Relax in Newport Beach, California at the luxurious Balboa Bay Resort

Photo courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort

California Dreamin' in Newport Beach

The Southern California lifestyle comes alive in Newport Beach, California, home to a perfect, year-round climate, glorious beaches and scenery, and hotels like the luxurious Balboa Bay Resort. Situated directly on the famous harbor, this award-winning, Mediterranean-themed property features a wide range of amenities.

Located 50 miles from Los Angeles and 87 miles from San Diego, it's an easy drive (and luxurious getaway) from both major cities. 

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

First impressions

Talk about first impressions. A hotel lobby is definitely a reflection of the hospitality you can expect throughout your stay. At this resort, you'll be greeted by a lovely ambiance that includes fresh flower arrangements, a spacious check-in area and artistic design elements.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Layers of comfort

Luxury begins in a resort's guest room, and Balboa Bay's accommodations certainly live up to their reputation. Sink into pillow top mattresses and luxury Frette bedding, and enjoy stunning marble bathrooms, private balconies and many other in-room amenities. This renowned property features 159 guest rooms, many with waterfront views, including 10 suites.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona/Bay Side Resort Dining

Dine with a view

What more can you ask for than to be able to dine with a view on one of Southern California's most famous bays? The A+O Restaurant | Bar fits that bill and offers excellent cuisine as part of the experience.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

California coastal cuisine

The waterfront A+O Restaurant | Bar not only offers an unforgettable harbor view, but a seasonal menu of California coastal cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. This grilled shrimp salad on a bed of healthy veggies was the perfect lunch to fuel us as we explored the charm and natural beauty of Newport Beach.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Aquatic playground

The Newport Harbor is teeming with activity, so it's no wonder the resort offers the services of a recreation concierge that can suggest a wide variety of options. Try your hand at paddle boarding, kayaking or bicycling along the coastline. You can also just enjoy the lovely views of mansions and mega-yachts as you slowly glide down the picturesque harbor in a Duffy electric boat.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Pool time

Of course, if relaxing by the pool strikes your fancy, you've come to the right place. Heated year-round, the Balboa Bay Resort pool offers private cabanas and intimate daybeds. The pool bar offers craft cocktails, draft and bottled beer, as well as a seasonal pool dining menu.  

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

A shopper's dream

If shopping's your bag, you'll delight in browsing through the offerings at several boutiques located right in the resort and adjacent Balboa Bay Club. A mere five minutes away, you can also explore Fashion Island, a premiere open-air center offering 200 upscale retail and dining outlets.

South Coast Plaza, just 15 minutes away, is home to world-class shopping on an astounding 128 acres.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Go back in time

The Balboa Bay Resort has a rich history, dating back to its origins in 1948 as the Balboa Bay Club. You can view the many photos of famous personalities who often visited this historic hotel over the decades, ranging from U.S. presidents to Hollywood stars. These vintage photos line the walls throughout the resort's public spaces and tell the history of this venerable property.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona, spa experience

The ultimate in spa services

The resort's 10,000-square-foot spa is open to guests of the resort and features men's and women's relaxation lounges with inviting fireplaces and cozy seating areas. Relieve your stress in the eucalyptus steam rooms, sauna and whirlpools. There are nine rooms which offer body scrubs, skin care, tanning and hydrotherapy treatments, as well as a room for a couple's massage.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Tying the knot

It's no wonder that the resort's Bay Front Lawn is a favorite venue for local and destination weddings. After the ceremony, the wedding party and guests can enjoy a number of reception venues, from a 7,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with its own valet entrance to 13 meeting rooms that open to bay or courtyard views.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Cocktail, anyone?

Harking back to its colorful history, the resort's restaurant features not only classic cocktails, but also new creations that are as colorful as they are delicious.

Explore: Road trip: California's Central Coast offers great wine and beautiful sights

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona, Newport Beach Visitor Information

Explore Newport Beach history

It's hard to leave the luxury of the Balboa Bay Resort, but when you do venture out to explore the surroundings, you'll be met by the area's history and sublime natural beauty. A short drive across the harbor will bring you to the Lido Isle, incorporated as part of Newport Beach in 1906.

The Art Deco-styled Lido Theatre, built in 1938, was originally designed to entice people to the then-unpopulated isle. Today, it is one of the area's most popular visitor attractions.  

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Be inspired on Inspiration Point

Locals know that the best place to view a classic Southern California sunrise or sunset is Inspiration Point, located on a bluff overlooking Corona del Mar State Beach and just a 10-minute drive from the Balboa Bay Resort. Once you experience this view yourself (at any time of the day), you won't have to wonder why this location boasts this impressive name.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona, Visit Newport Beach

A California icon, Newport Beach Pier

If you're visiting the Balboa Peninsula, a stop at the Newport Beach Pier, a California Historical Landmark, is a must.  Originally built in 1888, the pier has endured a few reconstructions due to weather damage over the decades, with the current pier being erected in 1940. 

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Historic Balboa Village

Lovers of local history will definitely want to spend some time in Balboa Village, another short ride from the resort. In addition to unique shops and quaint restaurants, this 100-plus-year-old neighborhood features Newport Beach's most famous landmarks – the historic Balboa Pavilion and the Balboa Fun Zone (with its vintage Ferris wheel). 

Photo courtesy of Newport Coastal Adventures

A whale of a tail

Whale watching off this part of the California coast is particularly dramatic, as whales are drawn by the upwelling currents and nutrient-rich water particular to this region. While a variety of whale watching options are available, one of the most popular is from a rib boat excursion for an up-close look at these gentle giants.

Observing playful dolphins, often seen frolicking in large pods, is also an exciting experience for guests on these tours.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Family fun and education

In addition to a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone, there is a wealth of other experiences that kids can enjoy during a family trip to Newport Beach. While they will no doubt enjoy frolicking on the many beaches that surround this region, there are educational opportunities available to give children a glimpse into conservation.

The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve is home to 35,000 migratory birds and 200 endangered species on 1,000 acres of coastal wetlands.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Casual dining in a romantic setting

As the sun descends in the sky, it's time for the Balboa Bay Resort to light up the night on its restaurant patio. In the glow of the setting sun, guests can enjoy an extensive menu of appetizers and entrees accompanied by a full selection of wines, beers and signature cocktails. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Sunset over the marina

The glow of the setting sun over Newport Beach marina from the Balboa Bay Resort provides a perfect end to a perfect day.