Is it just us or is online holiday shopping starting to feel a bit heartless?

More than ever, we’re feeling compelled to do our holiday shopping IRL. Not only does it feel good to shop local, but it’s also a sure-fire way to find unique and special gifts. Thankfully, Newport Beach is chock full of the cutest boutiques and home goods stores, making this town our go-to destination for finding those one-of-a-kind gifts for those hard-to-get people in our lives.

Gifts for Him, Her, Host, Co-Worker, Nephew, Frenemy: Seaside Gallery and Goods has something for everyone!

A collective of various artists and designers, Seaside Gallery and Goods is probably the most unique and comprehensive shop we’ve been in. It’s filled to the brim with items ranging from clothes to jewelry to art to candles to makeup to – you get the idea. We go here when we’re short on time and finding a gift TODAY is non-negotiable!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF SEASIDE GALLERY & GOODS

For the Gen Z-er in Your Life, Head to Daydream Surf Shop!

This warehouse turned surf/coffee shop hybrid is the epitome of cool. The items that line the shelves are beautiful and appealing to anyone’s standards, which makes this place one of our favorites when needing to find a gift. If you have any youngins in your life who appreciate the latest trends in fashion and home decor, you gotta pick up their gift here. If you do, we guarantee you’ll be their new favorite person

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DAYDREAM SURF SHOP 

The Ladies in Your Life will Love Everything from Etc. Etc!

Etc. Etc. is as charming as the tree-lined main street it’s located on! The purveyors of this shop fill the racks with coastal fashion that’s simultaneously chic and playful. Whether it’s their sweaters embroidered with cheeky messages or their gorgeous woven beach bags, whatever treasure you snag here will surely be a top gift of the season. That’s assuming, though, that you don’t end up keeping the gifts for yourself…

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ETC. ETC.

Shop Green at The Lab Anti Mall!

Okay, fine. The Lab isn’t located in Newport, but we love this place so much we’ll drive to it any day of the week for some nop-notch shopping. What makes this place so beloved to any serious Orange County shopper is this outdoor mall’s dedication to local and sustainable shopping. The A Store, for example, offers accessible art consignment, so you can gift uniquely and affordably. In the same complex is Plant Matter, a gorgeous shop featuring robust indoor plants, so you can gift green this holiday season!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LAB ANTI MALL

Sorry – Couldn’t Choose Our Favorite Shop in Lido Marina Village!

The Lido Marina Village is teeming with so many fabulous shopping spots, we couldn’t pick a favorite! The small brick road that runs through this bayfront shopping center is lined with chic coastal lifestyle brands like Jenni Kayne, Clare V, Faherty, and Minnow. We go here when we want to gift that easeful Southern California style. Meanwhile, Le Labo, Aesop, and Cos Bar deliver internationally-acclaimed beauty products that make for killer stocking stuffers. This shopping village even has a boutique bookstore that curates a collection of children’s books, coffee table hardbacks, and bougie magazines like Barnes and Noble never could.

With so many shopping destinations in and around Newport Beach, you’ll need a place to rest your head! Check out our favorite vacation homes that come fully-stocked for all your seasonal celebrations!

RENT A VACATION HOME
FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

It’s common knowledge that Newport Beach goes way over the top for the holidays.

Perhaps it’s to make up for the lack of snow and non-existent winter weather. Whatever the reason, we are NOT complaining, because Newport Beach’s annual holiday activities bring a tidal wave of holiday spirit like no snow day ever could!

Newport Beach’s Christmas Boat Parade is the premier event of the year!

The Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach is a nautical spectacle like you’ve never seen! For the whole month of December, the entire Newport Beach harbor lights up with Christmas decorations galore on every yacht, sailboat, and dinghy. Locals and tourists gather on the docks and bayside beaches to cheer on the boats as they glide past blaring music, holiday well-wishes, and even fake snow!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PARADE INFO

You’ve Never Seen Homes so Bedecked with Holiday Glitz!

Not to be outshone by the Boat Parade, the entirety of Balboa Island plasters itself with its own holiday decor during an island-wide lights competition. Visitors are encouraged to walk the perimeter of the island (accessed by a flat pathway that makes a 1.5 mile loop). You’re guaranteed to encounter animatronic Santas, elves, and reindeer as well as fake snow, carolers, and the most beautifully decorated homes you’ve ever seen.

The Food Scene in Newport Beach Has Gone Totally Bonkers for Christmas!

It’s a little ridiculous how many of our local restaurants unveil a special winter menu for the month of December. And hey, we’re not complaining. But please don’t ask us to pick our favorite holiday specials. Whether it’s breakfast at Rye Goods, with their fresh baked goods featuring warm spices and seasonal fruits, lunch at the beautiful Farmhouse, with their seasonal farm-to-table menu, or dinner at Fable and Spirit, with an evolving menu that always seems to outdo itself, mind-boggling cuisine is served on every corner of town!

The Holiday Boutique at Roger’s Gardens is not to be Missed!

The purveyors of Roger’s Gardens are perfectly accustomed to folks visiting their boutique just to sightsee. In fact, the Holiday Boutique at this multi-acre garden store is more like an installation than a store. With room upon room of one-of-a-kind ornaments, holiday home decor, and a forest of the freshest Douglas firs around, Roger’s Gardens is every local’s one-stop shop for their decorating needs.

Frolic through the Miles of Lights and Holiday Cheer at OC’s Night of Lights!

A slightly newer Orange County tradition, Night of Lights is the perfect evening activity for any group or family. This year, they’re continuing their drive-thru immersive experience, where you will be dazzled by the larger-than-life set pieces and tunnels from the comfort of your car. Along with the drive thru, Night of Lights also features a 150 foot ice tubing slide, strolling holiday characters, and a whole Christmas collection of surprises. 

Newport’s Neighbors are Festive, too!

On top of all the local festivities, Newport is a 15-20 minute drive from some of Southern California’s most iconic holiday events. If your family hasn’t been to Disneyland during the holidays, book your tickets NOW! Main Street is decked out in garland, lights, and baubles of ornaments while the Disney team unveils special parades and performances just for the holidays! Meanwhile, down the Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach also hosts their holiday extravaganza, Winter Fantasy. Tucked back in the eucalyptus trees, an entire artisan village transforms into Santa’s workshop incarnate. With row upon row of exquisite and unique goods for sale, along with enchanting live music and food vendors, you and your family will be transported to a winter wonderland in sunny California.

With so much to do in and around Newport Beach, you’ll need a place to rest your head! Check out our favorite vacation homes that come fully-stocked for all your seasonal shenanigans!

RENT A VACATION HOME
FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Want to get out of the zip code for the holidays? We’ve found that renting a Thanksgiving vacation home in Newport Beach is particularly special because the town has activities for everyone – from your grandma to your tik-toking teens.

We’re highlighting five of our favorite Newport Beach vacation homes that are perfect large gatherings where people are looking to chow down! These vacation rentals come with ample seating, comfy lounge areas, and spacious kitchens, because hey, you’ll need room to cook, room to eat, and room to nap off the food-coma.

6-Bedroom Bohemoth at

4412 Seashore Drive #B

When we think of large family gatherings, we think of this top-level beach house. The gargantuan kitchen allows everyone to get involved in the baking and cooking – no excuses! And the open floor plan that leads from the kitchen to the living room to the front deck means everyone can hang out at the same time! Or, retreat to any of the 6 bedrooms, with their king sized beds, perfect for taking a cat nap between meals!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Celebrate Turkey Day in Style

at 112 30th St #A 

This home encourages guests to enjoy the best part of Newport Beach: that year-round mild weather! No chilly fall weather here!  Open up the front glass doors and let the sea breeze drift in. (And go ahead, flick on the fireplace for make-believe Fall ambiance – it’s what all the locals do!). With three bedrooms, you and your kids can enjoy the holidays in comfort. And two ovens is always a good idea when a turkey needs roasting and the cookies need baking!

Local insight: 1/2 block from the boardwalk means a quieter neighborhood for the ultimate R&R experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Enjoy Ocean Views with the Whole Family

at 109 34th St. #B

If you have a lot of teens in tow with you this Thanksgiving, this is the vacation home for you. The third-floor level is the perfect kids hangout area, with futon beds, a tv, and easy access to the deck, so the siblings and cousins can hangout parent-free. It also brings the nightly occupancy up to 13! The adults, meanwhile, can enjoy the large deck that has a terrific view of the beach and ocean. We see Thanksgiving al fresco in this home – and why not – when you have a view this good?

Our favorite feature: Two car parking, which is basically a unicorn on the peninsula!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Lots To Be Thankful For  

at 114 40th St. #A 

Sometimes, it’s nice to have that home-away-from-home feeling when vacationing over the holidays. This Newport Beach vacation home’s spacious and tasteful accommodations allow guests to settle in like they would at their own homes, while still maintaining that extra level of “special” you want from your vacation. The fully-stocked kitchen, two separate outdoor seating areas, and the beach just four houses away make this home one of our favorites for a holiday getaway.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

This Thanksgiving Rental Takes the Cake
@ 2805 W. Balboa Blvd. #B 

Built and completed just this year, this 5-star stunner will sweep you off your feet and straight into vacation mode! It features all of the modern and top-of-the-line amenities for a Thanksgiving that includes a dash of luxury and a heaping portion of comfort. The beach is mere steps away for family romps on the sand before ending the day around the top deck fire. With four bedrooms and four baths, everyone has their own space and privacy, which in our opinion, is a guaranteed way to keep everyone happy! And if you want to invite the cousins, there’s a sister suite right next door which doubles the guest list!

Local insight: No car needed here! You’re a 3-minute walk from the Newport Pier – a local hot spot for coffee shops, restaurants, and bars!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Can’t visit over Thanksgiving Break? Book for another long weekend! Click here for a whole list of October activities that make Newport Beach the epicenter of Fall fun.

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
RENTAL PROPERTIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Food festivals, film festivals, music festivals, oktoberfests, and Halloween frights are all happening during a five-weekend extravaganza we like to call October in Newport Beach!

We cannot wait to fill our social calendar to the brim with events we’ve been waiting for since 2020! Take a peek, week by week, at the craziness that is October 2021 in Newport!

The Great Pacific Air Show:

Oct 1-3

3-2-1 blast off! The Great Pacific Air Show is back and better than ever! A weekend of live music, food, and most importantly, aerial shows is taking place right on the sand in Huntington Beach! A fleet of US military planes twist, dip, and dive over the Pacific Ocean while we all ooh and ahh! 

LEARN MORE HERE

The Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival: Oct 2 & 3

Dig into some delectable bites crafted by some of the top celebrity chefs in the world. We’re talking TV personalities like Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes and Cake Masters and Aaron Sanchez from Chopped and MasterChef. Tickets give you access to live demonstrations, master sommelier tasting panels, and of course, course after course of delicious foods and drinks.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Lobster Season Has Arrived!

The Deliciousness Begins October 6th

It’s finally lobster season! Get those bibs around your neck and dig into California Spiny lobster, a delicious, buttery variety of lobster found right off our coast! Pearson’s Port is our favorite place to grab fresh caught lobster. It’s a family-run operation that’s based right on the water in the cutest bayfront shack you ever did see! And oh boy! A lobster dinner from Pearson’s is a dinner you’ll never forget!

Backhausdance: Garden Flow at the Sherman Library & Gardens on Oct 16th

One of our favorite places to unwind in Newport Beach is Sherman Library & Gardens, a picture-perfect site that curates beautiful gardens and displays. In October, their residency of dancers will perform a site-specific contemporary dance in and around the gardens. We simply cannot wait to behold the beauty and splendor in this immersive experience! We recommend getting your tickets pronto though, because the 2:00pm show is already sold out!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

The Newport Beach Film Festival: October 21-28

This way for red carpets! Hollywood touches down in Newport Beach for a week-long festival featuring the freshest talent in film! Documentaries, dramas, comedies, student films, future Oscar-winning features fill the itinerary as do talk-backs and afterparty soirees. It’s glamorous and oh so entertaining! This year’s program is still to be announced, but when it is, we know we will be seated in the front row in our finest evening wear chowing down on a big ‘ol bag of popcorn.

GET MORE INFO HERE

Boo Ha Ha: A Haunted Oktoberfest on Oct 29 & 30

The Orange County Fairgrounds are getting spooky and boozy for this year’s Halloween weekend! Tickets include 3 hours of unlimited beer tastings, live music, food vendors, and lots and lots of costumes!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Get Spooked All. Month. Long.

If you want to experience Halloween NOW, head to the Cabinet of Curiosities at Roger’s Gardens. They have room upon room to spook, thrill, and charm you. Tour Dracula’s Dining Hall, the Mummy’s Tomb, and Frankenstein’s Laboratory. These rooms are over the top and are sure to douse you in the holiday spooky spirit.

And if epic thrills are what you’re looking for, some of the scariest and most festive Halloween destinations are just a short drive from Newport Beach. Knott’s Scary Farm, Disneyland, and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are all within an hour from town. These immersive theme parks will keep your knees shaking all night long.

Tucked away in Orange County is the land of beer and pretzels. The Old World in Huntington Beach is a must-visit during October. These Oktoberfest die-hards serve steins of beer and a bounty of bratwurst all month long. Family nights are Wednesday, Thursdays, and Sundays, while folks 21+ can get their Oktoberfest on every Friday and Saturday night through Halloween.

Don’t get spooked with all the things to do in Newport Beach this October! Take a deep breath and stay for a long weekend! Newport Beach has tons of great vacation homes for rent that are close to the action! Find the perfect place right here!

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
FAVORITE FALL RENTAL PROPERTIES

We want a drink and we don’t want to pay a million dollars for it. Newport Beach is the land of lounge and leisure for many a reason – one of which is the town’s skill for hosting an excellent happy hour.

But with so many places to grab a drink and unwind with friends, which spot do you choose? As lifelong locals, we have our favorite happy hours in town for three specific reasons: their value, quality, and ambiance. Because let’s be real: life’s too short for soggy fries and subpar well drinks.

@cannery_newport

It’s Happy Hour in the Jellyfish Lounge! 

The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific

Wednesday – Saturday 4:00-6:00pm

Sundays 3:30-6:00pm

Ascend the gorgeous steps of the iconic Cannery Seafood of the Pacific and enter a happy hour haven. Every seat in the Jellyfish Lounge overlooks the bay and every item on the happy hour menu is just as incredible as the next. Will it be the $5 shisito peppers or garlic fries with yuzu cilantro aioli? Then there’s the fresh fish, sushi rolls, and sashimi to consider. On top of that, all drinks – cocktails, wine, and beer – are $2 cheaper to keep the evening festive (and affordable). 

CLICK HERE for the full menu

@thebluebeet

Groovy, Gritty, & with a Gorgeous View!

The Blue Beet

Monday – Friday 2:00-6:00pm

Smack dab in the middle of the Newport pier area is The Blue Beet, a funky bar and music venue beloved by any true blue Newport local. Their nightly food special is unreal (still don’t know how they only charge $17 for their Thursday night prime rib) and their venue is fun yet down-to-earth. When there isn’t a band playing a bluesy set, their third floor patio is where it’s at. With the view of the ocean and a $6 happy hour menu, there’s honestly not a better place to be on this planet. There’s even a happy hour food menu for kids! So bring the fam, drink a beer, and soak up the good life in Newport Beach.

CLICK HERE for the menu 

@lidomarinavillage

Nobu Takes Happy Hour to the Next Level

Nobu

Monday – Thursday 5:00-7:00pm

Newport Beach got a whole lot fancier when Nobu arrived on the scene. Acclaimed Chef Nobu is known for curating an immaculate dining experience by serving the freshest, most inspired sushi around. Luckily for us, this top-of-the-line restuarant offers a happy hour, called Tanoshi Hour, that gives diners the chance to try this caliber of sushi without the hefty price tag. Sit in the chic dining room located on the Lido Marina Village waterfront and sip on specialty cocktails while savoring cold and hot offerings ranging from $9-$14. We promise this will be a happy hour you’ll never forget.

CLICK HERE for the Tanoshi Menu 

@harborsiderestaurantnb

Views & Brews on the Bayfront

The Harborside Restaurant

7 days/week 12:00pm-6:00pm

There’s something to said for a classic happy hour menu – we’re talking mac n’ cheese, french fries, tacos, the works. The Harborside Pavilion not only provides Happy Hour favorites up the wazoo, but they are also located in the historic and b-e-a-utiful Balboa Pavilion built in 1906. It doesn’t take too long to realize that there’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer while watching the sailboats float by. The Harborside boasts the longest happy hour on the peninsula, and you know what? Thank goodness, because there’s no better place to experience the heart and soul of Newport Beach!

CLICK HERE for the menu

Want more of our favorite Newport Beach dining destinations? CLICK HERE for those local, hole-in-the-wall favorites you won’t even find on Yelp! But boy are they delicious!

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
VACATION RENTAL PROPERTIES

Enough’s enough. You don’t have to suffer through another freezing winter when it’s so easy to escape to the beach!

In fact, Newport Beach is the #1 snow bird destination on the West Coast. The weather is mild, the food is fantastic, and there are some gorgeous vacation homes for rent that provide the comforts of home with the conveniences of vacation. Check out a few of the internet’s favorite long-term vacation homes in Newport Beach!

A Chic Couple’s Getaway at

110 30th Street #A

This beauty is now available for 30-night minimum Newport Beach getaways! And fall and winter availability is wide open, so get busy booking! Not only does the entire downstairs unit open up to the SoCal sun, but it also is only three homes from the sand!

Local Insight: No car needed here! You’ll be living right at the sweet spot in town, within easy walking distance to restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and shopping! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Unwind on This Unbeatable Rooftop Deck

at 1605 W Balboa:

You don’t have to break the bank with this affordable long-term vacation rental! Available for 30 nights or longer, this small upper unit is a treasure for folks who want to be within walking distance to all of Newport’s waterways! Both beach and bay are just 100 steps away. And  can we talk about this deck? It’s the crown jewel of the unit – you’ll never want to go inside with views like these and perfect weather to boot!

Our favorite features: In-unit laundry and your very own parking spot – game changers on the peninsula!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Bayfront Views with Total Privacy at

1911 E Bay

Available for stays of 30 nights or more, the vacation home of our dreams is located on the exclusive and private Peninsula Point. It’s waterfront, 4 bed/5 bath, and it has aaaall the amenities – both practical and just-for-fun frivolous. 

Picture it: working from home on the front deck. Hosting family for the holidays in that colossal kitchen. All while the sailboats float past your windows.

Our favorite feature: Where to begin? How about this: do yourself a favor and take the photo tour of this home with the link below. It’s simply fabulous.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

The longer you stay, the more money you save at

126 40th Street #B 

While not specifically a long-term vacation rental, this upstairs beach home is available all fall and winter. Scoop it up for a month-long stay – you won’t be sorry! Newly remodeled, this home is right in the heart of the Newport Peninsula and comes fully-stocked, so you’ll immediately feel right at home. And best of all, if you book for 30 nights or more, you will save 10% by foregoing Newport’s tax on short term rentals. That’s a pretty penny that goes straight to your pocket! Think of all the fish tacos you could eat with that!

Our favorite feature: The three bedroom layout makes this a hosting heaven! A long weekend with the grandkids or book club gals is mandatory!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

A Quiet Apartment for Two at

929 W Bay Ave #B 

If you’re looking to escape crowds as well as the cold, we recommend a vacation rental like this cutie. Tucked away on the bayside of the peninsula, this home is comfy, quiet, and completely outfitted from top to tail with all your household necessities. Step out of your door, and you’ll be greeted with the calm waters of the bay. But don’t be fooled – there’s still plenty to see and do in this location. Morning walks, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and fishing can all be done the minute you step outside your door. 

Local tip: Rent a couple of beach cruisers from Beachview Bikes! They drop off and pick up right to your front door!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

You’re in luck! There’s still a ton of perfectly private and peaceful vacation homes available for the Fall and Winter months! And if you’re still unconvinced that Newport Beach is the place to spend your fall and winter, read our treatise on why, by clicking HERE. 

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
FALL & WINTER RENTAL PROPERTIES

@sawdustartfestival

September 1-5: Labor Day Activities

One of the most popular times to come to Newport Beach is during Labor Day. The weather is pristine and the summer-long events are taking their final bow.

Sawdust Art Festival & Pageant of the Masters

If you’re in town for the holiday weekend, consider taking a drive down PCH to explore the Sawdust Art Festival. This outdoor event is for all you lovers of art, craftsmanship, and music. From glass blowing to textiles to sculpture – it’s all here under the eucalyptus trees! $10 for adults and $5 for kids gets you access to the work of over 150 artists, live music, live demonstrations, and an ambience like no other.

Make it a full day excursion with tickets to the Pageant of the Masters, happening right across the street. This annual favorite transforms art into gigantic LIVE renderings that will blow your mind! Shows are performed nightly under the stars in beautiful Laguna Beach. It’s the perfect excursion for the whole family. Yes. Your kids will love this, too!

Sawdust Art Festival

Pageant of the Masters

Get in the Groove with World-Famous Pink Martini

Be sure to pack a pair of heels and your hottest shade of lipstick, because Pink Martini is live in concert Labor Day weekend! Composed of a dozen musicians whose songs cover 25 languages, Pink Martini is sure to deliver the funkiest night of your musical dreams. And the Segerstrom venue is to die-for – just a 15 minute drive from the peninsula, too!

Pink Martini tickets

@theshermangardens

September 1 & 11: Got the Guts to Grow an Edible Garden?

Backyard edible gardens are all the rage, but if you’re anything like us, the idea of building a raised bed garden to rival the ones on Instagram is highly intimidating. The folks at Sherman Library and Gardens will calm your qualms and give you some fun ideas for growing food in a small space. For $60, you and your family of up to 6 will get expert tips and tricks on home gardening AND you’ll take home your own plant babies. Imagine – a whole family with green thumbs!!

Sherman Library & Gardens

@lobsterfestatnb

September 12: It’s Time for Lobster Fest!!

Eat, drink and be merry at Newport Beach’s lobster fest! Whole Maine lobster is flown in fresh on the morning of the event and prepared on site along with boiled shrimp and clams, red potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, salads, freshly baked rolls, and dessert. While feasting, you will enjoy live entertainment by local’s favorite The Pinch Me! Band. Oh, and best of all, proceeds go to charity! Talk about a win, win!

Lobster Fest Newport Beach

@sandcastlecontest

September 26: The Most Action-Packed Sunday in all the Land

This is a Sunday for the books. And honestly, we don’t know which event to choose. But if you can manage to go to all of them, you’re one fierce vacationer.

59th Annual Sandcastle Contest

These are not your typical sandcastles made with a bucket and shovel. Your eyes simply won’t believe that these works of art are made of sand. But once you see the bulldozers, tools, gadgets, and artists required to construct these castles, you’ll understand that sandcastle-building is a serious and jaw-dropping enterprise. We can’t wait to see what the artists will do with this year’s theme of “Explore the World!”

Sandcastle Contest

The Balboa Island Art Walk

Soak up every last drop of your Sunday with an art crawl on the beautiful Balboa Island. With over a mile of live music and 100 artists, you’ll see everything from fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. We can’t think of a more picturesque place to spend the day!

The Balboa Island Art Walk

Concert on the Green

But don’t stop now! You still have an outdoor concert to get to! On the sprawling lawn of city hall, jam out to SantanaWays, an electrifying latin and blues rock band that pays homage to the music of Santana. Admission is free, but you’re in charge of bringing your own blanket and chairs. SantanaWays will bring the festivities!

Concert Information

Think this itinerary is action-packed? We’re only getting started! 

Check out our curated list of the best freebies in town to do with family. And while you’re at it, how about a super-central, squeaky clean vacation home? If you stay on the peninsula, you’re just a short walk to all of the best sites and bites in the city!

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
SEPTEMBER RENTAL PROPERTIES

The best things in life are free – and these 9 totally free Newport Beach activities are proof!

Create forever memories with your whole family without having to swipe your credit card! Check out our favorite ways to save a buck and have a ball in Newport Beach!

@itsleeannmarie

1. Build a Beach Bonfire!

Whether you like your marshmallows burnt to a crisp or toasted to a tan, you gotta spend an evening around one of Newport’s fire pits. 

You can find ’em at the Balboa Pier and at Little Corona on a first-come-first-served basis. They’re free to use and will give you a front row seat to sunsets over the Pacific. So pack up a cooler and beach blanket, eat your weight in hot dogs, and sing a song or two around the fire. We promise you: your evening will be lit 😉 

2. Explore the Tidepools!

The tidepools at Crystal Cove State Park are great for getting your family off the phones and straight into nature.

Just a 10 minutes drive from the Newport Peninsula, the tidepools are home to sea cucumbers, sea anemones, crabs, and fish of all shapes and sizes. Be sure to bring your appetite and grab a bite at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack or The Beachcomber Cafe after your day of adventuring.

3. Romp and Relax at Marina Park

There’s something for everyone at this state-of-the-art park!

An expansive complex of basketball courts, outdoor gyms, and a larger-than-life playground right on the Newport Harbor, this 10.5 acre park has activities at the ready for all ages. There’s even an delicious cafe located in a make-believe lighthouse that serves delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with an interrupted view of the water. 

@kentmonro

4. Delightful Delicacies at the Dory Fish Market!

Crab & sea urchin, anyone?

Sneak a peek at the fishmongers at work with their daily catch at the Dory Fishing Fleet & Market. Founded in 1891, this fish market will whisk you back to yesteryear, with its wooden boardwalk lined with stalls filled with fresh fish. But you gotta get here early! It’s typical for the day’s catch to be sold out by 6am! Talk about the early bird catching the worm!

5. Boatloads of Fun at the Balboa Fun Zone 

See what all the fuss is about!

Newport’s most beloved landmark, the Fun Zone is a flash of color, games, and family fun. Fly on the ferris wheel or compete for a bushel of tickets at the arcade. It’s here you can take a ferry to Balboa Island or embark on a whale watching adventure. With so much activity teeming at the Fun Zone, you’ll be entertained just by strolling through the mayhem.

@thepicnic.collective

6. Picnic n’ Play at Pirate’s Cove!

X marks the spot at this treasured picnic spot!

Just west of Corona del Mar State Beach, Pirate’s Cove is an instagrammer’s heaven, with picturesque views and photo ops everywhere you turn. This small cove is the best place to picnic in Newport Beach, because of its privacy and stunning views. It’s also great for beach days with small kids, since the waves here simply lap onto the shore.

7. Listen to Live Music at Lido Marina Village!

Unwind on the deck and look cool doing it!

One of the chicest shopping centers in Newport is right on the bay and now features live music on their waterfront deck. Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00-3:00pm, sit back, relax, and sip on something refreshing as California tunes float through the breeze. There’s also a ton of great shopping and dining options at Lido Marina Village, like Malibu Farms, Aesop, and Jenni Kayne.

8. Romp on the Beach with your Pup!

Kids…puppies…they’re all welcome in Newport Beach!

Dogs are invited on any of the city’s 10 miles of beaches before 9:00am or after 4:30pm. As long as your dog is leashed, your pup can romp and play all they’d like! (Currently, there is an unofficial dog beach at the Newport Beach River Jetties where dogs play together lease-free at all times of the day – check it out at your own discretion). The Newport Beach boardwalk, which stretches from one end of the Balboa Peninsula to the other, though, is always open to dogs. 

@ninathefinn

9. Hike Through Newport’s Nature Preserve! 

Newport Beach has some of the most picturesque and accessible trails and pathways for enjoying Mother Nature at her finest.

One of our go-to’s is the Back Bay Nature Preserve. With over 10.5 miles of wide paths and little elevation change, these coastal wetlands are perfect for exploring with the whole family on foot or on bike. You’re also guaranteed to spot the many migratory birds and local wildflowers teeming at every turn. 

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With a boatload of free outdoor adventuring at your fingertips, Newport Beach is the #1 family destination in SoCal!

Stay for a long weekend or work from paradise in one of the 1,500 vacation homes located right on the Newport peninsula. Here are some of our favorite vacation rentals that serve some real home-away-from-home comfort and convenience.

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
FALL RENTAL PROPERTIES

There. We said it. 

San Diego. Santa Barbara. Monterey. Malibu. California has some spectacular beaches. But Newport Beach ranks #1 for a whole onslaught of reasons.

There’s a lot more happening in this small town than desperate housewives and botox. Here’s why you should stop your hmm-ing and haw-ing and head to Newport Beach for your next beach vacation!

No Car Needed in Newport! 

Is it truly a vacation if you have to get in the car every time you want to do something? We don’t think so.

In Newport Beach, all of the best restaurants, beaches, and shopping are within easy walking distance on Newport’s peninsula. Cruise along the boardwalk that stretches along the beach from one end of town to the other. That’s how all the locals do it! It makes for great people-watching and the roads are flat, so this way of life is accessible for everyone! It’s just too easy to ditch the car keys and step right into that vacation state of mind in Newport.

RENT YOUR OWN BEACH CRUISER HERE

A Beach Break for Everyone!

Have you ever set out on a beach trip only to find rough water and rocky coastline? Who can enjoy a beach day in those conditions??

In Newport Beach, there are over 10 miles of coastline that are pristine and family-friendly. No matter what time of year you visit, the sand is soft and the waves are tame, which makes boogie-boarding a breeze and sun-tanning a joy.  

Other beach cities along California’s coast contend with unwelcomed water creatures, rough shorebreak waves, and uncomfortable rocks that hurt bare feet when walking on the sand and in the water. Newport Beach, on the other hand, is a bonafide beach paradise.

And if waves aren’t your thing, don’t forget about the nearly 30 square miles of harbor from which to paddle, kayak, or cruise on an electric boat. There’s a waterway for everyone here!

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE BEACH BREAKDOWN

A Vacation For Your Wallet

Newport Beach has some sky-high property values. But that hasn’t affected how easy it is to have a budget-friendly vacation in Newport!

Compared to places like Santa Barbara and Monterey, vacationing in Newport Beach is practically a steal! There are tons of mom and pop restaurants (you could also call them hole-in-the-walls) that locals love to haunt for their delicious menus at divine prices.

The litany of activities to do in town are often outdoors and 100% free (bonfires, hiking, tidepools, etc). And vacation rentals are dirt cheap compared to similar beach towns in the area (ahem – we’re looking at you, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica!). Perhaps this is why thousands upon thousands of families visit Newport Beach every year for vacations that pile on the happy memories without piling on the hefty bills.

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Beyond the Beach: Activities and Shopping Galore!

If you think Newport Beach is just for the outdoorsy types, think again. It’s also the gateway to some of the best shopping, eating, and entertainment in all of California (Los Angeles be damned!).

With Newport Beach as your home base, visitors have easy access to all the best day excursions: Disneyland, Big Bear mountain, Palm Desert, Legoland, and yes, even Los Angeles. Or keep it local and explore the posh and coastal shopping scene of Lido Marina Village or Fashion Island.

You’ll also have some of the most sought-after restaurants right here in town, like Nobu, Malibu Farms, and Gracias Madre. Looking for some culture and entertainment? Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an entire complex dedicated to groundbreaking new theatrical and dance works as well as some of the latest hits from Broadway. In a nutshell, when staying in Newport, you’ll have all of the best brands and dining, without any of the hassle and headache of a major city.

CLICK HERE FOR BEACH-FREE ACTIVTIES

It’s Easy to Live Like a Local!

In the era of Airbnbs, it may seem funny to tout Newport Beach as the epicenter for vacation homes. But Newport Beach is one of the few beach towns in California that allows for a high number of short term rentals – over 1,500 of them!

This means you’ll have a range of options to choose from, all located on Newport’s central peninsula.

In neighboring towns, you’ll have to vy for the small handful of vacation homes, which all charge exorbitant prices, or settle for a hotel room, which can be even pricier! In Newport, you’ll have plenty to pick and choose from, whether you’re looking for a home to accommodate a large family, a girl’s weekend, or a quiet cottage for a couple’s getway. With so many options in Newport, it’s easy to pick the perfect place!

From luxury homes, beach bungalows, and everything in between, Newport has the perfect vacation home for your needs. Get booking today!

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SUMMER RENTAL PROPERTIES

Newport Beach has a reputation for being a lively town. So where do you stay when you want to get away from all of the hubbub?

For anyone looking to relax while on vacation, Newport Beach has plenty of spacious beaches, soothing vistas, and peaceful neighborhoods. You just need to know how to find them! Lucky for you, we’ve found five vacation homes in Newport Beach that are nestled in quiet, sleepy streets, guaranteeing a getaway with tons of R&R at one of the most beautiful beach towns in California!

Island Living Awaits at

447 Via Lido Soud

While 99% of vacation homes in Newport Beach are located on the Newport Peninsula, there’s a tiny few sprinkled in the more-residential parts of town. Lido Island is one of the poshest and most peaceful neighborhoods in Newport and that’s where this vacation rental is located! Bayfront and beautiful, this luxury single-family home will make you feel like you’ve died and landed in Europe. You’ll have three different patios from which to watch the sailboats cruise by, a state-of-the-art kitchen if you feel like slow Sunday breakfasts, and lovely seating areas throughout. 

 Local Insight: Don’t forget to explore Lido’s stratas – verdant walkways that criss-cross throughout the island – during your stay!

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A Beach Cottage for Easy, Breezy Days at

304 34th Street:

The quintessential beach house is in our midst and it’s located on the quietest strip of peninsula in Newport! Three blocks back from the beach, this three bedroom bungalow is bright, airy, and simple (in all the right ways). It’s practically made for family trips to the beach where you fill up the ice cooler and head to the sand during the day, fire up the grill on the patio at night, and gather round the living room for games in the evenings. It’s clean, quaint, and surrounded by long-term locals, so you can experience that authentic, easy-going Newport culture.

Our favorite feature: TWO garage parking spaces – a real gem on the peninsula!

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Escape to the Idyllic Balboa Island at

301 N Bay Front 

Balboa Island is as cute as they come, with idyllic beach homes whose residents run errands via golf carts. This particular Newport Beach vacation home opens up to the best feature of the island: uninterrupted waterfront views! Spacious, tastefully decorated, and thoughtfully appointed, soak up the sights of the bay from the large windows throughout every room. On this side of the island, you’ll be able to easily walk to Marine Ave, the main street in town lined with shopping, restaurants, and ice cream and coffee shops. But no fear: if you want to escape the tourist scene, your vacation home is situated on the quiet side of the island. 

Our favorite feature: A dream location for those who like to explore on foot! A small boardwalk circles the entirety of the island, for quiet morning and evening strolls.

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Bayfront Views with Total Privacy at

1911 E Bay

Available for stays of 30 nights or more, the vacation home of our dreams is located on the exclusive Peninsula Point. Upon arrival, you’ll be immediately drawn into the beautifully sunlit living areas which are the envy of interior designers everywhere. Between the divinely plush furnishings and the modern comforts and conveniences, prepare to experience the good life. But if it were up to us, we’d spend 100% of our time on the secluded bayfront garden patio sipping something bubbly while looking out onto the glorious Newport Harbor. 

 Our favorite feature: Where to begin? How about this: do yourself a favor and scroll through pictures of this home. It’s simply fabulous.

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It’s Just You and the Beach at

4905 Seashore Drive

This home is located on the notoriously lively peninsula, but before you write this one off, we think this home is the perfect spot for a private and peaceful vacation. For one thing, it’s located on 49th street, so you won’t have a busy boardwalk of bicycles and tourists streaming past your front door. Instead, walk out of your three-story stunner straight onto the sand. Voila! You have your own private beach. (Well, not exactly, but this portion of the peninsula is far less crowded than anywhere else, so you’ll basically have the beach to yourself). But oh my! You might not even want to leave this home – it’s that perfect! All three floors have a 180 degree view of the Pacific Ocean, where dolphins and whales travel past the coastline year round. It’s not a show to miss!

Our favorite feature: The third floor deck! Host the ultimate cocktail party or keep things casual on the grill. Either way, you’ll have an epic fireplace and infrared ceiling heaters to keep the festivities going once the sun goes down.

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These perfectly private and peaceful vacation homes are booked for the summer, but you don’t need to sweat it! Fall is by far the best time to visit Newport Beach! Don’t believe us? Check out our treatise on why Fall is the best time to hit the beach by clicking here.

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
FAVORITE FALL RENTAL PROPERTIES