Newport Beach

[Spoogle]

My husband and I are flying into LAX early on the morning of November 2. We would like to either check out Newport Beach or some of the sites in Los Angeles before heading down to Disneyland that night.

What would you suggest for two 27 year olds to see, do and eat in Newport Beach? Think it's worth it or we should spend the afternoon in LA? I would like to dip my toes into the Pacific Ocean at some point since I have never had that opportunity before!

 

[pixarmom]

Hi Spoogle! I've been vacationing in Newport Beach since childhood, and still visit annually with my husband and our three children. Here's what I suggest:

1) Lunch at Ruby's on the Balboa Pier. It's a classic and a fun spot for lunch. Ruby's is now a chain, but this is the original - great burgers, great sandwiches, yummy shakes and amazing ocean view. To avoid a wait, an early lunch is best.

2) A walk along the Balboa Fun Zone and the ferry ride over to Balboa Island. The ferry ride is very short, but provides great views of the Newport Harbor. When exiting the ferry, turn right and walk along the bay to Marine Avenue. Turn left on Marine Avenue - it's a very quaint shopping street and home to some great finds! We always stop at Dad's - a bakery/ice cream stand that serves the best frozen bananas ever.

3) After a return trip on the ferry, walk or drive down to 15th Street. It's a perfect place to stop for a quick dip in the ocean. They have public restrooms right there, along with some of our favorite Newport Beach spots: The Stuft Surfer and 15th Street Surf Shop.

4) Dinner at the Crab Cooker. It's an extremely casual restaurant with wonderful seafood and a great history. It's near the Newport Pier. There are a number of other fun restaurants and bars around, but Crab Cooker is a Newport institution.

I'm happy to answer questions if you have any - happy planning!