Copy My Trip: Experience whale-watching, relaxation, and delicious treats in Newport Beach, California

Dinogo Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently visited Newport Beach, California, for a sunny coastal escape. Here, she shares insights and tips for those looking to plan a similar journey.

Eager for a West Coast escape and a jumpstart on my summer glow, arriving in Newport Beach felt like an immense breath of fresh air. I was beginning to feel the weight of not traveling, and nothing alleviates that sensation quite like being on a boat basking in the California sun. Plus, having only seen the area through the lens of The OC and Selling the OC, I was excited to discover the true essence of the Orange County experience.

With a smooth five-hour direct flight from JFK to SNA (John Wayne Airport), I avoided the usual chaos of LAX and reached my hotel just 25 minutes after landing—a perfect start to any getaway. It only improved from that point onward.

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Where did you stay? How was the atmosphere?

I had the pleasure of staying at the newly opened Pendry Newport Beach. It ticks all the boxes for a luxurious escape. The rooms are brand new, spacious, and tranquil. The hotel features a sushi and steak restaurant, a stunning lobby bar, and a cabaret, along with a members-only club for local patrons (a future aspiration of mine, perhaps). There’s also a spa where I indulged in an amazing massage. Most importantly, the beach-themed pool deck offers plenty of lounge chairs for what vacations are really about—relaxation. While it’s not right on the beach (situated next to the iconic Fashion Island shopping mall), the beautiful Pacific waves are just a short distance away.

What was your favorite activity from the trip?

I always make it a point to visit a state park when I’m at the beach. The beaches tend to be well-kept, offer educational opportunities, and are generally less crowded. However, that’s not entirely true for Crystal Cove State Park—and who can blame them? The Crystal Cove Conservancy has lovingly restored 24 beach cottages from the 1930s to the 1950s for guests to book, ranging from dormitory-style accommodations to charming full cottages. They’re absolutely delightful and relatively affordable.

You might be thinking, “How can I snag one of these enchanting cottages right now?!” The truth is, it’s quite competitive. Reservations open exactly six months in advance and are quickly taken. But if you create an account on the website, have your details ready, and coordinate with your group to secure a spot, you could be one of the fortunate few.

Now, here’s the part where we all learn something: the conservancy offers educational programs for local students, and visitors can also tour a restored Japanese schoolhouse (cottage #34), where they can discover the story of Japanese farming families who lived here before being forcibly sent to internment camps during WWII, never to return to their lands.

What were the best dishes you tried?

If you’re a fan of Arrested Development like I am, you’ll recognize the Bluth family’s frozen banana stand on Newport’s Balboa Island, where the Fun Zone offers plenty of fun carnival attractions. While the Bluths are fictional, the frozen bananas and their popularity are definitely real. You can find them at two spots just a stone's throw apart: Sugar ‘n Spice and Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery. Both claim to offer the original, but as a devoted sweet treat enthusiast, I believe you can’t go wrong with a frozen banana dipped in chocolate and topped with all sorts of goodies.

On the subject of sweet delights, the beignets at Beachcomber Café inside Crystal Cove State Park – dusted with powdered sugar, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup – were the ideal kickoff to a filling breakfast of coconut-macadamia pancakes. Alternatively, you could opt for the breakfast burrito at Malibu Farm in Lido Marina Village (which also has a location on the East Coast at NYC’s Seaport).

I can’t overlook the seafood here. My top picks include the sushi and bluefin tuna pizza at SET Steak & Sushi (the restaurant at Pendry Newport Beach), the ravioli bianco from JOEY, and the seasonal gumbo special at Bluewater Grill (this southern girl always finds her way back to her roots).

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What was the most touristy activity you took part in?

When you search for “things to do in Newport Beach,” you’ll be flooded with options for whale and dolphin-watching tours. And I completely understand why. There’s truly nothing like being up close to the largest creatures on Earth (yes, we saw a blue whale!). Just ensure your tour is on a Zodiac boat. They’re incredibly fast, offering a more personal experience as you glide just above the water. If you’re fortunate enough to encounter a pod of dolphins, leaning over the side of the boat makes you feel like part of the group. We even spotted some sea lions lounging in the sun near Pirate's Cove, embracing the vacation spirit I was channeling.

For a laid-back, picturesque boat ride, consider booking a Duffy boat cruise. You’ll find these small electric boats everywhere in Newport, cruising slowly through the bay as passengers sip drinks and enjoy snacks (some even come stocked with food and beverages ready to go). Opt for a sunset cruise, and have fun hunting for the most amusing boat names in the harbor. My favorite? 401K.

What should I bring along?

Early May turned out to be a bit chillier than I anticipated, but I still walked away with a sneaky sunburn. Here’s what you should pack:

• Your best beach outfits. Newport exudes a luxurious atmosphere, so expect to see folks in elegant linens, stylish florals, and airy silhouettes.

• A light jacket (it can get nippy at night).

• A swimsuit (obviously).

• SPF, a hat, sunglasses – all the UV protection you need!

Ann Douglas visited Newport Beach at the invitation of Visit Newport Beach. Dinogo Planet does not accept complimentary services in exchange for favorable coverage.

Plan your California getaway:

• Connect your trip with these other fantastic destinations.

• Determine the ideal time to visit.

• This is what locals want you to know about California.