Pelican Grill & Bar – Modern California cuisine with sweeping ocean views from the terrace; a beautiful spot for lunch, dinner or sunset drinks by the fire pits.
Coliseum Pool & Grill – Casual poolside dining overlooking the Coliseum Pool and the Pacific; an easy, relaxed lunch between wedding festivities.
Caffè & Market – Espresso, pastries and gelato on property; convenient for a morning coffee or an afternoon treat.
NEWPORT COAST & CRYSTAL COVE
Gulfstream – In need of your Houston’s fix? Gulfstream is Newport Beach’s version from the Hillstone family, with excellent martinis and a swanky but relaxed feel, plus a string-lit patio with fire pits. The homemade biscuits are a must.
Beachcomber Café – Casual beachfront dining at Crystal Cove with an ocean-view deck; great for breakfast, lunch or a sunset drink.
Mastro’s Ocean Club – Upscale steak and seafood with an oceanfront setting at Crystal Cove Shopping Center.
Javier’s – Upscale Mexican cuisine in a dramatic, polished setting at Crystal Cove Shopping Center.
CORONA DEL MAR
Bandera – Lively upscale-casual American restaurant with Southwestern influence and a fun bar atmosphere. Be sure to order the skillet cornbread.
Rose Bakery Cafe – A Corona del Mar staple since 1997 and the locals’ go-to for a laid-back morning. Grab a coffee and a pastry, or one of their famous breakfast burritos.
NEWPORT BEACH & NEWPORT HARBOR
Galley Cafe – A charming, family-owned diner on a Harbor Island marina, serving classic breakfasts with views of the boats since 1957. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Buddha’s Favorite – Modern Japanese cuisine and sushi in a relaxed waterfront setting on the harbor, with a covered patio and an indoor sushi bar. Another bride and groom favorite!
Nobu Newport Beach – Upscale Japanese dining overlooking the harbor at Lido Marina Village.
Malibu Farm Lido – California-inspired farm-to-table dining right on the marina; particularly good for a casual waterfront breakfast or lunch.
LAGUNA BEACH
Nick’s Laguna Beach – A downtown Laguna favorite for elevated American fare and well-made cocktails in a lively setting. The father of the bride highly recommends the ribs!
The Rooftop Lounge – Ocean-view cocktails and small plates atop La Casa del Camino; one of the best sunset spots in Laguna Beach.
Las Brisas – Some of the best ocean views in Southern California. Come for a margarita and ceviche on the patio at sunset; it’s a Laguna tradition for good reason.
GOLF
NEWPORT COAST
Pelican Hill Golf Club – Two Tom Fazio-designed ocean-view courses for guests looking to get in a round of golf during the weekend.
DANA POINT
Monarch Beach Golf Links – Ocean-view 18-hole course at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach; a beautiful resort-style option about 20 minutes south.
IRVINE
Strawberry Farms Golf Club – Scenic 18-hole course tucked into the Irvine canyons, with rolling terrain, wetlands and a 35-acre reservoir.
Oak Creek Golf Club – Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole course in Irvine, with a large practice facility, driving range and short-game area.
MISSION VIEJO
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club – Tom Lehman-designed 18-hole course set in a quiet, natural canyon along Trabuco Creek, about 25 minutes inland. A local favorite for its rolling terrain and great conditions.
SHOP & EXPLORE
THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL
The Spa at Pelican Hill – Forbes Five-Star spa offering treatments, fitness classes and access to the serene Acqua Colonnade. We recommend booking ahead.
Coliseum Pool – The resort’s iconic pool overlooking the Pacific; perfect for a relaxing afternoon between wedding festivities. Fun fact: it’s also the world’s largest circular pool!
Crystal Cove Beach Experience – Pelican Hill offers complimentary transportation to Crystal Cove, along with beach chairs, umbrellas, towels and water for resort guests.
NEWPORT COAST & CRYSTAL COVE
Crystal Cove State Park – Over three miles of coastline with tide pools, beaches, scenic bluff-top trails and the historic Crystal Cove cottages. One of the prettiest ways to experience the California coast.
CORONA DEL MAR
Corona del Mar State Beach – A beautiful half-mile stretch of sand framed by cliffs and a rock jetty. Walk up to Inspiration Point on the bluff above for one of the best sunset views in Newport.
Little Corona Beach – A quieter cove known for tide pools, snorkeling and picturesque coastal scenery.
NEWPORT BEACH & NEWPORT HARBOR
Duffy Boat Ride – A leisurely cruise around Newport Harbor on an electric Duffy boat is a quintessential Newport experience. The boats seat up to 12, so bring friends, snacks and drinks for a few relaxed hours on the water. Rentals are available through Duffy Electric Boat Rentals (Mariner’s Mile and the Balboa Fun Zone), Newport Harbor Boat Rentals (Balboa Village) and Pacific Electric Boat Rental (East Coast Highway).
Balboa Island – Cross the Balboa Island Bridge to this little town and wander Marine Avenue’s boutiques, cafés and beach-town shops. Home of the famous, original frozen banana!
Lido Marina Village – Stylish waterfront shopping and dining with boutiques, cafés and restaurants overlooking Newport Harbor.
Fashion Island – One of the best and most unique shopping experiences! Upscale open-air shopping with luxury brands, local boutiques and ocean breezes.
Catalina Island – The Catalina Flyer leaves daily from the Balboa Pavilion and reaches Avalon in about 75 to 90 minutes, which makes an easy island day trip. Spend the day exploring Avalon’s waterfront, the iconic Casino building and the island’s beaches and restaurants. Ferries often sell out, so book both legs of your round trip in advance.
LAGUNA BEACH
Heisler Park & Main Beach – A scenic bluff-top walk with gardens and ocean views, ending at Laguna’s Main Beach. You may catch the groom shooting hoops on one of the half courts!
Thousand Steps Beach – A picturesque beach at the bottom of a long staircase, with sea caves and tide pools to explore at low tide.
