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Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by sydabroad
If you are wondering how to spend the perfect weekend in Newport Beach, California then keep reading!
Newport Beach is the most perfect coastal city in Orange County, California just a little over an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. The amazing restaurants, sunshine, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches make this city one of the best to visit in California.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay in Newport Beach to help you make the most of your visit. There is something for everyone here, and if you love being near the ocean, Newport needs to be on your bucket list.
Looking for more guides to California?
- How to Spend 3 Days in Los Angeles
- The Ultimate Guide to North Lake Tahoe in the Winter
- 13 of the Best Los Angeles Instagram Spot
This post is all about how to spend a weekend in Newport Beach.
Table of Contents
HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
RENT A DUFFY BOAT
One of the best things to do during your weekend in Newport Beach is rent a Duffy boat. Especially if you are with a group of friends. These are small electric boats you can rent by the hour.
It costs $299 for 2 hours, $429 for 3 hours, and $549 for 4 hours. This is a great activity to do with a group of people to split the cost. The boats hold a maximum of 10 people. You can book your Duffy boat here on their website.
CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK
Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of Pacific Coastline, beach houses, and 2,400 acres of backcountry and canyons. The park opens at 6 AM so if you are up for a sunrise hike to start your morning this is the perfect place.
SHOP AROUND LIDO MARINA VILLAGE
The Lido Marina Village is the cutest place to shop around. There are so many trendy boutiques and delicious waterfront restaurants. Malibu Farm and Nobu are a couple of great dining options here.
As for shopping, you’ll find brands such as LoveShackFancy, The RealReal, Stoney Clover Lane, and so many more.
LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna is located about a 30-minute drive from Newport Beach and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Enjoy the sunshine and pick up an acai bowl or smoothie at Banzai while you are in the area. 1000 Steps Beach is a beautiful beach with tide pools and a cave. Table Rock Beach is another great place to spend the day.
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BALBOA ISLAND
Balboa Island is a harborside community in Newport Beach with charming streets, plenty of shopping, and many dining options. You can reach Balboa Island by car or by Balboa Island Ferry.
After spending a few hours on the water on a Duffy Boat, we went to Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill on Balboa Island. It was pretty basic, but a fun vibe, good drinks, and probably the best soft pretzel I’ve had!
WHALE WATCHING
Newport Beach is a great place to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. There are plenty of whale-watching tours to choose from.
Book a whale-watching cruise here.
NEWPORT BEACH & NEWPORT BEACH PIER
Relax during the heat of the day near the water at Newport Beach. It’s a great place to tan, surf, or relax in the water. This is also the perfect sunset spot. The pier is nearby so check it out while you are at the beach.
RELAX AT THE SPA AT PELICAN HILL
If you’re looking for some time out of the sun, relax at the Pelican Hill Spa. This is a world-class spa with lounges, steam rooms, saunas, and more offering a large variety of spa treatments.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN NEWPORT BEACH
- Banzai bowls: Located in Laguna – the best acai
- Bear Flag Fish Co.: Incredible poke and other seafood. You have to go.
- Handles ice cream: For a sweet treat
- Javier’s: Upscale Mexican
- Nobu: For amazing sushi
- The Winery Newport Beach
- Malibu farm
- Rye bread
- Great Mex Grill: Simple but delicious Mexican & affordable.
BARS IN NEWPORT BEACH
- Stag Bar + Kitchen
- Malarkly’s Irish Pub
- Beach Ball Bar
- Topside (rooftop drinks)
HOW TO GET TO NEWPORT BEACH
You will either fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or John Wayne Airport-Orange County (SNA).
LAX is much bigger than SNA and located in Los Angeles about an hour’s drive from Newport Beach (depending on traffic). From here, you can rent a car to get to Newport Beach.
On the other hand, John Wayne Airport-Orange County (SNA), is a small airport in Newport Beach that is an easy, and stress-free option.
HOW TO GET AROUND NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach isn’t too spread out so if you don’t plan to rent a car that’s fine. There are plenty of Ubers in the city to get you from place to place. If you want more freedom, then I suggest renting a car or staying near the center of town.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach is honestly a great destination to visit year-round. The weather will average in the 70s (20s Celsius) all year. The summer months are typically more crowded, and warmer, and you might find lodging rates a bit higher. For warm weather, typical rates, and fewer crowds – May through September is ideal.
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WEEKEND IN NEWPORT BEACH – WHERE TO STAY
FIND A PLACE TO STAY
Booking.comI hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions about Newport Beach or Los Angeles, please leave them in the comments below.
RECOMMENDED TOURS IN NEWPORT BEACH
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