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8 new things to do in Newport Beach

Photo by Newport Beach and Co.

Check out these fresh places to eat, hang, and shop from morning till night.

JuiceMi

JuiceMi

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Walk into JuiceMi and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Instagram heaven. Patterned pink tile, palm tree wallpaper, and a hanging swing enliven the shop, which opened in August 2018. Cozy up to the counter and try a super-food smoothie bowl, a bite-size avocado toast drizzled with truffle balsamic glaze, or a coconut-activated charcoal latte. Owners Henry Tran and Mimi Chau are usually around to chat about juicing health craze.

A&O Kitchen and Bar

A&O Kitchen + Bar

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Head to the patio to score a spot around the fire pits at A&O Kitchen and Bar at Balboa Bay Resort. Beverage director Ben Carpenter concocts fresh cocktails, some with ingredients sourced only in California. Order the drink, We Used to Vacation: It’s topped with poppy Amaro liquor and served in tiki glassware. balboabayresort.com. 

Lido House

Topside at Lido House

Photo by Eric Van Eyke

Spend a night at the AAA Four Diamond Lido House in one of its 130 rooms or five cottages (two-bedroom three-story homes decked out in beach-chic decor), and you won’t want to leave. Head to the rooftop for views of the harbor at Topside bar. marriott.com. 

Skyhaven Boutique

Skyhaven Boutique

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Throwing an event? Shop kitschy greeting cards, colorful party supplies, and more at Skyhaven Boutique, with a new location across from the Balboa Island Museum. The shop also sells trendy clothes, accessories, and shoes.

Olea

Olea

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Be prepared to wait for a table at Olea, which opened in November 2018. It’s well worth it. Nibble on fried green tomatoes served over Burrata and topped with crispy Serrano ham chicharrones before digging into a main course. Two standouts include crispy Jidori chicken schnitzel slathered in a wild mushroom sauce and bourbon-braised pork short ribs with creamy white cheese grits. Save room for Olea’s version of an ice cream sandwich: dark chocolate-chunk cookies filled with peanut butter cup gelato and a peanut crumble. 

Malibu Farm Lido

Malibu Farm Lido

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Share a plate or two at Malibu Farm Lido, a new outpost of the popular Malibu restaurant. Favorite dishes include Newport nachos with pickled jalapeños, Fresno chili, and crème fraiche as well as cauliflower-crust pizza topped with arugula basil pesto, heirloom tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette. 

Balboa Island Museum

Balboa Island Museum

Photo by Elisabeth Abrahamson

Take the ferry or bridge across Newport Bay to check out the newly expanded Balboa Island Museum. Learn about the island’s history and the celebrities who once lived in Newport Beach (think John Wayne and Shirley Temple). The well-curated gift store stocks home decor, candles, and toys. Free admission. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday–Sunday.

Chihuahua Cerveza

Chihuaha Cerveza guac and chips

Photo by Chihuahua Cerveza

Inspired by Southern California’s Mexican culture, Chihuahua Cerveza offers aguas frescas, street tacos, and a self-pour beer wall. Bring friends and Fido to chill on the pup-friendly patio. 

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AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19–related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The local tourism board is a good resource for updated information.

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