Things to Do in Newport Beach in One Day This Winter
California is full of coastal destinations, making it a great place to escape to year-round. In this blog, I’ll focus on things to do in Newport Beach in one day when the winter temperatures might make it a bit too chilly to take a dip in the ocean.
Sandwiched between Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, Newport Beach stands out for its famous chocolate-covered bananas, beach trails, and surf town vibes. It makes for a great day trip from Los Angeles and can easily be visited for longer if desired.
In order to make the most of your day, I’ve laid out an itinerary that will show you the best of what this town has to offer in the winter!
Morning: Coffee and Shopping
Daydream Surf Shop
Start your morning off like any California-based influencer would — get some coffee! This cute venue doubles as a surf shop and café. Take advantage of the free parking and spend some time here browsing through the shop and starting your morning off on the right foot.
The menu offers various options. I opted for a strawberry matcha for a change! If you want some food in your stomach, there are some light brunch options. Try not to fill up too much, though, as you want to save room for a delicious lunch spot.
As you enjoy your coffee, you can either enjoy the seating or browse through the surf shop. They sell anything from surfboards to merch to soy candles.
Window Shop at Lido Isle
Lido Isle is home to some cute shops way out of my price range! However, I enjoyed browsing the options here for about an hour.
You can park in the main parking garage. If you have brunch or a drink at one of the restaurants, they can validate your parking. However, the attendant let me park for free despite not purchasing anything from one of the shops, which was so kind!
There are plenty of brunch options here, some of which have direct views of the marina. However, as mentioned, there’s a lunch spot you won’t want to miss about 20 minutes down the road!
Afternoon: Scenic Eats and Exploring Laguna Beach
Lunch at Crystal Cove Shake Shack
As you begin driving along the coast, you’ll want to stop off at a scenic ‘40s-style burger shack situated on a cliff right on Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is limited, but with customers coming and going, you’ll eventually find a spot, even if you have to wait in line for a few minutes. I found a spot right away when I went at peak hours on a weekend in November. Keep in mind that the parking is only for restaurant patrons, and your car will be towed or ticketed if you try to park here for the beach.
This roadside diner offers a surprisingly expansive menu, but its burgers and shakes are the main stars. The menu is visible while lining up to order, and the line doesn’t take very long to get through. After ordering, you can choose a seat to the right of the building, each of which offers gorgeous coastline views.
This was the perfect place to enjoy this delicious meal and is one of my favorite things to do in Newport Beach, not just in winter but any time of the year.
Venture to Laguna Beach to Shop Along S Coast Highway
About another 15-20 minutes down the road, you’ll enter the town of Laguna Beach, one of my favorite places in California! My top recommendation for parking is the Laguna Broadway Parking Lot, located to the left of the Exxon/Mobil as you enter Laguna Beach. This was only $3/hour, and I parked for a total of 3 hours, which was the perfect amount of time! If you cannot find parking here, there are plenty of other lots to choose from.
After parking, you can begin shopping down S Coast Highway. I recommend venturing as far as Business & Pleasure Co. You’ll find so many cute shops along the way and can venture down to the lookouts leading down to the ocean.
Enjoy Mexican Food By the Beach
If you’ve worked up an appetite after shopping and still have time left on your meter, then I strongly recommend grabbing some food to-go from The Taco Stand, which you’ll pass on your walk back towards your car. This casual eatery serves authentic Mexican food with your selection of sauces on the side.
I’m not over-exaggerating when I tell you this was one of the best burritos I’ve had in my life! I got my food to go and took it to Laguna Main Beach, where I sat on a boardwalk enjoying the views.
Evening: Sunset Stroll and Sweet Treats
Sunset at Crystal Cove State Park
On your drive back to Newport Beach, you’ll pass by signs for Crystal Cove State Park. You’ll want to go through the entrance lining the coast. You’ll have to pay for the car’s entrance or can use a state park pass if you own one.
After parking, enjoy the beautiful trails leading to gorgeous views of the coastline. From the overlook, you may even spot some dolphins in the water! There is an additional trail leading down to the beach if you’d like to spend some time there as well.
This is the perfect location to watch the sunset, with the golden hues providing stunning scenery. If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Newport Beach in winter, this spot is definitely worth visiting!
Dessert at Sugar ‘n Spice
To end your evening, head over to Balboa Island to try an iconic frozen banana (any Arrested Development fans present??).
In operation since 1945, this shop cemented its success by being the first to offer frozen bananas and Balboa Bars on the island. In addition to these iconic treats, the shop now also offers frozen cheesecake.
These made-to-order desserts allow patrons to choose their coating and their toppings. I opted for a frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate and covered with peanut butter cups, creating the perfect finale to a day of delicious eats.
There you have it! A full day’s list of things to do in Newport Beach in one day this winter. This itinerary will keep you busy throughout the day but is a great way to experience some of the best that this town has to offer.
