Whether savouring a delightful meal at the Beachcomber (those Beignets will have you spinning), indulging in the nostalgia of a shake from the Shake Shack, creating cherished memories in a charming beach cottage, or perusing souvenirs at The Store, every experience is a gesture of guardianship over this special place. Crystal Cove State Park isn’t just an accommodation; it’s a sanctuary, a quiet retreat with load waters where you can find solace in the embrace of the sea and be a part of a beautiful cycle of preservation.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
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Price: Starting weekday rate: $349 (£279) | Starting weekend rate: $419 (£335)
At Hyatt Regency, the gardens alone will steal anybody’s heart. In fact, it hosts hundreds of palms and a succulent courtyard that is a nod to the California desert. There are three communal pools (in addition to the private villas ones), three hot tubs and multiple sun terraces with cabanas and lounge chairs. As for sports and leisure, there is also an executive golf course and even a stage for live concerts. Volleyball, table tennis, shuffleboard and tennis courts are also located on site.
Sitting at a more affordable scale than you might expect from Newport Beach, at Hyatt you will also be able to book whole villas as opposed to just a room, with the perfect set up for family or friends getaways. The other bonus is that the place is pet friendly, so it means that if you happen to be travelling with your furry friends and family, they’ll be very well treated too.
Things to do:
The beauty of Newport beach doesn’t solely lie on it’s sun-kissed charm, or its opulent aesthetics, it has a lot more to offer outside of that actually. For starters you can dive into the ocean’s secrets with whale watching by Newport Coastal Adventure, a thrilling journey that unveils majestic marine life up close. Our trip involved 1000+ dolphins swimming along side us for quite sometime, and that alone was absolutely an unbelievable experience. Then, if you like a walk or enjoy a bit of a shop, you can always wander through the idyllic streets of Corona Del Mar. There you will find quaint boutiques and picturesque coastal architecture, plus it’s a great spot for gift finding.
Now, if you’re more of a serious shopper and would fall more on the fashion is my passion tribe, then Fashion Island is your spot. This is where high-end fashion and exquisite dining merge seamlessly. For a whimsical escape, embark on a tour of Balboa Island that includes a short two minute ferry ride. And if you’re ready to captain your adventure, then there are always the Duffy Boats ready for rental. They gave me serious Real Housewives of Newport Beach energy and I kinda loved it. You can book a table scape with charcuterie or bring your own, but either way, you will be able to enjoy the bay, the sun and a lounge day at sea, enjoying a few drinks and snacks with your loved one/ones.
Best places to eat:
Newport Beach isn’t just a coastal haven and although it may not be known to be a flavour-fueled odyssey yet, there is a great case to make once you try out the following restaurants. At Tavern House, where portions are as generous as the smiles, I’d say dive into the Maine lobster and langoustine bisque. A+O Restaurant, seated at the Balboa Bay Resort, is more than just a dining spot; you get two in one, breathtaking bay views and perfect family lunches.
Christina Gandolfo
For those who swear by steak, A Restaurant is the city’s revered temple of prime cuts. As you sink your teeth into one, you’ll understand why it has earned the title of the best steakhouse in town. Malibu Farm Lido, a brunch beacon of dreams, dishes out sweet pancakes with strawberries that’ll have you watering at the mouth. Bello by Sandro Nardone elevates dining to an art form, giving you a multi-course experience with beverage pairing, in two hours or less, and the chef’s table meal is quite literally “chef’s kiss.”
The Beachcomber at the Crystal Cove State Park is a must, they sprinkles dreams into their beignets there. As the sun dips below the horizon, JOEY Newport Beach takes the spotlight, offering impeccable vibes and a 10/10 on the food. My meal of choice? The surf & turf steak and prawns with pasta of course, but the vibes don’t end there, turning into a hot spot for late night music and vibes. Then there is also Buddha’s Favourite, for all the sushi lovers out there – and you can even dock off a boat straight to this sushi utopia.
Newport Beach might just be one for the books…
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona