Corona del Mar – Eat.Sea.Do Itinerary

Corona del Mar, CdM to locals, is one of the ten distinct neighborhoods in Newport Beach. The Village in CdM is clustered along Pacific Coast Highway from Carnation to Poppy (all the streets in Corona del Mar are named after flowers) with the best locations just minutes away from one another. We are sharing the inside scoop on some of the best spots to eat, shop, move, and simply appreciate in this locally-loved neighborhood.

EAT.

Zinc Café & Market is a local institution that puts a sophisticated spin on healthy eating. You can stop by for a signature rose or lavender latte or enjoy a quick meal at one of the farmhouse tables inside or on the cozy outdoor patio. Some of the most popular dishes include avocado toast which gets a fresh spin from lemon juice, chives, and dill. Chili flakes on potato arugula pizza give a little heat to the luscious toppings. The tostada takes the traditional ingredients and gives them a fresh twist. Be sure to browse the Market for a tightly edited selection of great wine and gift ideas.

SEA.

Discover the Goldenrod Footbridge, which spans Bayside Dr. and connects the coastal neighborhoods clustered around Ocean Blvd to the Village. Built in 1928 the bridge is 243 feet across and considered one of the photographic (and romantic) spots in CdM.

Set aside time to explore Sherman Library & Gardens, a 2.2-acre botanical retreat and historical research library specializing in the history of the Southwest tucked at the edge of a residential neighborhood. A riot of color and every shade of green imaginable, the gardens feature thousands of plants from native species to rare, tropical specimens. Linger over afternoon tea at Café Jardin, renowned for its “coastal garden cuisine”.

DO.

The dress code in Newport Beach is laid-back luxury and Corona del Mar has one of the area’s best kept secrets to help you get the right look, On Que Style. Owner Kirsten Prosser honed her eye for high fashion as a runway specialist for Donna Karan and outside stylist for Neiman Marcus before opening the boutique which is a “walk-in closet” of luxury pre-owned fashion merchandise.

By now you’ve noticed the boutique fitness scene in CdM and the place to try cycling or Pilates is Defy Gravity Studio. Airy, yet intimate, Defy Gravity emphasizes expert instruction and a true sense of community; regulars are all greeted by name. Classes fill up fast and one of our favorite’s is the Defy60, which blends cycling, Bodhi, and Pilates into one dynamic hour. Not familiar with Bodhi? It’s the suspension training system supermodels rave about. Right here, in Corona del Mar.