Growing up in the California Bay Area, I’ve been to many beach towns, and they all have their own distinct character.
Santa Cruz is known for laid-back surf culture, but just a few miles down the coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is all about quiet luxury. There’s a beach town for every taste, and California’s mild weather makes it easy to enjoy the coast any time of year.
But when I’m craving Mediterranean vibes without the pricey flights and jet lag, Newport Beach checks all the boxes.
Newport Harbor feels less like Southern California and more like a European resort town
Blythe Chadim
Newport Beach is home to over 10 miles of pristine coastline, which isn’t uncommon in California, but it’s the harbor, comprised of eight small islands and interconnected waterways, that makes this destination feel like a luxurious European resort town.
The distinct island neighborhoods offer something for everyone, whether that means exploring the sand and surf, riding the historic Ferris wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone, or sipping a cocktail in a poolside cabana.
Our kids love the beach, and on our most recent summer trip, we made that a priority. We swam at the outdoor water park at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, where the kids climbed the inflatable slides and cannon-balled into the cool harbor water.
Another day, we grabbed a picnic lunch from A Market on the way to Newport Beach Municipal Beach. We spent the day playing in the sand, running in and out of the water, and watching the surfers catch wave after wave as the tide rolled in.
The food scene centers on the water — and there’s lots of fresh seafood
Blythe Chadim
One of the best things about Newport Beach is the food. Waterfront restaurants are everywhere, giving you plenty of chances to sit back and savor your meals with a view.
We especially loved the Lighthouse Cafe for waterfront views and direct beach access. Our kids enjoyed watching paddleboarders in the harbor while devouring cheeseburgers and lobster rolls, made with fresh-tasting lump lobster meat and drizzled with melted butter.
Blythe Chadim
One of my favorite spots for soaking up Newport Beach’s laid-back luxury vibes is Lido Marina Village, which is perfect for people watching with its ample outdoor dining options.
We also ate dockside at Lido Bottle Works and enjoyed a front-row view of the yacht-filled harbor and glowing pink sunset. It felt like a true escape.
Even restaurants without beachfront views embrace the coastal life.
We enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine at CUCINA enoteca, which featured freshly made pasta and perfectly paired Italian wines. Our kids got to make their own pizza tableside, which was a memorable dinner activity.
At Sushi Roku, my husband and I enjoyed some of the freshest sushi rolls we’ve ever tasted, while my kids were mesmerized by their flaming cotton-candy dessert.
You don’t need a yacht to get a taste of Riviera life
Blythe Chadim
Newport Beach seems made for outdoor living. The Mediterranean climate allows for year-round outdoor experiences, from dining and shopping to boating and surfing.
Many beaches and resorts offer a variety of recreation rentals like kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats, but the best way to enjoy a little bit of the luxury on the water is on Newport’s own Duffy electric boat.
The Duffy was created in Newport Beach decades ago, and it’s still one of the most iconic ways to view the harbor. There are several ways to rent them around town if you want to do just that.
Blythe Chadim
We enjoyed a two-hour self-guided boat ride, and it was the perfect amount of time for our small kids. Even without much boating experience, it was easy to drive through the canals.
Our family enjoyed the scenery and incredible views of waterfront homes and luxury yachts that you can only truly experience from the water.
We even pulled our boat up to Woody’s Wharf for a dock-and-dine lunch that felt like something out of a movie.
Ultimately, I love that Newport Beach offers resort-town amenities without the long-haul flights
Blythe Chadim
Newport Beach has a variety of hotels, from award-winning luxury resorts like The Resort at Pelican Hill to Balboa Bay Resort, which offers direct harbor access.
If you’re looking for glamping vibes, you can check out cottage rentals and RV sites with direct beach access at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
If you want a resort with European-style walkability, consider staying at Lido House. It’s located at Lido Marina Village and surrounded by shops and restaurants, so you have everything you need in one spot.
On our most recent trip, we stayed at VEA Newport Beach, where we enjoyed its family-friendly amenities, spa, and easy access to the shops and restaurants at Fashion Island. Our kids played for hours in the heated pool, and the sunset views were magical.
California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and with its mild climate, there’s never a bad time to visit.
However, when it comes to finding Mediterranean vibes stateside, Newport Beach will always be my pick.
