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They say the best coast is the West Coast, so what does that make the East Coast… The Least Coast?

Anywho, when you envision the West Coast, it’s likely the first image to flash before your mind’s eye is a snapshot of the Golden State’s pristine shores, such as Santa Cruz, numerous laid-back beach towns from San Diego to Orange County, and celebrity-heavy Malibu (well, what’s left of it).

Lying roughly 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 80 miles north of San Diego is the ritzy coastal getaway of Newport Beach, a shamelessly flashy yet unpretentious place that welcomes all who pass through or opt to stay a while.

Beholding some of Southern California’s prettiest shorelines and posh resorts overlooking the vast Pacific, Newport Beach has earned the attention of Travel + Leisure, being named California’s top summer getaway this year.

Newport Beach’s Flashy Side

There’s no doubt Newport Beach is luxurious, hence my aforementioned comment about passing through.

This isn’t the best spot for budget travelers unless you room up with a smelly surfer hippie because there’s definitely that crowd too.

But, for the majority of Newport’s visitors, they’re here to indulge in this vibrant coastal community’s opulence whether it be fine dining like 21 Oceanfront or glamorous oceanfront resorts like The Resort at Pelican Hill, which gives Whole Foods “whole paycheck” reputation a run for its money (and yours).

There are more affordable stays, but Newport Beach is best experienced as a place to pamper yourself, whether it be a world-class spa like you’ll find at yet another luxe stay at Balboa Bay Resort, yet at a fraction of the price.

Travel + Leisure did highlight The Resort at Pelican Hill as one of Newport’s top stays, but Pendry Newport Beach definitely takes the cake as it was crowned the best U.S. hotel in 2024 for its convenient location to one of Newport’s best selling points, Fashion Island, an upscale shopping mall where I happen to go and grab a bite at one of my favorite burger joints, Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

But the real draw is Pendry’s sophisticated elegance and its impressive array of amenities, including a high-end spa with modern treatments like cryotherapy.

Newport Beach’s Chill Side

Not everyone will believe a city boasting such a lavish lifestyle wouldn’t be pretentious, but that’s never been my experience.

I’ve visited numerous times and the uppity nose-in-the-air vibes have been nonexistent from what I’ve experienced as a tourist, and I’ve been to some of the most prestigious destinations in California such as Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, La Jolla, Palm Springs…the list goes on…

It’s impossible to ignore Newport’s riches as there are mansions lining the coast and yachts lining the harbor, but this beautiful beach town has a chill side too, much more reflective of quintessential SoCal as represented in the movies.

You know, frosted tip surfer bros, perfectly sculpted lifeguards, and skaters spouting weird phrases only they understand.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, there’s a welcoming vibe where anyone with a surfboard or a beach towel or sipping a local brew feels right at home, and you never know if the person next to you is mega rich or a fellow tourist enjoying one of SoCal’s most beautiful beach towns.

Newport Beach’s Best Beaches To Visit

One could argue you can’t go wrong visiting any beach from Coronado to Santa Barbara, especially as Newport Beach’s more popular neighbor, Laguna Beach, is just a stone’s throw away.

But there’s a reason so many upscale hotels plan roots overlooking Newport’s pristine coast.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 beaches in Newport Beach:

• Newport Beach (make sure to walk the pier!)
• Corona Del Mar State Beach (best for volleyball)
• The Wedge (best for surfing)
• Little Corona Beach (best for diving)
• Marina Park (best for picnics)

For what it’s worth, my favorite (Crystal Cove State Park) wasn’t listed. Tucked away from eye-popping mansions and surfer bros, Travel + Leisure-approved Crystal Cove State Park offers a tranquil escape with a maze of hiking trails and less-crowded beaches that I say are most enjoyable at sunset.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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