Your Newport Beach Labor Day Itinerary

Labor Day weekend and the beach go hand in hand! Why not spend the long weekend enjoying all of Newport Beach has to offer!

With a variety of fun things to keep you busy, over 400 restaurants and just as many shops, you may be wondering where to go or what to do!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with just the two of you, or with a group, here is your quintessential Newport Beach itinerary for the extended weekend! Hopefully we’ve shared ideas to get your weekend started!

We’re sending a warm welcome to your way and remember to bring sunscreen; we’re seeing temps reach high 70’s/low 80’s this weekend!

FRIDAY: Welcome to Newport Beach! Time to Treat Yourself!

3pm: Check into your hotel… unpack and get ready to relax!

4pm: Start the weekend off right and treat yourself to a relaxing and reinvigorating spa treatment Try the hotel’s spa or one of Newport Beach’s amazing spas – you deserve it!

5:30pm: After you have had time to unwind, head over to Fashion Island, our go to fashion mecca. Check out over 125 shops in an outdoor Mediterranean setting including many Orange County exclusives. Don’t worry we have all your favorite department stores too! Get yourself anything that makes you feel fabulous for the weekend ahead!

7pm: By now you’ve worked up an appetite! Fashion Island boasts many amazing restaurants; try the newly opened San Francisco based Lark Creek, Brasserie Pascal for French, True Food Kitchen for the fit foodie, Canaletto for Italian – everything is good, Great Maple for sustainable seasonable fare, or R + D Kitchen, the French dip is all the rage!

SATURDAY: Life on the Water

8:30am: Sleep in, have a lazy morning and let beautiful Newport Beach greet your day!

9am: Time for breakfast and you can have it served with a Harbor view at local favorite The Galley. This causal and comfy Harbor Island hidden gem is mostly occupied by locals and serves up all your American style fare. Be advised, they’re cash only.

10:30am: Next, try standup paddleboarding, a Newport Beach favorite activity! Head to Pirate Coast Paddle Co located minutes away at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina to stand up paddleboard in the beautiful back bay and harbor.

12pm: After all that paddling, you’re sure to be hungry and no trip to the coast is complete without seafood! On the menu is locally loved Bear Flag Fish Company located on Balboa Peninsula. My favorites are the panko dusted fish tacos (only $2.95) and the La Bamba Roll made with Tuna, Albacore and delicious Ponzu Sauce! Delicious!

1pm: Spend all afternoon at the beach on Balboa Peninsula… or any Newport beach you desire! Recently, we were voted cleanest beach in the country, so whether you want to surf, play volleyball or just layout on the sand, we welcome you to have a good and safe time on our shores!

6pm: This is an essential Newport Beach favorite, go boating at sunset. What’s fun is that you can rent your own boats here – whether you are a novice or expert boater! Rent a Pontoon boat or Duffy Electric Boats and revel at the gorgeous scenery and all the harbor action!

8pm: End your water devoted day with a nice dinner with a view! Our top tables are 21 Oceanfront located steps from the sand for steak and seafood, Andrea at the stunning Resort at Pelican Hill get the famous risotto arriving in a parmesan cheese wheel, or Javier’s Bar and Cantina for a sexy and delicious Mexican meal!

9:30pm: Looking to keep the night going with some live music? Check out one of Newport Beach’s musical haunts; Quiet Woman, Blue Beet, or the Village Inn.

SUNDAY: Cool and Casual: Live Your Sunday Like a Local

10:30am: Since we love to brunch, of course we have fantastic options to choose from! I recommend heading to Corona del Mar, you can stroll along PCH popping in and out of shops on your way to brunch. Great options include Rose Bakery Café, The Crow Bar and Kitchen, Summer House, Five Crowns or Port Restaurant.

12pm: Walk off brunch with a stroll on Balboa Island – this charming and enchanting destination offers plenty of beauty and great artisan souvenirs. Want more to see? Walk along the path around the entire island. There are gorgeous homes and spectacular harbor views around the approximate 1.3 mile loop.

2pm: Hop on the Balboa Island Ferry and cross the harbor over to Balboa Peninsula and rent beach cruisers. Cruise along the scenic Balboa Peninsula boardwalk, there’s plenty to see and tons of action along the boardwalk, all with views of the amazing Pacific. Don’t forget to check out The Wedge, located at the very tip of the peninsula at the harbor entrance. It’s a world-renowned surf spot, where waves can reach up to 30 feet!

4pm: Head back to the hotel to get ready for an early dinner

5:30pm:Since this is your casual and cool local day check out some of our favorite locally loved Italian Restaurants! Cucina Alessa will knock your socks off, Mama D’s Italian Kitchen has down home comfort food and head to Sabatino’s Pizza & Sausage Company for the world’s best homemade sausage dishes
Cystal cove

MONDAY: Thank You For Visiting Newport Beach! The Finishing Touch at the End of a Perfect Weekend

9am: It’s your time to check out, but there’s still one last place to check out before it’s time to head home! Drive down PCH to Crystal Cove State Park and explore Crystal Cove Historic District, a quaint village of restored mid-century beach cottages. It’s hidden from view and is located on the sand – many people are unaware of its existence! It’s like taking a step back in time – you can see what life was like during mid-century California beach life! It’s tricky to get there, make sure you check their site for directions.

10am: Eat breakfast at Beachcomber Cafe, located in one of the restored cottages there’s seriously incredible food and best of all, you’re dining on the sand!

11:30am: After breakfast, stroll around Crystal Cove Historic District – there’s a museum, an artisan gift shop and you can even see one of the restored cottages. Come back again and you can stay in one of the cottages! There’s no WiFi or TV in the rooms– you can completely disconnect!

12:30pm: Before you say goodbye to Newport Beach, have one last fun time at the beach, Crystal Cove has tide pools to gaze at, white sand beaches and sandy coves! What a wonderful way to end an amazing weekend in Newport Beach!

We hope you had an amazing time! Are there any special itineraries you want us to create?