Luxury holidays in Newport Beach

Newport Beach, a sun-soaked corner of Orange County, has been the backdrop for several series and films, hardly surprising given its picturesque piers and amber sunsets. As is so classically Californian, sunshine and surf reign supreme (though you’ll have to share both with the other locals: sunbathing sea lions, pods of dolphins and whale migrations). Not a beach bum? Head to a harbourside restaurant for just-caught seafood or deck yourself out in designer brands at Fashion Island.

Recommended offers

See our boutique hotel deals

When to go

Newport Beach has year-round sunshine, with the added bonus of whale-watching potential at certain times of the year – spot grey whales from December to April and blue whales from May to November. October visits will see fewer crowds and coincide with the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Orange County’s John Wayne Airport is a 10-minute drive from Newport Beach; Los Angeles’ international airport is an hour away by car.
  • Trains

    Amtrak runs a one-hour rail service from Los Angeles to Santa Ana (a 25-minute drive from Belmonte); the same route also continues to Santa Barbara or San Diego.
  • Automobiles

    You’ll want a car for your Newport Beach trip – the Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica and Venice Beach are all within a 90-minute drive. Plus, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park and San Diego are just two hours (a short hop in these parts) away by car.