Wellness, Your Way Part 1

When committing to a new wellness regime, there’s no better place than Newport Beach to find a weekend of inspiration, motivation — and an array of scenic spots, fitness activities, healthy restaurants, and rejuvenating spas to help you get started. Whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors or a creature of inside comforts — or both — this healthy-lifestyle destination can’t be beat. Today we discuss our outdoor enthusiast itinerary to help you get well, your way.

Outdoor Enthusiast

Friday

Evening: Camp out at Crystal Cove State Park! Enjoy a calm and quiet evening at your campground as you prepare for a weekend of excitement and outside excursions. Pick up some food supplies at Whole Foods Market beforehand — you’ll need the fuel for your upcoming adventures.

Saturday

6:00 a.m.: Wake up with the sunrise and get charged with a Whole Foods Market breakfast — a bottled green juice from Living Juice, handful of macadamia nuts, and small cup of java will fuel you through the morning.

6:45 a.m.: Hit the trail

The wilderness that surrounds you at Crystal Cove State Park contains a number of running, hiking, and biking trails that boast cool breezes and epic ocean views. Stop by the El Moro Visitor’s Center to pick up a map and plan your route. Whatever your activity, the local terrain serves up a challenging and enjoyable time. Pack some trail mix, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

11 a.m.: Brunch at True Food Kitchen

Be the first in line when this Newport Beach locals’ favorite opens its doors. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on the shaded outdoor patio surrounded by greenery. The seasonal and sustainably farmed recipes mirror Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet. Sip some green tea or a “Natural Refreshment” (the Kale-Aid is amazing!) and refuel with a healthy, hearty meal. The Market Vegetable Scramble, Quinoa Johnny Cakes with Greek yogurt, and Breakfast Burrito are all delicious choices.

1:00 p.m.: Get salty and sandy

A weekend in Newport Beach is incomplete without dipping your toes in the sea — and a good roll in the sand. Pack a light tote with a beach towel (I like Ruby Mint towels — they’re large and soft, and make the perfect beach “blanket”), SPF 39, a bottle of water, and a book. This is the time to give your muscles and mind a rest, and to relax as you take in the salty sea breeze. Cross Pacific Coast Highway from your campground via the underground tunnel, and set up a spot at this scenic location.

5:00 p.m.: Sunset Paddle Yoga with YogaBliss Paddle Yoga

Bring your stand-up paddleboard, or borrow one from this SUP outfitter. An instructor will lead you to a “special spot to salute the setting sun” where you’ll tone your body and clear your mind with an hour of “tranquil yet invigorating” flow.

7:00 p.m.: Dinner at Bear Flag Fish Co.

Eat in and enjoy the people watching at Crystal Cove Shopping Center, or grab takeout to bring back to your campsite. Order an extra side of Tommy Sauce for whatever you order (the Panko Grilled Fish Tacos are killer) and you won’t be disappointed. Wile away the evening at your campground among the scenic Crystal Cove State Park wilderness.

Sunday

6:30 a.m.: Rise with the sun, cook breakfast on-site (or feast on leftover fish tacos from the night before!) and pack up some of your gear to lighten the load later in the day when you’re worn out from the day’s activities.

9 a.m.: Kayak on the Bay Back with Newport Aquatic Center

Tone your upper body and bask in the beautiful and diverse wildlife that abounds on Newport Beach’s Back Bay — the area boasts more than 200 species of birds, a variety of plant species on land in the water, as well as coyotes and bobcats. You can make this excursion as challenging or as peaceful you as like. Bring a bottle of water.

Noon: Lunch on the water

Pack a lunch from nearby A Market and extend your stay on the Back Bay, or, if you’re a beach lover, stop by a local takeout spot and head to The Wedge at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula. Set up a picnic and watch Newport Beach’s most experienced water enthusiasts ride these massive waves created by the rock jetty.

3:00 p.m.: On the road again

Back at the campsite, savor one last cup of coffee or tea, pack up the rest of your gear, and hit the road for a tranquil sunset drive.

For part two of Wellness Your Way click here for all things indoor active!