I grew up in the Bay Area of California and visited many beach towns, each with its own distinct identity.
Santa Cruz is known for its laid-back surf culture, but Carmel-by-the-Sea, just a few miles off the coast, is filled with quiet luxury. There are beach towns to suit every taste, and California’s mild weather makes it easy to enjoy the coast any time of year.
But when I crave a Mediterranean vibe but don’t want to endure expensive flights and jet lag, Newport Beach ticks all the boxes.
Newport Harbor feels less like Southern California and more like a European resort town
Newport Beach gives me a Mediterranean vibe. Bryce Chadim
Newport Beach has more than 10 miles of pristine coastline, which is not unusual in California, but a harbor made up of eight small islands and interconnecting waterways makes this destination feel like a luxury European resort town.
The unique island community has something for everyone, whether it’s exploring the sand and surf, riding the historic Ferris Wheel at Balboa Recreation Area, or sipping a cocktail in a poolside cabana.
Our kids love the beach and we made it a priority on our recent summer trip. We swam in the outdoor water park at Newport Dunes Oceanfront Resort, where the kids climbed up an inflatable slide and dropped into the cool harbor water.
Another day we bought a picnic lunch from the market on our way to the Newport Beach Municipal Beach. We spent the day playing on the beach, running in and out of the water and watching the surfers hit wave after wave as the tide rolled in.
The cuisine is water-centric—lots of fresh seafood
The Lido Bottle Factory was our favorite stop. Bryce Chadim
One of the best things about Newport Beach is the food. Beachfront restaurants abound, giving you plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy your meal while enjoying the view.
We particularly liked the Lighthouse Cafe because of its oceanfront views and direct access to the beach. Our kids loved watching the paddle boarding in the harbor while eating cheeseburgers and lobster rolls made with fresh lobster meat and topped with melted butter.
At the Lighthouse Cafe we ate right by the beach. Bryce Chadim
One of my favorite places to soak up Newport Beach’s laid-back luxury vibe is at Lido Marina Village, which has ample outdoor dining options and is perfect for people-watching.
We also ate dockside at the Lido Bottle Works, enjoying front-row views of the yacht-filled harbor and pink sunsets. It felt like a real escape.
Even restaurants without oceanfront views embrace coastal living.
We enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine at CUCINA enoteca, including freshly made pasta and perfectly paired Italian wines. Our kids got to make their own pizza tableside which was a memorable dinner activity.
At Sushi Roku, my husband and I enjoyed the freshest sushi rolls we have ever tasted, while my kids were mesmerized by their flaming marshmallow dessert.
You don’t need a yacht to experience Riviera life
Our self-guided boat trip was fantastic. Bryce Chadim
Newport Beach seems geared toward outdoor living. The Mediterranean climate lends itself to year-round outdoor experiences, from dining and shopping to boating and surfing.
Many beaches and resorts offer a variety of recreational rentals such as kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats, but the best way to enjoy water luxury is on Newport’s own Duffy electric boat.
The Duffy was created in Newport Beach decades ago and remains one of the most iconic ways to see the harbor. If you want to do this, there are a number of ways to rent them around town.
We got some great views from Duffy. Bryce Chadim
We enjoyed a two hour self guided boat tour which was perfect time for our little ones. Even if you don’t have much boating experience, it’s easy to drive through the canals.
Our family enjoys the views and incredible views from our waterfront home and luxury yacht that can only truly be experienced on the water.
We even pulled the boat into Woody Marina and had lunch on the dock, which felt like something out of a movie.
Finally, I love that Newport Beach offers the amenities of a resort town without the long flights
Newport Beach is a great place to enjoy beachfront dining. Bryce Chadim
Newport Beach is home to a variety of hotels, from award-winning luxury resorts like Pelican Hill Resort to Balboa Bay Resort with direct access to the harbor.
If you’re looking for a glamping vibe, you can rent cabins and RV sites with direct beach access at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
If you want a European-style walkable resort, consider staying at Lido House. It’s located in Lido Marina Village and is surrounded by shops and restaurants, so everything you need is in one place.
On our most recent trip, we stayed at VEA Newport Beach, where we enjoyed the family-friendly amenities, spa, and easy access to Fashion Island’s shops and restaurants. Our kids played in the heated pool for hours and the sunset was magical.
California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and has a mild climate, making it the perfect time to visit.
However, when it comes to finding a Mediterranean vibe in the United States, Newport Beach will always be my choice.