Weekending in Newport Beach: A Curated Guide to the California Coast

I recently visited Newport Beach with my daughter, Bella, for a Shopbop brand trip, and it was such a special few days. Between the beautiful weather, incredible food, and thoughtfully planned itinerary, we quickly understood why so many people love this part of Southern California.

If you’re planning a weekend in Newport Beach and wondering where to stay, what to eat, and most importantly, shop, I’m sharing all of our favorite spots below.

Where We Stayed: Pendry Newport Beach

We stayed at the Pendry Newport Beach, and from the moment we arrived, everything was flawless. One of the things I loved most about Newport Beach is how easy it is to get to. We flew into Orange County Airport (John Wayne Airport), and within minutes we were checking into the hotel.

Our room overlooked the pool and Fashion Island, which made for the prettiest view each morning. The property itself feels luxurious without being overly formal, exactly the kind of hotel I gravitate toward.

We spent our first afternoon working poolside, ordering the sesame-crusted tuna, and enjoying a margarita in the California sunshine. The perfect way to kick off a trip.

Day 2: Marina Village, La La Land Coffee & the Shopbop Pop-Up

We started the morning with coffee from La La Land in Marina Village. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen it. The line can get long, so I highly recommend ordering ahead and picking up from the adorable walk-up window. We ordered the matcha squared, a little sweet but I believe you can order less sweet if you’re like me!

After coffee, we spent some time exploring Marina Village. The area has such a charming, laid-back feel with waterfront views, great shopping, and plenty of spots to wander. Shopbop had their pop-up here during our visit, and let’s just say there were quite a few things added to our wish lists and a couple must have purchases made!

Lunch: Malibu Farm

For lunch, we headed to Malibu Farm. Everything felt fresh and flavorful, but the coconut curry was the standout for me. It’s one of those dishes you find yourself talking about long after the vacation is over. The mocktails were equally impressive and perfect for an afternoon by the water.

Between the food and the marina views, it’s absolutely worth adding to your Newport Beach itinerary even better.

Dinner: Nobu Newport Beach

That evening, we had dinner at Nobu Newport Beach and reunited with some of my Cali girlfriends, and it was such a fun night.

The marina views at sunset were beautiful, the service was wonderful, and the atmosphere felt lively without being overwhelming. One thing to note, is that it gets chilly at night in California year round, and the indoor outdoor seating gave us a taste of that. Luckily our server brought us shawls to keep us cozy while still enjoying the crisp evening. Just be sure to pack a light layer for the evenings no matter the season!

Day 3: Pelican Hill Golf Course & Pelican Grill

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was actually something completely outside of my comfort zone: a golf lesson at Pelican Hill Golf Course.

Most of us had never picked up a golf club before, but the instructors made it approachable, fun, and were ridiculously patient. By the end of the lesson, we were all hitting the ball and laughing nonstop.

Afterward, we headed to Pelican Grill for lunch, which was the perfect reward after a morning on the course. The food was excellent, the drinks were refreshing, and the gelato at the end of the meal was absolutely worth saving room for.

A Sunset Dinner at Studio Mediterranean

For our final evening, we drove down to Laguna Beach for dinner at Studio Mediterranean at Montage Laguna Beach.

The views alone are worth the visit. Sitting on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean felt like the perfect way to end the trip, and we couldn’t stop taking photos.

The restaurant is stunning, the service was impeccable, and my steak was one of the best meals I had all weekend.

Final Thoughts

Newport Beach has a way of making you want to stay a little longer. Between the beautiful coastline, incredible restaurants, luxury hotels, and relaxed California lifestyle, it’s easy to see why people return year after year.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a couples trip, or simply looking for a warm-weather escape, Newport Beach is a destination I would happily recommend — and one Bella and I are already looking forward to visiting again.