Newport Beach Is Calling: Coastal Luxury, Adventure at its Finest

By: Alison Bailin Batz

*Must credit both Visit Newport Beach and Pendry Newport Beach for image use. Thanks!

From five-star dining to myriad aquatic adventures, California’s Newport Beach – the largest recreational harbor on the west coast – is an intimate playground for all the senses, especially this time of year.

Ultra accessible for Valley residents, Newport Beach is less than a six-hour drive or just an 80-minute flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to John Wayne Airport in the heart of Orange County.

When seeking that special place to stay, look no further than Pendry Newport Beach, which only opened last year but is already winning accolades the world over for its sophisticated and stylish urban feel with sweeping ocean, harbor, and bay views. It is just steps from premier outdoor coastal shopping mecca Fashion Island with 295 thoughtfully redesigned guestrooms, notably 114 of which are epic suites. Of note are the Newport Suite and Lido Suite, both of which offer room to spread out with more than 1,000-square-feet of space and exclusive access to the hotel’s Elwood Club, a modern member’s own enclave with Pendry Newport Beach that offers dining, entertainment, and curated experiences of a lifetime.

Visually, the hotel juxtaposes the ocean nearby with lush, garden-inspired interiors, effortlessly blending the natural beauty of Newport Beach with elegant architectural elements.

The hotel boasts both an expansive Spa Pendry and 24-hour fitness center, together offering everything from eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and a cryotherapy chamber to Pelotons and even the MediSpa® Silver Facial Experience.

And then, of course, there is the hotel’s impressive food and drink.

Pendry Newport Beach is home to SET Steak & Sushi, a vibrant blend of the American steakhouse, modern coastal cuisine, and Asian delights, especially hand-rolled sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls; Bar Pendry, a richly designed space that specializes in both light bites and hearty food offerings alongside handcrafted cocktails; and Tree Shack Pool Bar & Grill, which is inspired by the flavors of Baja and offers farm-fresh vegetables and locally sourced Southern California ingredients.

Beyond Pendry Newport Beach’s epic culinary options, the whole of Newport Beach is a celebration of sips, tastes, and interactive dining at its finest. Some best bets:  Lido Marina Village Malibu Farm, a true farm-to-table concept located directly on the water with gorgeous small bites, life-changing lobster macaroni and cheese, and Korean short ribs that rival any James Beard Award winner in the country; The Cannery, a local institution with insane lobster rolls; Wilma’s Patio, a cozy eatery that specializes in taking home-cooked dishes that warm the soul and elevating them to an art form; and Topside Lido House Roof Deck, Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar experience, featuring craft cocktails and an array of wines as well as an impressive menu of zero-proof cocktails, all paired with crave-worthy proteins and veggies.

With a place to stay and rest one’s head as well as restaurant reservations set, the final piece of the Newport Beach puzzle is choosing attractions and activities to enjoy while in town.

Definitely plan to visit both Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village if interested in some of the best charming boutiques and stylish shops in Southern California. If looking to get out on the water, look into both Duffy Boat Sea Senoritas and Newport Coastal Adventure.

A Duffy Boat, 100% hand-crafted by hard-working American team members right in California, is an electric boat that is whisper-quiet and designed especially for relaxing cruises for intimate groups. Sea Senoritas is owned by a mother-daughter team and offers custom harbor cruises on either a stark white or vibrant pink Duffy for two to four hours with an expert guide and Bluetooth speakers. Guests have the option of bringing their own snacks aboard or having the Sea Senoritas either shop for provisions or dream up a charcuterie board for the adventure. And, pups are welcome, too!

Newport Coastal Adventure specializes in dolphin and whale watching expeditions. Similarly family owned, the brand is focused on offering intimate trips on small boats – each trip is limited to just six guests – to better connect guests to the ocean and sea life.

Whether with the kids or not, when visiting also make time for Balboa, especially Balboa Island, which is accessible by car, foot, bike, and the drive, walk, bike or take the Balboa Island Ferry, and the Balboa Fun Zone, which is located on the Balboa Peninsula and features a massive Ferris Wheel, arcade, great views of sea lions, and the iconic frozen bananas from Sugar and Spice.

Finally, if any golfers, in the group, do not miss the renowned courses at Pelican Hill, which are as challenging as visually marveling.

For more information, visit www.visitnewportbeach.com.

*Credit: Visit Newport Beach and Pendry Newport Beach