The Perfect Newport Beach 5-Day Itinerary

When you have five days to spare in the name of fun and your destination is Newport Beach, the following itinerary will help you make the absolute most of every exciting moment ahead!

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Day One: Get Out and Explore on Two Wheels

Once you’ve settled into your vacation rental in Newport Beach and taken a moment to admire the view, it’s time to kick things off well-caffeinated. Head over to Grounded Coffee House in Corona del Mar on East Coast Highway for a well-deserved cup of joe. The cozy atmosphere is really welcoming, and the freshly roasted beans are top-notch too. Alongside their espresso and lattes, the menu features fan favorites like cinnamon rolls that you’re not going to want to miss out on.

After you feel full, energized, and ready to face the day, it’s time to rent a bike and head out to explore the trails. Newport Beach is a beautiful destination to pedal your way through and there are endless opportunities to work with local rental companies that can help you find just the right gear to make the most of the fun. Check out the Newport-Balboa Bike Trail for a 3-mile trip that takes you from Balboa Peninsula to the south. Go for an electric bike instead if you’re looking for a bit of an easier ride but no matter what you choose, don’t forget your camera for the stops along the way!

Tonight, you’ll want to dine in harbor view style at the Rusty Pelican. Located at 2735 West Coast Highway, this seafood fine dining eatery offers up a savory menu and options to enjoy it all from an open-air patio overlooking the Newport Harbor. What could be more refreshing?

Day Two: Explore Balboa Island in Depth

On the second day of your journey, you’re going to want to set your sights on Balboa Island fun! This is a day for retail therapy and trust us, it’s going to be hard to resist once you see the chic coastal shops, jewelry stores, novelty storefronts, and beach-inspired fashion that awaits here. As you stroll along the island, you’ll have a seamless opportunity to admire the many luxurious and undeniably eclectic homes along the way. Many feature fantastic gardens that thrive thanks to their locale along the lush channels.

Next, you’re going to want to head south to nearby Laguna Beach where you can enjoy a showing of the Pageant of the Masters this evening. It’s a unique stage performance made up of living pictures that recreate classical and contemporary works of art! You’ll want to make sure your trip aligns with this one-of-a-kind event because it’s only held each July and August in the outdoor amphitheater. The performance includes a professional orchestra, live narration, and a stunningly elaborate set too.

Day Three: Enjoy On-the-Water Fun

Newport Beach is a beautiful place to explore land-based fun but when you’re here, you’ll want to dedicate day three of your visit to on-the-water adventures. Hop onboard a cruise first thing with Davey’s Locker. This premier provider of area cruises can be customized into a whale-watching experience depending on what time of year you arrive. They also offer 2-hour dolphin spotting adventures, and your guide will be sure to point out wildlife of interest like sea turtles and interesting game fish along the way.

Next, it’s onto an afternoon of fun at Crystal Cove State Park. This beautiful destination features some of Newport Beach’s most spectacular coastline and is loved for its collection of gently sloping hills, wooded canyons, tidepools, beaches, and rolling surf. It’s easy to access off Pacific Coast Highway just between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar. You’ll find it’s a wonderful place to hike, but it’s also a picture-perfect locale when you’re up for swimming or surfing. There’s a boat dock on-site if you prefer to sail your way through a visit instead.

End the day at Helmsman Ale House at 2920 Newport Boulevard. This inviting brewpub is laid back, delicious, and a great place to linger well into the evening hours. You can pick and choose between indoor or patio dining here and the service is notoriously friendly.

Day Four: Incorporate a Wine-Tasting Experience into Your Stay

The fourth day of your Newport Beach journey will be dedicated to flavor, fun, and pampering. It’s all well-deserved so don’t hesitate to savor every moment! Start things off by heading out alongside your guide and driver with Orange County Wine Tours. Shuttles can be organized to pick you up at a pre-determined time and off you’ll go to explore the very best of area wineries in style. A tour typically includes stops at two or three top Newport Beach area wineries with options to customize an adventure to include more or less.

Afterward, you’ll likely find an afternoon of spa treatments wonderfully refreshing! Blue Nail Bar & Spa is a great choice when you’re looking to pair a mani-pedi with massages, facials, aromatherapy, scrubs, and beyond.

Day Five: Bask in Beach Day Fun

A trip to Newport Beach isn’t complete without quality time on the sand, so that’s exactly what you should plan on doing on day five. Head over to China Cove when you’re looking to enjoy a scenic and secluded stretch of shoreline that’s ideal for watching the sunrise in a peaceful style. When you’ve soaked up the sun, dipped your toes in the water, and watched the shorebirds for long enough, you can follow up the experience on a sweet note at nearby Cookie Lab. This Crystal Cove fan-favorite stop is a one-stop resource for accessing mouthwatering baked goods, including cookies, in abundance. It’s an experience your sweet tooth is sure to thank you for.

Book Your Newport Beach Getaway Today

Make more of every moment in Newport Beach when you book your vacation rental through the team of property professionals at Burr White Realty. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting, inviting, and luxurious properties available. We’re happy to handle the details while you focus on the fun ahead. Our rentals keep visitors close to the places they simply can’t wait to explore while incorporating the best of style, luxury, and comfort into the experience as well. We look forward to hearing from you soon and welcoming you to Newport Beach in the name of vacation fun!

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