Continuing the highway 1 series, we’re back with a weekend guide to Newport, CA. Newport Beach is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in Southern California. This coastal city has everything from luxury resorts to beaches, to shopping, and dining. Newport Beach is just a short drive from the John Wayne airport in Orange County.

A Weekend Guide to Newport Beach, CA

Where to stay in Newport Beach, CA:

Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas

Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas have all the amenities of a luxury resort with the square footage of a vacation rental. Each two-bedroom, two bathroom villa is equipped with a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, plus separate living and dining areas. The villas are to die for, but the true pride and joy is the pool.

Boasting three outdoor pools and views of the Pacific Ocean, show us a vacation rental with that kind of aquatic glory. Hang out by the pool while sipping on a drink from the nearby La Vista Pool Bar and Grill. Then you can splurge on a massage or facial at the on-site spa.

Where to shop in Newport Beach, CA:

Orange County Farm Bureau (Farmers Market)

The great thing about Newport Beach is how easily accessible it is to major freeways. You can start your trip in Newport and take short excursions and find things to neighboring Orange County cities. For example, the Orange County Farm Bureau hosts several farmers markets throughout the week. However, the Irvine location might be your best bet.

Every Saturday morning at Mariner’s Church in Irvine, you can peruse the different aisles and stalls and find everything from farm-to-table produce to vegan organic donuts to gourmet spicy tuna rice balls. It’s truly a foodies delight.

Balboa Island

Balboa Island is a man-made island just off the coast of Newport Beach. You can access the island via car or ferry and there’s plenty to do in this quaint harborside community. Grabbing a chocolate-dipped frozen banana or hitting up the Balboa Fun Zone are all musts, but a lot of people don’t realize that it’s a fantastic shopping destination.

The main shopping thoroughfare is Marine Avenue which has all sorts of independent clothing boutiques, artisanal jewelry makers, and nautically-themed home goods. Balboa Island has the kind of shopping experience you won’t get at a major mall, plus prices are reasonable.

What to vist in Newport Beach:

Crystal Cove State Beach

Go for a run at Crystal Cove, which is a beach and a state park are rolled into one. This gorgeous coastal park encompasses 3.2 miles of coastline, canyons, tidepools, historic beach houses, and hiking trails. The historic district down by the shore is one of the last remaining examples of Southern California coastal development from the early 1900s.

Although you can’t traverse the entire thing in a weekend, we suggest running along the shore for the best bird’s eye view of this beautiful space. Make sure to know what the weather is like and how the tide is if you plan on running along the beach. The best time for a run is during low tide, which you can check here before you head out to the beach.

Huntington Beach Pier

Newport Beach has plenty of beach activities, but the pier in the neighboring beach town of Huntington is a must-see. Take a quick drive down Pacific Coast Highway to get to Huntington Beach, park the car, and hop out at the pier.

Have lunch at Ruby’s Diner — a California staple — which sits pretty at the end or the Huntington Beach Pier. Afterward, you can do some fishing (it’s free for you on the pier) or rent bikes to ride along the boardwalk.