Lido Marina Village

AL FRESCO DINING, BOUTIQUES AND SHOPS

A small and charming pedestrian-friendly shopping village along Newport Bay, Lido Marina Village embodies all that is desirable about living in Southern California. Enjoy al fresco dining waterside and explore a mix of charming boutiques and stylish shops. Even if you aren't dining or shopping, the idyllic Southern California weather makes it a perfect spot to walk around on a breezy sunny day, with comfortable, intimate seating and umbrellas for shade.

LOCAL TIP: The parking structure is free for the first hour and then you are charged by increments of 15 minutes afterwards. Valet is $8 for the first 2 hours and $3 for every half hour afterwards.

Visit www.LidoMarinaVillage.com for more information.

Balboa Peninsula + Balboa Island

Stroll the peninsula or ferry to Balboa Island with our Lido beach cruisers

BALBOA FUN ZONE

Entertaining since 1936

Balboa Fun Zone is a family-friendly destination on the Balboa Peninsula that attracts almost seven million visitors a year. The Fun Zone features an iconic 45-ft. Ferris wheel, boardwalk, rides, and Cape Cod style shops and restaurants. It's home to ExplorOcean, an organization that educates children on ocean literacy through hands-on activities, field trips and their various attractions. A part of life in the area since 1936, the Fun Zone is easily one of Newport Beach’s most popular attractions. It’s also the starting point for the many ocean-side adventures Newport Beach offers, including whale-watching tours and day trips to Catalina Island. 

BALBOA ISLAND

A one-of-a-kind man-made treasure

Whether you drive, walk, bike or take the iconic ferry, Balboa Island is a delightful man-made gem that you won’t want to miss. Start your tour along Marine Avenue, with its chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry. You’ll also want to explore its many quaint restaurants and bistros. And whatever you do, make sure you try the island’s famous Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana. These two delightful desserts — dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of toppings, including cookie crumbs, nuts and sprinkles — have been local mainstays for nearly 75 years. 

BALBOA FERRY

A scenic crossing with historic charm

Since 1919, Balboa Island Ferry has provided continuous service for drivers, their vehicles and passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians between Balboa Island and Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula. The ferry's direct route allows passengers to enjoy a scenic crossing with historic charm, avoiding the additional six miles it takes to reach the island via bridge.

Shopping

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER COASTAL SHOPPING

Fashion Island offers guests the California coast’s premier shopping and dining experiences. Featuring a blend of designer shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques and an expert team of complimentary personal shoppers, Fashion Island is the perfect place to find your style. Fashion Island also offers a range of inspired dining options that set a fashion all their own. And, should you wish to extend your shopping safari, nearby Corona del Mar and the Newport Coast offer their own brand of treasures — from quaint specialty shops to high-end consignment boutiques where you’ll find pre-owned, brand-name clothing and accessories.

LOCAL TIP: On select weekends, Fashion Island celebrates with live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays in the courtyards, weather permitting.

About South Coast Plaza:

Renowned as a leading international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to more than 250 prominent boutiques, critically-acclaimed restaurants and the adjacent celebrated Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art. It is the West Coast’s premier shopping experience, with its proximity to beaches and John Wayne Airport, customized concierge services, and unparalleled collection of diverse retailers — from Gucci, Hermès, Cartier and Harry Winston to Dolce&Gabbana, The Webster, Dior, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy and more. South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County, California, in the city of Costa Mesa. Information: southcoastplaza.com

Sunset Cruises

TAKE A NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR CRUISE ANY TIME OF YEAR

No trip to Newport Beach is complete without spending some time out on the water. Daily sunset cocktail cruises let you enjoy Newport Beach’s legendary sunsets as you sip champagne and nibble on your choice of hors d’oeuvres. You can even book a cruise on one of Newport Beach’s most legendary vessels, The Wild Goose, the beloved former yacht of legendary actor John Wayne. Dinner and weekend brunch cruises are also available.

LOCAL TIP: Consider a cruise by electric boat, an easy way to navigate the harbor. We recommend a picnic as you calmly glide through Newport's many islands. Ask our coastal curators about their favorite routes and hidden gems.

Whale Watching

DAILY TRIPS ALL YEAR LONG

 A Newport Beach whale-watching tour is a great way to introduce your family to the wonder of nature and the beauty of these proud creatures of the sea. Thousands of whales viewed each season and a beautiful coastline combine to make a world-renowned whale-watching destination. The same pristine habitat that draws whales and dolphin supports amazing inshore and offshore fisheries year round. For those whose tastes run more to sport fishing, deep-sea fishing trips are available, featuring over two dozen species of game fish, including giant yellowtail, tuna and halibut.

 LOCAL TIP: Whale watching in Newport Beach features giant blue whales in the summer and fall, and gray whales in the winter and spring.

Hiking Trails

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU

For hikers and outdoor lovers, the area around Newport Beach provides a wealth of natural delights to discover. Crystal Cove State Park is one of the area’s true gems with trails that cater to both casual walkers and experienced hikers. The park’s easiest trails lead to beautiful ocean vistas and are smooth enough to travel in sandals. For more adventurous hikers, its 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness provide a beautiful escape all its own. The 2.5-mile West Bluff Trail Loop in the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve allows you to explore 142 acres of vital coastal habitat.

LOCAL TIP: Morro Canyon in Crystal Cove State Park offers hikes guided by park naturalists who will get you up close and personal with native fauna and flora.

Surfing

RIDING THE WAVES OF NEWPORT BEACH

Up and down the coast, surfing has become synonymous with the California beach experience.

The premier bodysurfing spot in the country, The Wedge is Newport Beach’s own local hot spot for catching big, shore-breaking waves. Of course, with its potential for 30-foot waves, you may prefer to watch the action rather than participate yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of other options along Newport Beach’s coastline that are great for both amateurs and pros alike, such as 56th Street, one of the most popular surf spots in Newport Beach.

LOCAL TIP: The Wedge is also a great spot to get a close look at many of Newport Beach’s most beautiful oceanfront homes, or just sit on the jetty and watch the boats sail in and out of the harbor.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

EXPLORE BY HARBOR OR BY SEA

A favorite activity of residents and visitors alike, the sport of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is an iconic Newport Beach experience. A fun, easy and a great way to spend time with the family or simply to get a little exercise, paddle boarding has been compared to walking on water. Imagine cruising along on your stand-up paddle board, checking out the sea life, laughing with your friends, basking in the sun and having time of your life.  

LOCAL TIP: Not sure if you're up for the fun challenge on your own? Paddle Board Newport Beach offers a free "mini lesson" to show you the basics.

Beaches

MILES OF BEACHES TO CHOOSE FROM

Within walking distance from Lido House, Newport Beach offers 10 miles of pristine coastline for surfing, swimming, or sunbathing. Upper Newport Bay Beach is a premier recreational destination, with fantastic terrain for hiking and biking. And for marine and wildlife buffs, the Back Bay Science Center provides a hands-on learning experience. Eclectic Laguna Beach is approximately a 30-minute drive from Lido House, offering volleyball, basketball, a playground, and great shops and dining across the street.

LOCAL TIP: About a 15-minute drive from Lido House, stop in at the Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove and join them daily at 5 p.m. and again at sunset as they play Reveille and salute the martini flag. The preserved natural beauty of this popular beachfront should not be missed.

Bonfires

ROAST S’MORES, ENJOY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Corona del Mar State Beach is an idyllic place to stroll along the jetty and enjoy one of our beautiful California sunsets. And once the sun goes down, you can enjoy another Newport Beach tradition — a bonfire on the beach in one of the available fire rings. It’s a great way to gather with friends and family as you roast hot dogs over the open fire, make s’mores, or just relax and dig your toes into the cool beach sand and watch the surf reflecting the dancing firelight.

LOCAL TIP: Located at Corona del Mar State Beach and near the Balboa Pier, fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

Golf

BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND GREAT GOLF GO HAND IN HAND

Looking to play a quick 9 or challenging 18? Our social captain is happy to arrange a tee time for you at our local golf courses — Pelican Hill and Monarch Beach Golf Links — two of the finest public oceanfront layouts in California.

Pelican Hill features 36 holes of championship golf with stunning oceanfront views. At Monarch Beach, along the dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, master golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., has fashioned a one-of-a-kind golf course design – challenging and fair, with views of surf breaks on every hole.

LOCAL TIP: Forecaddie service is an inclusive golf perk at Pelican Hill. Unlike a traditional caddie, who carries a player’s bag and walks the course with him or her, a forecaddie works for all players in the group.

Catalina Day Trips

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL CATALINA ISLAND

A day trip to Catalina Island has been a quintessential part of the Southern California experience since the golden days of Hollywood. A playground for film stars, locals and visitors alike, Catalina offers visitors a milieu of outdoor adventures including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and undersea exploration. Avalon, the major community on the island, is home to delightful restaurants and shops, concerts and festive galas throughout the year.

LOCAL TIP: The ferry to the island — the Catalina Flyer — departs from the Balboa Pavilion and takes just over an hour to arrive at its charming destination. To book tickets, visit the Catalina Flyer.