Highlights of the Day
From the ocean views at Corona del Mar to the charming streets of Balboa Island and the lively energy of the Balboa Peninsula, the day unfolded at an easy pace. The highlight was driving a small boat through Newport Harbor, circling Lido Isle and gliding past calm waters and luxury yachts. A seafood dinner and a soak in the hotel’s hot tub brought the day to a relaxed close.
Accommodation: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
Transportation: Rental Car
Today marked the beginning of another journey as we arrived in one of Southern California’s most famous resort destinations—Newport Beach. Having heard for a long time that this area is ideal for relaxation, we decided to stop by while traveling along the West Coast to experience it for ourselves.
Newport Beach boasts nearly ten miles of continuous coastline, with beaches that vary in character from north to south. It’s a place well suited for sunbathing, surfing, family beach outings, or simply strolling along the shore at an unhurried pace.
We stayed at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, perched on a cliff overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Its location made driving to nearby attractions both easy and convenient.
Our first stop was Lookout Point in the Corona del Mar neighborhood. From this elevated vantage point, the ocean stretched endlessly to the horizon, offering a sweeping and refreshing view. Tall palm trees swayed in the breeze, creating a distinctly tropical atmosphere. Despite the cool morning temperature—only in the mid-teens Celsius—young surfers were already out in the water, undeterred by the chill.
There were few visitors here. Some people sat quietly on benches, others walked their dogs, all enjoying the calm of the morning sun. Our vacation began gently, wrapped in this peaceful moment.
After a short stop, we drove to one of Newport’s most well-known destinations—Balboa Island. The island is charming and meticulously maintained. We drove around its perimeter, admiring pastel-colored houses, neatly trimmed gardens, and American flags flying proudly in front of almost every home. It felt like stepping into a storybook seaside town.
After finding parking along Marine Avenue, we began a leisurely walk down the main street. Boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants lined both sides. At a small corner eatery, we ordered a peach prosciutto flatbread and a glass of freshly squeezed peach juice. Sitting in the sunshine, enjoying this simple yet delicious lunch, felt effortlessly relaxing.
Afterward, we continued browsing the shops, and before leaving the island, treated ourselves to a large cup of frozen yogurt—cool, refreshing, and a perfect way to conclude our time there.
Next, we crossed over to the Balboa Peninsula, which connects directly to the mainland. Compared to the refined calm of Balboa Island, the peninsula felt more rugged and energetic. We drove around the area but didn’t find a commercial strip comparable to Marine Avenue, so we decided to park and walk along the coastline instead.
The beach here was bustling: surfers riding the waves, groups chatting at beachside bars, and people cruising around on rented four-wheel bikes. Many of the beachfront homes are short-term rentals. Out of curiosity, we checked prices and found that a three-bedroom, two-bath vacation house could cost as much as $10,000 per week, a reminder of just how valuable this location is.
While wandering near the harbor, we came across a boat rental company and decided—on a whim—to rent a small six-person motorboat for an hour in Newport Harbor.
After a brief safety introduction, the staff handed us the keys with confidence. Although we had rowed small boats on lakes before, this was our first time piloting a motorboat in a large harbor, which made the experience especially exciting.
The owner suggested circling Lido Island, a route that takes about an hour. Lido Island turned out to be quiet and elegant, with nearly every waterfront home featuring a private dock. Many yachts were impressively large—some almost ferry-sized.
The inner harbor was calm and expansive. Sailboats passed by from time to time, and when larger vessels went through, our small boat rocked gently with the wake, adding a touch of excitement. The hour flew by amid curiosity, learning, and pure enjoyment—it was absolutely worth it.
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