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!

What’s more Californian than a breakfast burrito? 

These babies are practically a food group in Newport Beach and the local selection is – quite honestly – second to none. We’re talking crispy tortillas packed with all the fixin’s. Grab one for a post-surf pick-me-up or a grab-and-go feast. Don’t let the name fool you: breakfast burritos are absolutely an anytime-of-day meal!

Brand New on the Burrito Block! 

Super Panga may be brand new to Newport Beach, but it’s no stranger to the burrito game. Super Panga serves breakfast burritos all day long because it knows that there’s never a bad time for a giant tortilla loaded with egg and cheese. What we particularly love about Super Panga’s twist on the breakfast burrito is that they forgo breakfast meats. Instead, they include refried beans and guacamole. The result is consistency that’s soft and gooey throughout, which makes this dish a real treat.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SUPER PANGA

Even Yelp Doesn’t Know About this Local Hole-in-the-Wall

Carnitas La Villa isn’t fancy. It doesn’t post flashy pictures on Instagram. It isn’t on a main street in town. But there’s a clear reason why this hole-in-the-wall has been a local staple for decades. It just might be the best Mexican food in town. Order at the counter, watch the soccer game blaring on the TV, and dig into their homemade salsas and chips while you wait for one of the best burritos of your life. There’s something about the way they cook their eggs and potatoes for an added crispy texture. Oh – and the ratios. They just get em right. The perfect amount of bacon and cheese to compliment everything else. Don’t forget to heap on the salsa. That completes this burrito-shaped work of art.

 CLICK HERE FOR MORE CARNITAS LA VILLA

Casual Atmosphere, Serious Burrito Game Right on PCH

TidePoole’s is a young local hangout right on Pacific Coast Highway that is the perfect pit stop before a day at the beach. We recommend calling in your order to avoid the morning rush and picking up their Wakey Wakey breakfast burrito. You only have a two hour window (10am-noon) to order it, but this meal is worth setting an alarm for. They use top notch ingredients for a high brow burrito that’s only $11. We can’t decide if it’s the crispy hashbrowns or the bright salsa that really make this burrito pop. And if you want a tamer version of the Wakey Wakey, order their Sunrise Burrito, which includes egg whites and bell peppers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIDEPOOLE’S

Cookin’ Up Breakfast Burritos All Day, Every Day!

Did you know that $10 can buy happiness? Great Mex is where we take any out-of-town friends who are craving out-of-this-world Mexican food. There’s nothing health-conscious about this place. Breakfast burritos are served all day (7am-9pm) and good thing, too, because we always seem to crave a Great Mex burrito at the most unpredictable times. Our favorite is probably the Machaca breakfast burrito, which includes your choice of beef or chicken, and – this part is key – green peppers and onions for a breakfast fajita mashup in your mouth.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT MEX GRILL

Located in the Heart of Newport, This Burrito Joint Has Our Hearts

The Dory Deli has it all – amazing food, coffee, ambiance, a full bar, even monthly yoga. But the top four reasons we love Dory Deli are the four breakfast burritos they serve. They range from healthy to indulgent. Order yours with egg whites or their homemade cheese sauce or spicy chorizo or spinach and feta or caramelized onions…okay our mouths are watering! You can even order yours in a bowl, sans tortilla! It’s not a trip to Newport without visiting the Dory Deli, named after the Dory Fleet Fish Market a stone’s throw away at the historic Newport Pier. So go ahead and dig into your burrito of choice and then walk it off as you tour the nearby sights of Newport.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DORY DELI

Okay – we’re not total Neanderthals! Newport Beach has a ton of healthy eating options, too. So if you want to balance out that burrito with a smoothie or salad, CLICK HERE for delicious, fresh options in town. 

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
SUMMER RENTAL PROPERTIES

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

Balboa Island is Disneyland in town-form. There’s something for everyone on this idyllic little island in Newport Beach with a perimeter that stretches a mere 1.7 miles.

Boating, shopping, posing, savoring, you name it. But no matter what adventures you get yourself into, Balboa Island will sweep you off your feet and send you straight to yesteryear, with a pace and ambiance unlike anything we’ve experienced this side of the 1950’s.

Ditch the Car. You’re on Island Time!

Just getting onto the island is a whimsical adventure in and of itself. A 3-car ferry from the 1940’s shuttles cars, bikes, pedestrians, and any sea-faring dogs from the main Newport peninsula, across the harbor, and onto the island. The ferry ride takes no more than 5 minutes and only costs a few bucks. If you prefer to avoid water, there is a bridge you can drive across with a picture-worthy view of the canals on the backside of the island. Once you’re on the island, we suggest parking in the first spot you find, as parking can be tricky. In fact, most residents either walk or ride in golf carts to their daily errands. Once on foot, we highly suggest taking a stroll along the boardwalk that wraps around the entire island (if you complete the entire loop, you’ve walked 1.7 miles!). There’s no better way to see the idyllic cottages and multi-million dollar homes that look out onto the harbor.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FERRY INFO

Fun and Unique Things to Do in Balboa Island

Balboa Island isn’t an eat-a-meal-and-leave type of destination. It’s just too easy to make a lifelong memory here! Our favorite activity on the island is renting an electric boat. If you’re 21 or over, you’re allowed to captain. And these things are a no-brainer to navigate. Bring friends, a picnic basket, good music, and cruise the harbor. Seeing Newport Beach from this nautical vantage point is something you just gotta do! Back on solid ground, head to the Balboa Island Museum. You’ll see the different eras of this man-made island, learn about the founding of Newport Beach, and get all the juicy details about the Hollywood celebrities who vacationed here!

Feast Your Eyes on this Foodie Scene

You can’t talk about Balboa Island without also talking about Marine Avenue. This is the main street in town that has almost all of the retail, restaurants, and cafes on the island. But be prepared to carve out a large amount of your day on this one street! There’s just so much to see, eat, and do here. Some of the favorites: Wilma’s Patio for brunch is a must. The Royal Hen is the dinner spot for folks who don’t want to mess around. And a Balboa Bar is absolutely essential for your mid day treat or after dinner dessert. Ice cream dipped in chocolate and loaded with all the fixin’s you could want, these babies are unique to Newport Beach. There’s also an old fashioned candy store on Marine Avenue that perfectly matches this town’s vintage postcard atmosphere. 

Let’s Be Honest. We’re Here for the Shopping.

Also along Marine Ave are boutiques and shops, like Etcetera Etc. and Sunny Days to name a few,  that are curated with one-of-a-kind finds that reflect the surrounding coastal culture. Find all the bathing suits, beach bags, cover-ups, and sun hats you could want as well as the upscale, but easeful fashion Newport is known for. One of our favorites is the home decor mecca, called Hjom (pronounced “home”). LA, eat your heart out with these up-and-coming interior pieces that will have all your friends asking “where’d you get that?”

No One Throws A Better Party Than Balboa Island

Balboa Island erupts with color and pageantry during any and all holidays. But our favorites to celebrate on the island are 4th of July and Christmas. It seems as though every house, car, business, and boat covers itself in lights, banners, and outrageous decorations. During Newport Beach’s Annual Christmas Boat Parade, which takes place December 15-19 this year, almost every boat in the harbor lights up with Christmas decorations and then parades through the harbor. Not to be outdazzled, Balboa Island hosts a Ring of Lights competition during this same timeframe where the houses get in on the decorating extravaganza. Animatronic Santas, fake snow, and miles upon miles of Christmas lights will give you enough holiday cheer for the next twelve years! 

But with so much to do on Balboa Island, you’ll need a place to rest your head! Check out our favorite vacation homes in and around Balboa Island. They come fully-stocked and will keep you right near the action!

FEATURED RENTAL HOMES
ON AND AROUND BALBOA ISLAND

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

There’s no better place to flex your running skills than with a half marathon in Newport Beach. It’s beautiful, breezy, and best of all, there’s little elevation gain.

After a year hiatus, the OC Marathon is back in November and open for registration! If you’re still on the fence with whether or not this is the race for you, take a look at the course details and we bet we’ll see you on the starting line!

What to Know Before Mile 1

This event is a whole weekend affair, with packet pick-up on Friday, November 5th or Saturday, November 6th at the OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo. You’ll get your race bib, D-tag timing chip, and t-shirt and you’ll sign a hard copy of the waiver. If you want to have these items shipped to you directly, there’s a $25 convenience fee. The 5K takes off on Saturday early evening and then later that night, those lucky half marathoners get a time change and an extra hour of sleep! Use that time change wisely, because the start time is still early! Chair racers begin at 5:58am and everyone else starts at 6:00am

Packet Pick-Up times: 

– Friday, November 5: 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m

– Saturday, November 6: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m

*NO SUNDAY MORNING PICK-UPS*

Race Times & Info:

The OC 5K

Saturday, Nov 6: 4:30 PM @ The OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA)

$45

The OC Half Marathon

Sunday, Nov 7: 6:00 AM  @ Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA 

Chair athletes will begin at 5:58 am

$120 

Both the OC 5K and Half Marathon

$160

Further Details: 

https://ocmarathon.com

Starting Line But Make It Fashion

You’ll begin the race right next to Fashion Island, a sprawling luxury outdoor mall. Wave at Nordstrom, wave at the beautiful City Hall complex, and don’t forget to wave to all your adoring fans as the race takes off in a sea of legs and bibs.

Miles 2-7 are Waterview Heaven

Just when the reality of the task at hand sinks in – BAM! – you’ll find yourself on the iconic PCH in the idyllic town of Corona del Mar. For this five mile stretch, you’ll weave through pristine beachside neighborhoods with the ocean coming in and out of view. Then, it’s just you and the waters of the Newport harbor, as you run past an overlook of the harbor entrance, the world-famous Wedge surf break, and then past the backside of Balboa Island. Running pace needs to be quicker than 16.5 min/mi, though, because local churchgoers need to access their building before church begins at 7:45!

Miles 7-10 are Full of Twists and Turns

Oh hello first incline of the run on – can you believe it? – the SEVENTH mile! How nice is that? Beach folk really know how to put on a race as laid back as they are. Be sure to keep your chin up during this one and only incline because you are now entering the bluffs at Castaway Park that happen to look out over – well – everything in Newport.

Saddleback Mountain in the distance, fingers of the Newport Harbor, residential islands, a gorgeous nature preserve – they all stretch out before you on this vista. Then, the trail descends into the residential neighborhood of Dover Shores, a quiet, peaceful bit of Newport whose residents love to cheer on the runners! Then it’s back onto Irvine Ave, where you’ll run alongside the Back Bay Nature Preserve. Are you clocking the variety of views on this run??

Miles 11-13 (plus .1 more!) End With a Bang

The final stretch of the run turns away from the waterscape views and into Newport’s neighboring town of Costa Mesa. You’ll run through yet another peaceful neighborhood towards the Orange County Fairgrounds, a large multi-plex that hosts farmers markets, a petting zoo, a summer fair, winter ice skating, and year round concerts. Keep your eye on the prize as you run over the freeway, past the local golf course, and into the fairground. Do that thing all runners do, where they straighten their posture and quicken their pace so the fans don’t see how much pain they’re actually in. And voila! 13.1 miles are done and now it’s time to celebrate!

Good News & Bad News

In truth, we don’t know what the afterparty will look like this year. Typically, there’s live music, free massages and drinks, and medal-clad happy faces. At least the latter part will still hold true. And hey! Isn’t that why we crazy runners do what we do? And just think: that runner’s high will be all the more invigorating after a morning race alongside some of the most beautiful stretches of coast in California. 

Watch the OC Half Marathon Flyover and see for yourself why this race is well worth the sweat!

So then where to celebrate your victory? Check out our complete list of NEWPORT BEACH HAPPY HOURS that serve ice cold drinks with top-notch ambiance fit for a runner!

All good runners know that R&R is key for performing your best!  Check out the top vacation homes in Newport Beach that come fully stocked so you can focus on race day.

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
 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! 

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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!

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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 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.

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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!

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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!

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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