7 Reasons for a Newport Beach Escape

"We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us." This unknown author's quote is simple, yet profound in so many ways. And it fits the reason we love our weekend trips-especially this one to Newport Beach.

Located in Orange County, California, the city of Newport Beach has evolved into an icon of sophistication and chic coastal living while still retaining much of its seaside village charm. A combination of a Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, unspoiled nature, two oceanside piers, quaint neighborhoods and some luxe shopping meld together to make this a fabulous destination for a weekend getaway.

Newport Beach boasts some of the cleanest beaches in Southern California. Visitors can slather on the sunscreen, throw a towel on the sand or pitch an umbrella and just chill. Beaches range from those for safe swimming and tide-pooling to The Wedge, renowned for its gigantic waves. A hot spot for serious surfers, this is possibly the most famous surf spot in Southern California with its 18 to 20-foot winter swells.

Sunsets in Newport Beach are some of most magnificent on the California coast, where the sky becomes ablaze with a myriad of colors.

The three-mile-long strip of land known as "The Peninsula" is anchored by The Wedge on one side and the 1,032-foot walkable Newport Pier on the other. The pier, popular with pelicans, seagulls and pier fisherman, is ringed with several surfer-type eateries.

This historic Dory Fishing Fleet Market founded in 1891 sits at the base of the pier and it's always a joy watching the fisherman unload their daily catches. This registered historical landmark is considered the last beachside cooperative of its kind in the United States.

One of the loveliest little towns on the California coast, Balboa Island started as a summer vacation destination for Los Angeles residents. Today, the idyllic waterfront village with its charming canals is home to year-round residents and is a marvelous place to dine, shop and explore.

Wilma's Patio has been an icon of the village since it opened in 1982. Family-owned and operated, it's extremely popular with the locals. For 30 years, their seasonal pumpkin pancakes have been a mainstay of the fall and winter menu. Creative and unique dishes like Egg Enchiladas and Balboa Belly Bombers, a stuffed mini French loaf bread filled with a variety of meats, cheeses and veggies are truly "the bomb."

Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County's largest remaining preserves of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and an offshore underwater area.

Crystal Cove State Park's Historic district is like a step back in time. The seaside colony, which includes 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages built in the 1930s and 40s, have been beautifully restored to their previous heyday and are available for stays by reservation.

The cove's Beachcomber Café, also a restored beachfront cottage offers casual dining with spectacular ocean views.

The iconic Lido Marina Village overlooking picturesque Newport Harbor underwent a massive renovation in 2016. The pedestrian-friendly village is filled with fascinating boutiques and restaurants.

Lido Bottle Works packs a lot of class and charm into its waterfront restaurant using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in their amazing dishes that pair perfectly with their fine wines, draft beers or craft cocktails.

The restaurant features a daily chef-inspired Dory catch (from Newport's historic pier) along with creative entrees like Pork Belly Bao Buns and my favorite, The Salmon Smørrebrød, a tasty, delightful Scandinavian-inspired open sandwich.

Newport Beach's most famous landmark, the historic Balboa Pavilion, is one of California's last surviving examples of the great waterfront recreational pavilions from the turn of the century.

It's like turning back the clock at the village's Fun Zone- a year-round 1940s-style boardwalk carnival complete with a colorful Ferris wheel, arcade and fun fair foods like cotton candy and corn dogs.

Getting out on the water by boat is the best way to experience Newport Harbor. Home to fishing and whale-watching fleets, the harbor boasts famous former and current movie stars' homes along with the caves of Pirate's Cove, where the original Peter Pan movie was filmed along with episodes of Gilligan's Island.

Whether you're a serious shopper or not, a visit to the world-class Newport's Fashion Island is a must. The backdrop of the Pacific Ocean along with its lushly landscaped piazzas accented by fountains and palm trees makes the shopping experience at this open-air lifestyle center unique and enjoyable.

From California chic clothing design boutiques and sea-inspired décor shops to fun eateries featuring creative local and international cuisines, Fashion Island, with its sophisticated but relaxed coastal vibe, makes shopping a whole lot of fun.