The California coastline is no stranger to wealthy beach towns, especially in places like Santa Barbara, Malibu, or Laguna Beach.
Then there’s Newport Beach, which stands out as one of the country's most expensive cities by median home price, according to a study by Property Shark. All six of its residential zip codes ranked among the top 100 most expensive places in the United States.
While that might make it difficult to live in Newport, that doesn’t mean you have to rely on an inheritance to vacation there.
Newport has excellent dining, lodging, and shopping to suit all budgets, as well as wide stretches of golden beaches, a quaint amusement park, and a charming harbor—all the makings of a quintessential California beach getaway.
As a SoCal-based traveler always in search of the perfect beach-town weekend, here’s how I’d spend one in Newport when I want to feel like a million bucks without spending it.
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Day 1: Pick a Hotel That Makes You Feel Like a VIP
The right hotel sets the tone for your entire trip, and when you want to feel like a Newport high roller, there are plenty of good choices. Of course, many come with a price tag to match.
I think Vea Newport Beach strikes the right balance, being upscale yet approachable to the average traveler. For one, it’s part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, so if you’re thinking of visiting during peak season, you can always redeem your Bonvoy points for a stay if the nightly cash rate is too steep. Even when it’s pricey, I find it comparable to other four-star hotels in the area, and you’ll find the best prices midweek or during the shoulder seasons (fall and spring are still quite warm and enjoyable in Newport).
Plus, it’s a stunner. An oculus waterfall welcomes you into the lavish entrance, complemented by stylish interiors that blend midcentury and coastal elegance, from the airy lobby to contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and gleamingly modern bathrooms.
The hotel also has a spa, fitness center, and programming ranging from evening concerts to chef pop-ups and wellness classes, but to me, the standout is the 85-foot infinity-edge pool. Flanked by a statement-making poolside bar with an overhead screen projecting videos of fish swimming, I recommend beginning your trip here, elevated further with a cabana rental.
During the week, rates start at around $200, which is pretty reasonable considering they can fit (and be split among) up to six people, include a food and beverage credit, and come decked out with plush seating, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, wireless internet and charging, and dedicated waitstaff. Reserving one will make you instantly feel like a VIP without shelling out an outrageous amount.
Once you’ve lounged and swum to your heart’s content, head across the street to Fashion Island for dinner. This outdoor shopping mall is home to well over 100 stores, including many designer and luxury brands that are fun to peruse, even if just from the window.
You’ll also find lots of restaurants, including my pick, Telefèric Barcelona. Founded in Barcelona in 1992, the brand's first Orange County outpost serves authentic tapas, paellas, and excellent sangria. You really can’t go wrong here, but I can’t stop thinking about the 38-month-cured Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and Mixta Paella.
Day 2: Water and Amusements
With a relaxing pool day under your belt, it’s time to get on the water in a different way.
Start by having breakfast next to it at Lighthouse Café, a pretty restaurant serving coastal cuisine on the Balboa Peninsula. It’s a great spot for all-day dining; however, I gravitate to brunch as I love to watch the boats pass by in the harbor while sipping my coffee and tucking into chilaquiles, fluffy pancakes, or the cinnamon sugar beignets.
Follow with a boat ride of your own, and thankfully, you don’t need to know someone with a yacht to do so. Instead, rent your own ride with Duffy Electric Boats.
Created in 1966, when Marshal “Duffy” Duffield mounted a golf cart motor on a motorboat in Newport Harbor, the Duffy Electric Boat is California-made and comes equipped with a canopy top, an optional window enclosure, and a hookup to play your own music. The boats are easy to drive without experience (though you must be 21 or older), can accommodate up to 12 people, and can be rented for 2- to 4-hour periods. It’s my favorite way to take in the harbor and enjoy front-row views of all the waterfront mansions.
After you dock, stop at the Balboa Fun Zone, which, at 90 years old, is one of Southern California's oldest coastal amusement areas.
Today, there are boardwalk rides like a trampoline jump, a climbing tree, a high-powered swing, and a Ferris wheel, from which you can savor views over all of Newport. For a kitschy but fun souvenir, try your luck at the arcade to win a prize, and when you’re all done, grab an ice cream cone at Cowafornia for a well-rounded taste of nostalgia.
From there, it’s an easy stroll to the beach (Vea can send you off with beach chairs and umbrellas, and also shuttle you if you need a ride) to feel the warmth of the golden sands for yourself or book a surf lesson.
After a long day in the sun and water, I’d retreat to the hotel for dinner at their restaurant, View. The indoor-outdoor flow leading out to a terrace makes for a prime spot to watch the sunset, ideally coupled with their yellowfin tuna poke, hearty lobster roll, or smashed Wagyu burger.
Day 3: Bid Goodbye on Balboa
For your last day, take your time before making your way to Balboa Island.
Sandwiched inside Newport Bay, the man-made island dates back to the early 1900s and is now known for its strollable core, scenic paths, and iconic frozen banana treats—“Arrested Development” fans, anyone?
Meander around, admiring the beachy homes, with pit stops at Balboa Candy, which feels like stepping into a bygone era, or at Balboa Island Baking Company for a fresh-baked cinnamon roll. Should you find yourself lingering ‘til dinner, Basilic Restaurant is an intimate, romantic 24-seat spot led by Chef Bernard Althaus, who opened the doors in 1997.
You can get there by car, but it’s more fun to take the Balboa Island Ferry at least one way. In operation since 1919, cash-only fares are just $1 to $2 per pedestrian, depending on age, or $3 for a vehicle with a driver. The ride takes only a couple of minutes and is a lovely way to drink up Newport’s salty air while dreaming up a return visit.
The Shortcut
Newport Beach is known as one of the wealthiest towns in the U.S., but it’s also an accessible vacation destination for all, with excellent hotels, restaurants, and atmospheric activities like boat rentals, amusement park rides, and a quaint island.
A stay at Vea feels like you’re at a five-star resort at a four-star price, and cabana rentals at the pool elevate stays even further without going into debt.
You’ll find reasonably priced meals that still feel like fine dining at Lighthouse Café, Telefèric Barcelona, and Basilic Restaurant.
