Your Guide to a Romantic Couples’ Getaway in Newport Beach
Cotton candy sunsets, seasonal dining and serene spaces make Newport Beach a divine destination for some summer romance. If you’re looking to get away with your sweetheart this season, let our coastal city sweep you off your feet. Bask in beautiful beach days, sunset sails and evenings spent in the comfort of a sumptuous resort. Our city is eager to make your daydreams a reality; here’s how to live out the romantic summer vacation of your dreams in Newport Beach.
Stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill
From the Roman aqueduct-style architecture to the beautiful villas and bungalows with marble soaking tubs, this lavish Tuscan resort is barefoot luxury at its best. Spend a day at the state-of-the-art spa where your everyday stresses will melt away, then head to the stunning The Coliseum Pool to catch some rays. And when hunger strikes, you’ll be happy to discover that The Resort at Pelican Hill is home to several on-site restaurants, including the Caffè & Market, the Coliseum Pool & Grill and Pelican Grill, where modern grill flavors meet unbeatable ocean views.
9 a.m. Morning Hike in Crystal Cove
Jumpstart your romantic escape with a morning hike through Crystal Cove State Park. This preserved stretch of coastline is home to rolling waves, 3.2 miles of sandy beaches, tidepools and breathtaking rural spaces. One of our favorite hikes is through El Moro Canyon, which features a path with a variety of intertwining trails that lead to a peak called Emerald Bay Overlook. Once you reach the top, revel in sweeping ocean views with your sweetheart, and cheers to a morning well-spent.
11 a.m. Enjoy a Beach Picnic
After your leisurely hike, enjoy a fully-serviced beach picnic in Crystal Cove courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill. The resort’s complimentary coach service will transport you down to the beach and provide you with a beach bag equipped with towels and a picnic lunch of sandwiches, salads, sweets and chilled drinks from the Caffè & Market. Complimentary chairs and umbrellas are also available for resort guests from the Beachcomber Express tent!
2 p.m. Gondola Cruise
Before heading to a romantic dinner, cruise through the canals of Newport Harbor in your very own private gondola. Gondola Adventures, Inc offers everything from an exclusive Antipasto Cruise featuring local fare to a Dessert Cruise with a selection of gourmet sweets. But if you’re looking to let sparks fly, reserve the Amore Cruise and revel in sunset views as your charming gondolier navigates the bay’s sparkling waters in one of the most beautiful gondolas in the world. You’re sure to fall head over heels with this one-of-a-kind experience.
5:30 p.m. Dinner at Five Crowns
Inspired by England’s earliest country inns, Five Crowns in Corona del Mar sets the perfect scene for an intimate dinner for two. The old-world atmosphere of this time-honored establishment has remained intact since its official opening in 1965. Sit down to dinner in the cozy, string-lit courtyard or snag a table inside to enjoy the rustic ambiance. Either way, you and your date will relish the classic menu of Five Crowns, which features dishes like Crown-cut Prime Rib, Colorado Rack of Lamb, Roasted Alaskan Halibut and more.
8 p.m. Head to Under CdM for a Nightcap
Below CdM Restaurant lies a hidden watering hole with exclusive, award-winning cocktails. Elements of red velvet, wood beams and low lighting make this speakeasy-style concept as chic as it sounds. Snap some photos together in the retro 1940’s photo booth, then order an after-dinner libation. To find Under CdM, locate the staircase to the right of the main entrance that leads to the bar’s red upholstered leather door; beyond it, you’ll discover a sultry space perfect for a nightcap.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
