5 Ways to Plan the Perfect Picnic in Newport Beach
With spring in full swing and summer close behind, there’s no better time to throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic! Take advantage of Newport Beach’s sunny-and-75 climate by sipping, grazing and enjoying time with friends. But before you lay down your beach towel and order takeout, we’re here to help you experience the picnic of your dreams. Believe it or not, Newport Beach is home to several businesses, hotels and restaurants that will set it all up for you—all you have to do is show up! Here are five local businesses that’ll help you plan the perfect picnic.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or want some seriously Insta-worthy content, The Picnic Collective will meet all of your needs! These local picnic pros will set up a beautiful picnic in whichever location you choose—from the bluffs to the harbor and everything in between. All you have to do is select your date, time and location, then choose which “experience” you’d like. These include the “Duffy Experience,” Movie Night Experience,” “Bliss Picnic” and more. It doesn’t get easier than this!
One of the many perks of staying at The Resort at Pelican Hill is having access to the Crystal Cove Beach Experience. This unique service allows guests to enjoy the coast like a local. The resort’s complimentary coach service will transport you down to the beach and provide you with a beach bag equipped with water and towels. Complimentary chairs and umbrellas are also available for resort guests from the Beachcomber Express tent. And if you’re looking to kick it up a notch, The Resort at Pelican Hill’s on-site Caffè & Market team will prepare a picnic lunch of sandwiches, salads, sweets and chilled drinks. All that’s left is to kick back, relax and enjoy!
If you prefer to plan your own picnic, power to you! But instead of doing the decor and the food, leave the cheffin’ to the pros. Newport Beach’s A Market offers a unique selection of specialty items like fine wines, cheese and baked goods. In other words, leave your Tupperware at home and pick up all of your picnic essentials here. You can even place an order online for pick up! Simply select your grab n’ go items, and they’ll have it all ready for you when you arrive.
With an on-site bottle shop and a menu of farm-to-table eats, Lido Bottle Works is a no-brainer when it comes to picnicking. Executive Chef Joel Gutierrez is constantly adding new seasonal items to the menu, so you know your food will be as fresh as can be. Order one of their bistro boards or a few plates to share like the hummus, ceviche or pork belly bao buns. Then, pick up your food and take it to go. Don’t forget to snag a bottle of wine or pack of craft beer from their bottle shop!
When it comes to the dock and dine experience, nobody does it quite like Billy’s at the Beach. This bayside establishment offers a taste of the tropics with their world-famous mai tais, island-inspired ambiance and stellar seafood. Pull up dockside and order your food to-go so you can have your very own picnic on a boat! Billy’s even offers canned mai tais, so you can sip while you sail.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
