Visit Newport Beach
Search
An Unmatched Experience

Newport Beach Blog

Romantic Weekend in Newport Beach

February 3, 2014

Ready for a romantic getaway by the sea?

Consider an evening gondola ride on the channel, an early morning walk on the beach, a picnic lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Inspiration Point, couples’ spa treatments at any one of our top-rated hotel spas, and definitely save room for dinner (and dessert) at our acclaimed restaurants.

We’ve designed this itinerary for you and that special someone to getaway for a romantic 36 hours in Newport Beach!

Day 1:

Check in: You’ve arrived! Unpack and get dressed for a light walk.

Afternoon: Head to quaintly romantic Balboa Island for some relaxing shopping and strolling. Reminiscent of Nantucket, this charming residential island offers a main street of lovely shops and eateries and a spectacular boardwalk loop around the “Little” and “Big” islands with magnificent views of the harbor and channel. While you’re there, indulge in a Newport Beach tradition and order a Balboa Bar at Dad’s, Too Sweet or Sugar n’ Spice. This creamy ice cream treat is made-to-order with your choice of decadent toppings.

Dinner: Dine at Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza and savor some of the best food you’ve had outside of Italy, or for a more classically cool ambience, head to 21 Oceanfront for a sunset cocktail and delicious dinner. Then stroll onto the nearby Newport Pier, and gaze out to sea. Locals say it’s one of the best places to kiss in Newport Beach.

Evening: Head to The Island Hotel’s Aqua Lounge for nightlife and live music until midnight. Or check out the hot bar scene at the new Red O or Fig & Olive restaurants at Fashion Island.

Day Two:

Breakfast: Breakfast at casual local favorite, Haute Cakes Caffe. Dine alfresco in the garden patio and enjoy lattes and egg scrambles. Then, work it off with a morning stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking session at the Newport Aquatic Center in the Back Bay.

Morning: Time to relax and enjoy lunch by the pool at your hotel, or treat yourself to a spa treatment – or both!

Afternoon: Drive down to Crystal Cove State Park for an afternoon stroll along the sand, then go to the Bootlegger Bar at Beachcomber Cafe, and take part in a mid-century happy hour tradition as the Martini Flag is hoisted – complete with bugle call to salute the sunset. Cheers!

Dinner: There are so many options for dinner in Newport Beach; it’s hard just to pick one! If you stay late at Beachcomber Cafe, they offer great dinner options, otherwise you are less than five minutes from the Crystal Cove Shopping Center where you can choose from such foodie favorites as Babette’s , Javier’s or  Mastro’s Ocean Club.

Day Three:

Morning: Before heading home, cruise Newport Harbor in an electric boat and then dock and dine for brunch at The Cannery or Back Bay Bistro.

Welcome to Newport Beach, we know you fall in love with – and again in – Newport Beach.

Written by Visit Newport Beach

Related Restaurants Posts

Destination Guide

Start planning your vacation today