Celebrate the Season With Your Sweetheart in Newport Beach
Fiery sunsets, seaside date nights and cruises on the bay set the scene for a romantic winter getaway in Newport Beach. Our city by the sea will sweep you off your feet with its abundance of waterfront restaurants, holiday activations and infinite ways to set sail. No need for mistletoe—this six-stop itinerary is sure to make sparks fly!
Stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill
For a lavish taste of Tuscany, book your stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill. This stunning five-star hotel sits on 504 acres of perfectly landscaped coastline, offering couples an upscale stay worth every penny. Spend a day at The Coliseum Pool to catch some sunshine, then indulge your senses at the state-of-the-art spa. And when it comes time for date night, you’ll be happy to know that the resort is home to several restaurants that boast sweeping ocean views.
9 a.m. Morning Hike in Crystal Cove
Kickstart your morning with a peaceful hike through Crystal Cove State Park. This preserved piece of coastline features tidepools, barreling waves, several miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking natural spaces. One of our favorite hikes starts on the Reef Point and Crystal Cove Trail, which is a five-mile loop that offers breathtaking ocean views from above.
11 a.m. Brunch at Zinc Cafe & Market
After a hike with your hunny, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Sit down to brunch at Corona del Mar’s Zinc Cafe & Market. This local spot is a restaurant and retail space all in one! Start with a cappuccino and one of their oat cakes baked with apples, pecans and cinnamon, then order a seasonal quiche, chilaquiles or scrambled eggs and leeks as your main. And before you leave, browse through Zinc’s adjacent market, where you’ll find everything from cookbooks to kitchen accessories.
1 p.m. Massages at The Spa at Pelican Hill
There’s nothing more relaxing and romantic than a couples massage, and The Spa at Pelican Hill is the serene place for some pampering. This luxury wellness destination incorporates infusions, essential oils and other therapeutics into each treatment that will renew your mind, body and skin. Book the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage for a deep sense of relaxation, or check the website for seasonal specials!
4:30 p.m. Gondola Cruise
As the sun begins to set, cozy up in your very own private gondola by booking a cruise with Gondola Adventures, Inc. Sit back with your significant other as your gondolier navigates the quaint canals of Newport Harbor. Gondola Adventures offers an Antipasto Cruise with local fare, a seasonal Winter Lights Cruise and even an Amore Cruise, which comes with sparkling cider and gourmet chocolates. This one-of-a-kind boating experience you and your sweetheart are sure to love.
6 p.m. Night of 1000 Lights
Before heading to dinner, stroll through Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar to experience a dazzling display of lights and holiday entertainment. With everything from can-can dancers and French cabaret singers to glistening light tunnels, this year’s Night of 1000 Lights is sure to wow. For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.
7 p.m. Dinner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
With its global wine list and menu of upscale comfort food, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect place for a romantic meal. Snag a table on the heated patio for views of the bay, and start by ordering steamed mussels and clams or a charcuterie board to share. Then, move on to mains like the Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast, Filet Mignon or The Winery Cioppino. Pro tip: be sure to check out the restaurants’ impressive climate-controlled cellars before you leave.
Don’t Miss!
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is back for its 114th year! Celebrate the holiday season with us and watch as decorated boats cruise the harbor from Dec. 14-18. For more info, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
