Highlights of the Day
The fourth day of our Newport stay felt like stepping into a coastal fairytale.
The walk down to Victoria Beach passed elegant homes and colorful gardens, leading to a quiet stretch of sand alive with beach volleyball, rolling waves, and surfers. Tucked beyond the rocks, the slender Pirate Tower appeared like a scene from a storybook, adding a sense of legend to the shoreline. Lunch by the ocean, followed by an easy afternoon of strolling and shopping along the main street. With no rush and no packed schedule, it was a calm and fitting end to our four days in Newport Beach.
Accommodation: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
Transportation: Rental Car
Known as a fairytale-like destination, Victoria Beach truly lived up to its reputation.
It is a free public beach, though cars are not allowed to drive directly to the shoreline. Parking is available along the road, followed by a walk down a gently sloping path. Lined on both sides are beautifully maintained homes with colorful gardens, making the approach feel like strolling through the streets of a storybook village.
Once on the sand, a group of young people were enthusiastically playing beach volleyball to the right. It’s a surprisingly demanding sport, yet their energy and laughter made the scene feel vibrant and carefree.
Looking up toward the cliffs, a Victorian-style house stood prominently at the top—likely the origin of the beach’s name, Victoria Beach.
Continuing forward along a narrow path between rocks and pebbles, and rounding two large boulders, a slender stone tower suddenly came into view. Shaped like a fairytale fortress, the Pirate Tower is said to have been built in 1926 and stands about sixty feet tall. Originally, it served as a spiral staircase connecting the beach to the home of local senator William E. Brown. Its medieval appearance earned it the nickname “Pirate Tower,” and today it remains a beloved local landmark, often chosen as a backdrop for wedding photography.
On our way back, we noticed a professional photographer shooting a bikini-clad model—likely a commercial photoshoot for a swimwear brand.
The waves were strong that day, and surfers could be seen riding the swells. In fact, nearly every beach we visited in California had surfers in the water, reinforcing the sense that surfing is truly part of the local lifestyle. Coincidentally, the daughter of our former neighbor—whom we met earlier—was also learning to surf. 😀
For lunch, we chose an oceanfront restaurant where palm trees swayed gently in the sea breeze, set against a backdrop of blue water and white clouds—pure vacation atmosphere. The meal was simple, yet every dish impressed:
- Ahi tuna tartare, fresh and delicate
- Guacamole, creamy with just a hint of spice
- Lobster roll, sweet and satisfyingly firm
- And the biggest surprise: my husband casually mentioned wishing he had ordered sweet potato fries. Moments later, the server returned with a complimentary plate, saying it was on the house—an unexpectedly thoughtful gesture that deserved full marks. 👍
In the afternoon, we strolled leisurely along the main street, browsing shops and enjoying the unhurried pace. Knowing that the following day would involve a full day of travel, we headed back to the resort early to rest and recharge.
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