hill Golf Club
A round of golf at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach is more than just a game—it’s an immersion into the Southern California lifestyle and if you ask us, a must during your California honeymoon. Designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, this stunning 36-hole masterpiece—featuring both the Ocean North Course and Ocean South Course—blends challenging play with breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re seasoned golfers or simply here to soak in the sweeping ocean views, every fairway and green is a work of art framed by rolling hills and Pacific panoramas. So, grab your clubs and embrace some friendly competition with your spouse!
See Iconic Landmarks With OC Helicopters
Take your California honeymoon to new heights with an unforgettable aerial adventure courtesy of OC Helicopters. Departing from the Atlantic Terminal at John Wayne Airport, these private helicopter tours offer newlyweds a breathtaking way to experience Newport Beach and its stunning coastal surroundings. Soar above the golden shoreline, where the Pacific sparkles beneath you, and take in iconic sights like The Wedge, Balboa Island and the historic Balboa Fun Zone from a vantage point few ever get to see. With Chief Pilot Ric Webb—a seasoned aviator with over two decades of military experience—at the controls, your journey will be as thrilling as it is seamless. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is the perfect way to add a little adventure—and a lot of romance—to your honeymoon.
Groove to Live Music
For couples who love live music, Newport Beach offers plenty of dreamy venues to soak in the sounds of the coast. The Summer Concert Series at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach brings an impressive lineup of performances to the intimate Back Bay Amphitheater, featuring renowned artists across jazz, rock and pop from June through September.
For a laid-back waterfront experience, Tunes at the Dunes at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina pairs live entertainment with food trucks, cocktails and sunset views. And for something a little more low-key, Lido Marina Village hosts live acoustic sets every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—perfect for unwinding after a day of shopping and seaside dining.
Relaxing Activities
Shop and Stroll
Newport Beach is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from designer fashion to one-of-a-kind artisan finds. Fashion Island, the city’s premier open-air lifestyle center, is home to luxury boutiques, department stores and some of the best dining in town—all with sweeping ocean views.
For a more intimate shopping experience, Lido Marina Village charms with its cobblestone pathways, waterfront eateries and a curated selection of stylish boutiques. Discover emerging designers, handcrafted goods and unique home decor that serve as the perfect memento of your romantic getaway in Southern California.
Spend the Day at Newport Dunes
For California honeymooners looking to balance relaxation and adventure, Newport Dunes delivers the ultimate coastal retreat. By day, soak up the sun on the resort’s private waveless beach, perfect for a leisurely swim or lounging with your toes in the sand. For a little adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the tranquil waters of the Back Bay. If you’re craving extra privacy, book one of the resort’s charming waterfront cottages for a cozy retreat just steps from the shore.
As night falls, the romance intensifies with the SUP Glow Tour, an unforgettable LED-lit paddleboarding experience. Glide across the illuminated bay under the stars, watching the water shimmer beneath you. For an extra touch of adventure, opt for a guided tour, where you can witness the beauty of bioluminescent marine life glowing beneath the surface.
Explore Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a picture-perfect escape where time seems to slow down. Hand in hand, wander along Marine Avenue, which is lined with charming boutiques, nautical home decor stores and specialty artisan shops. Stop into a cozy cafe for an afternoon espresso or browse the island’s art galleries for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Of course, no visit to Balboa Island is complete without indulging in its famous desserts—the Balboa Bar and the Frozen Banana—both dipped in chocolate and coated with toppings like crushed nuts, rainbow sprinkles and butter brickle (our favorite!). It’s a sweet bite of nostalgia that’s perfect for sharing.
Romantic Activities
Cruise the Harbor in a Gondola
For honeymooners looking to dial up the romance, nothing beats a gondola ride through Newport Harbor. Picture this: you and your new spouse, cozied up under a blanket, gliding through the tranquil canals in a private gondola.
With Gondola Adventures, the Amore Cruise offers an intimate one-hour escape, complete with sparkling wine and decadent chocolates. Want to make it extra special? Surprise your love with a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bottle of champagne or even a personalized message in a bottle—because why not start married life with a grand romantic gesture?
Watch a Newport Beach Sunset
Newport Beach is home to some truly breathtaking sunsets, and if you’re searching for the perfect place to watch the sky light up with color, we’ve got you covered. Stroll hand in hand along Balboa Pier, where you can catch surfers riding their final waves of the day before grabbing a bite at a nearby waterfront restaurant. For a front-row seat to boats gliding across the harbor, West Jetty View Park at the tip of the Balboa Peninsula offers a peaceful setting—pair it with a takeout pizza from Laventina’s for an easy sunset picnic!
Over in Corona del Mar, Inspiration Point lives up to its name, providing sweeping views of the coastline, hidden trails leading to Pirate’s Cove and sandy benches perfect for two. If you’re looking for an elevated spot with a panoramic ocean vista, Pelican Point at Crystal Cove State Park delivers, offering an intimate place to soak in nature’s evening spectacle. Meanwhile, the Back Bay provides a serene escape, where a sunset walk along the nature preserve makes for a romantic and peaceful experience.
Board a Luxury Yacht
Indulge in the ultimate maritime escape with Newport Coast Marine Yacht Charters, where your honeymoon transforms into a lavish seafaring adventure. This premier yacht rental company offers an exquisite fleet of private charters, ensuring couples experience oceanfront opulence like never before. Each vessel is a testament to craftsmanship, featuring cutting-edge navigation technology and superior comfort systems designed for a seamless and luxurious voyage. Plus, with an expert captain at the helm and a crew fully certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, you’re in for an easy, breezy adventure. Lounge on the sun-kissed deck, sip champagne and let the salty air set the tone for an unforgettable honeymoon at sea.
Where to Dine in Newport Beach During Your Honeymoon
A California honeymoon isn’t complete without a date at a romantic restaurant in Newport Beach on the water. Dine under the stars at one of the city’s premier restaurants, where ocean breezes and flickering candlelight set the scene for an unforgettable evening.
For an upscale culinary experience, Nobu Newport Beach delivers its iconic sushi and Japanese flavors with a side of panoramic harbor views. Meanwhile, A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort is perfect for a cozy yet sophisticated evening of cocktails and coastal cuisine. Prefer something with a local touch? The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove offers oceanfront dining in a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand setting, while Lido Bottle Works pairs farm-to-table dishes with an impressive wine list.
For even more information on everything to see and do during your Newport Beach honeymoon, go to visitnewportbeach.com.
