We just returned from a five-day trip to the Pacific Riviera…AKA the Newport Coast in California. Honestly, I didn’t want to come home! We went for a friend’s wedding and extended our trip to enjoy a mini vacation. Here’s where we stayed and what we did, and these are my recommendations if you plan to visit the Newport Beach area!
Day One: Resort at Pelican Hill
When researching hotels, everything I read said that the Resort at Pelican Hill was THE place to stay. It’s quite expensive, so I put on my old travel agent hat and looked for a deal.
The resort had a ‘buy three nights, get one night free’ promotion, and by prepaying the three nights (which were non-refundable), we got a significant discount. We used our American Express points to get the fifth night free.
So in the end, we paid for three discounted nights and got a five-night stay in a luxurious ocean-view villa! You can usually find a deal if you look hard enough!
The accommodations and property are pure luxury and set in a Tuscan-style village with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and with all the amenities you would ever need.
We spent our first afternoon winding down from travel by having happy hour poolside, watching the sunset, and enjoying our private ocean-view patio.
The circular Coliseum Pool, at 136 feet in diameter, is one of the largest circular pools in the world! Inspired by Rome’s famed landmark, its surrounding architecture has vaulted arches, corniced columns, terraced decks, and sweeping vistas of the California coast.
Day Two: Balboa Island and a Memorable Stage Performance
We headed a few miles down the coast to Balboa Island, a quaint little gem in Newport Harbor and spent the afternoon browsing through chic coastal shops with beachy fashions, art, jewelry, and novelties.
Our favorite thing, however, was strolling around the island and eyeing the gorgeous, eclectic homes and beautiful gardens lining the channels.
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So Glad We Did This ⬇️
Just south of Newport is Laguna Beach, home to the Pageant of the Masters, a stage performance like nothing I’ve ever seen! Tableaux vivants, or living pictures, are live recreations of classical and contemporary works of art, where real people pose to look exactly like their counterparts in the original art pieces.
Imagine a live version of da Vinci’s Last Supper…which happens to be the traditional final act of this performance. Truly an unforgettable and memorable experience!
The Pageant of the Masters is held every July and August in an outdoor amphitheater with live narration, a professional orchestra, an elaborate set, and incredible makeup artistry. TIP: Be sure to arrive at least an hour or more early to browse the hundreds of artist booths and enjoy a meal. Also, bring or rent binoculars!
Day Three: Mission San Juan Capistrano
We hadn’t visited the Mission San Juan Capistrano since the ’90s (with a baby in tow), and because we both appreciate historical sites, we wanted to go back.
The Mission has impressive architecture and is known as the “Jewel of the Missions” because of its beauty. If interested, you can read a brief overview of its 240-year history here.
The Bell Wall, circa 1813
Beautiful, rustic doorways leading to open spaces and gardens
Day Four: Crystal Cove and Venetian Gondola ride
Just five minutes from the Resort at Pelican Hill is Crystal Cove State Park’s historic district located on a pristine 3-mile stretch of beach.
Built as a seaside vacation colony between 1920 and 1940, this sweet little village is frozen in time so visitors can experience a nostalgic taste of California’s coastal and architectural beauty.
We had breakfast at the casual, diner-style Beachcomber Cafe—a destination restaurant right on the sand!
We hadn’t prepared for a day at the beach, so after breakfast, we walked through the small historic district and museum and watched everyone else enjoy the beach. 😆
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My husband is quite the romantic, even after 32 years! He arranged for a Venetian gondola dinner cruise in the evening with Gondola Adventures. This particular gondola is hand-carved and imported from Venice, Italy!
Our gondolier rowed us around Newport Harbor shouting “Buona sera” to all passersby, and he serenaded us with beautiful songs both in Italian and English. A special night, indeed, capped off by a stunning sunset.
This photo is now my phone screen saver!
Day Five
We spent the last day at our friend’s wedding followed by a poolside nightcap, and finally packing to come home.
Thank you for following along on our California coast adventure! I’m already dreaming of bringing the kids and grandkids and starting a family beach-vacation tradition!
Have you been to Newport Beach? If so, I’d love to hear your recommendations, too.
xo, Lisa
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That Venetian gondolier dinner looks like one of the most romantic date nights I’ve ever seen!! ✨✨✨✨✨ I dream of visiting Venice one day too :):) … On a different note, I had forgotten you were a travel agent. You really motivated me to look for deals when we travel. ❤️
It was definitely in the top handful of romantic dates! Venice is on my travel bucket list, but until then, this was a sweet little taste!
I’m always on the lookout for deals…I usually find a way to stay where I want to whether through travel points or negotiation.
xoxo, Lisa
Wow everyday looked spectacular❣️
Definitely on my bucket list!
Thanks for sharing
It was an awesome trip, Cheryl! We’ll definitely go back. We stumbled upon a few of the places and were so pleasantly surprised. Thank you for reading, and I hope you make it there soon!
xo, Lisa
I didn’t realize you write a blog! I guess I haven’t been paying attention🤔. I love the gondola ride photo. This trip looked lovely.🥰
It was an awesome trip! Thanks for stopping by and reading!
xo, Lisa 😘
What a wonderful trip. And you looked gorgeous in all the photos and I love hubby’s romantic side. He is a keeper!!
Thank you, Hilda! It was a wonderful trip, indeed, and he IS a keeper! Appreciate you reading.🙏
xx, Lisa
What a great post! I love all of the fun tips, and things I had never realized were in the area. Can’t wait to plan our next visit to California.☀️
We can’t wait to go back…and we’ve only been home for 3 days! 😆 Thank you for reading.
Lisa
Looks so fun Lisa! I will most likely follow your footsteps which I’ve done in the past and love your taste
You’d love it! We just got a taste of the area…I hope to stay a week next time with the whole family!
xo, Lisa
What a great trip … I can see why you didn’t want to leave! I travel to southern California regularly with my husband on his business trips, and we try to do as many fun things as we can during his time off. We haven’t done Newport Beach yet, so now thanks to you I’ve got some great ideas for visiting that area. I’m especially intrigued by the Pageant of Masters, if we can time a summer visit to the area.
I can’t recommend it highly enough, especially if you’re a fan of live stage performances! Thanks so much for reading, and I’m glad you found some new ideas.
xx, Lisa 🙂
Lisa,
What a lovely blog post about your trip to Newport Beach!
The photos were fabulous and I enjoyed reading about your trip as compared to mine.
I need to step up my game in photography! Did you use DSLR camera and lightroom?
Hugs,
Robin
Appreciate you reading, Robin! Yes, we use a Nikon D5600 and we also have another camera body – not sure what it is exactly. My husband enjoys photography. I use the Jillian Harris package presets on Lightroom (specifically ‘Orchid’ preset). I’ve found it really brightens the pictures! Some of these were taken at dusk, and I was able to lighten them enough to use them. Best of luck with yours!
xo, Lisa
We have friends that go out to the Pagaents of the Masters and never gets tired of it. It’s on our list to see for sure!!
We spent a weekend in Newport years ago and enjoyed it immensely!! We will have to do it again after reading this!
XOXO
Jodie
I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s such a unique live performance. I hope you get to go soon 🙂
xx, Lisa
What a fun trip! I haven’t been to Newport Beach but after reading about your visit, it’s on my list!
I hope you get to go! Let me know if you make it happen. You’d have a blast!
xx, Lisa