Luxury Beach House: Blog
Newport Beach, Balboa Peninsula, Ca.
Top attractions at Newport Beach/Balboa Peninsula 04/13/2024
Balboa Fun Zone: This classic amusement area has been entertaining visitors for decades. It features rides like the Ferris wheel and bumper cars, arcade games, shops, and waterfront dining options.
Balboa Pier: Take a stroll along this historic pier for beautiful views of the coastline and Newport Harbor. You can also try your hand at fishing or grab a snack at the Ruby’s Diner located at the end of the pier.
Balboa Island: Accessible by ferry or bridge, Balboa Island offers charming streets lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss trying a famous Balboa Bar or frozen banana while exploring the island.
Newport Beach Boardwalk: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or walk along the boardwalk that stretches for miles along the beachfront. Take in the ocean views and stop at one of the many beachfront cafes and shops along the way.
Newport Beach Harbor Cruise: Embark on a harbor cruise to explore Newport Harbor and admire the luxurious waterfront homes, sailboats, and yachts. Sunset cruises are particularly popular for their stunning views.
Beach Activities: Newport Beach offers several beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball. Popular beaches include Newport Municipal Beach, The Wedge (famous for its big waves), and Corona del Mar State Beach.
Maritime Museum of Orange County: Located near Balboa Peninsula, this museum showcases maritime history with exhibits on boats, yachts, and maritime artifacts. It’s a great place to learn about Newport Beach’s rich maritime heritage.
Newport Beach Wine Tasting: Explore the local wine scene by visiting one of the many wine bars or tasting rooms in Newport Beach. Enjoy a selection of wines from California’s renowned wine regions.
2 hour guided Duffy Boat cruise 02/23/2023
Newport Harbor is the largest recreational harbor in the US. We have made special arrangements for our guests with a US Coastguard Licensed Captain who will provide a chauffeured and guided 2 hour cruise for up to 8 people on her beautiful boat for $125 based on availability. You are welcome to bring food and beverages to enjoy on the ride. This is an incredible deal considering that Duffy Boat rentals typically cost at least $200 for a two hour rental without a captain/guide. On your guided tour of the harbor, the Captain will provide the history of the area as well as point out homes and yachts that have been owned by celebrities such as John Wayne, Buddy Ebsen, James Cagney and current magnates of industry. For more information, or to book, please email me with your preferred day and time.
Restaurants open New Years Eve 12/28/2023
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Tommy Bahama
Sushi Roku
Gracias Madre
True Food Kitchen
Lido Bottle Works
A+O Restaurant | Bar
Coliseum Grill – The Resort at Pelican Hill
Billy’s at the Beach
Guac Amigos
Rothschild’s Restaurant
World Tourism Day 09/27/2023
World Tourism Day is an annual event observed on September 27th each year. It is a day designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. The event aims to foster greater international cooperation in promoting tourism and to highlight the role of tourism in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Each year, World Tourism Day has a specific theme chosen by the UNWTO to focus on a particular aspect of tourism. These themes can vary from year to year but often revolve around topics like sustainable tourism, responsible travel, cultural heritage, and the role of tourism in promoting economic growth and development.
The celebration of World Tourism Day typically includes various events, seminars, conferences, and promotions related to tourism, both at the international level and in individual countries. It serves as an opportunity for governments, tourism organizations, and businesses to showcase their efforts in promoting tourism and to discuss ways to make tourism more sustainable and inclusive.
Overall, World Tourism Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the positive impacts of tourism on communities and economies while also highlighting the need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Romantic Dining: 05/17/2023
The Ritz Prime Seafood: Located on the water’s edge, The Ritz Prime Seafood offers elegant dining with panoramic views of Newport Harbor. The menu features a selection of fresh seafood, prime steaks, and an extensive wine list.
Orange County Mining Co.: Perched atop a hill, Orange County Mining Co. offers stunning views of the city and coastline. This romantic restaurant specializes in steak and seafood, with a cozy ambiance and a popular Sunday brunch.
The Beachcomber Café: Situated in Crystal Cove State Park, The Beachcomber Café provides a romantic beachfront setting. Dine on the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean and enjoy a menu of American coastal cuisine with a California twist.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific: Housed in a historic waterfront building, The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific offers a romantic and refined dining experience. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes while enjoying views of Newport Harbor.
The Bungalow Restaurant: Nestled in Corona del Mar, The Bungalow Restaurant exudes charm and romance. The menu features a blend of American and global flavors, and the intimate atmosphere creates a perfect setting for a romantic dinner.
A Restaurant: A Restaurant is a renowned fine dining establishment that combines a historic ambiance with contemporary cuisine. The menu offers a selection of steak, seafood, and seasonal dishes, served in an intimate and elegant setting.
Sol Grill: Sol Grill offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, specializing in California cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The restaurant features candlelit tables and an outdoor patio with a fireplace, perfect for a romantic evening.
Back Bay Bistro: Located on the shores of Newport Back Bay, Back Bay Bistro offers waterfront dining with breathtaking views. Enjoy a romantic dinner while taking in the serene ambiance and savoring the flavors of California-inspired cuisine.
Remember to make reservations in advance, especially for popular dining spots, to ensure a memorable and romantic dining experience in Newport Beach.
Shopping in Newport Beach: 05/16/2023
Newport Beach, CA offers a range of shopping options, from upscale boutiques to popular shopping centers. Here are some places to explore for shopping in Newport Beach:
Fashion Island: Fashion Island is a premier outdoor shopping center known for its upscale retailers and picturesque setting. It features a mix of luxury brands, high-end fashion, specialty stores, and restaurants. You can find renowned stores like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and many more.
Newport Center/Fashion Island Plaza: Adjacent to Fashion Island, Newport Center is a complex that offers additional shopping options. It includes the Newport Beach Civic Center, Whole Foods Market, and various specialty stores, including home decor, beauty, and fashion boutiques.
Corona del Mar Plaza: Located in the Corona del Mar neighborhood, Corona del Mar Plaza is a charming shopping center with a relaxed atmosphere. It features a mix of boutiques, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a variety of clothing, accessories, home decor, and more.
Lido Marina Village: Lido Marina Village is a trendy waterfront shopping destination that showcases a curated selection of boutiques, designer stores, and lifestyle shops. It offers a unique shopping experience with a coastal and upscale vibe.
Pacific City: Situated in neighboring Huntington Beach, Pacific City is worth a visit for its retail, dining, and entertainment options. This open-air shopping center boasts a coastal atmosphere and features a mix of popular brands, local boutiques, and artisanal shops.
Westcliff Plaza: Westcliff Plaza is a neighborhood shopping center that offers a mix of specialty stores, boutiques, and restaurants. You can find a range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home decor.
Balboa Village: Balboa Village, located near the Balboa Fun Zone, has a selection of unique shops, surf stores, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to find beachwear, local artwork, gifts, and souvenirs.
Marine Avenue, Balboa Island: Explore Marine Avenue on Balboa Island, where you’ll find a variety of charming boutiques, art galleries, home decor stores, and specialty shops. It’s a delightful place to stroll and discover unique treasures.
These are just a few shopping options in Newport Beach. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, unique boutiques, or specialty stores, Newport Beach has something to offer for every shopping enthusiast.