Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [218]
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina ( 949-729-3800, 800-765-7661; www.newportdunes.com; 1131 Backbay Dr; r $185-365; wi-fi) Sometimes ‘resort’ means expensive campground, and this is one of those times. But RVs and tents aren’t required for a stay here: two dozen tiny A-frame cottages are available, all within view of Newport Bay. Trails, rentable kayaks, a pool and a playground await. The scrappy lobby now houses the concrete handprints of several cast members from The OC, the memorial having been booted from its spot of honor at the Newport Beach Visitors Bureau after building management requested its removal.
Little Inn by the Bay ( 949-673-8800, 800-438-4466; www.littleinnbythebay.com; 2627 Newport Blvd; r $199-259; wi-fi) If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping on an island for under $300, now’s your chance. Just know it’s a traffic island surrounded by two busy thoroughfares. But if you’re not bothered by street noise, this easy-going 18-room motel is a good option, if steep in high season. You can walk to the beach, and bikes and boogie boards are available for rent. There’s air-con in half the rooms.
Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn ( 949-675-7300; www.dorymansinn.com; 2102 W Oceanfront; r $199-379; ) They leave your room door open until you check in at this 2nd-floor oceanfront B&B, a welcoming tradition that also offers ample opportunity for snooping through the unique rooms decorated with Victorian country flair. Each room is unique, and six have an ocean view. Good for couples and antiques lovers, it’s a great location right by the Newport Pier, although it can get a bit loud.
Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel ( 949-675-3463, 800-222-6675; www.thebestinn.com; 1800 W Balboa Blvd; r $244-290; wi-fi) No longer affiliated with Best Western, this three-story, newly renovated motel is ready to flex some surf-themed muscle. From Endless Summer surfing murals and complimentary fresh-baked cookies to the shelves of free rental movies, Bay Shores is beachy, casual and customer-focused. It’s also pretty close to the beach, which accounts for the price.
Balboa Bay Club & Resort ( 949-645-5000, 888-445-7153; www.balboabayclub.com; 1221 W Coast Hwy; r $365-595; ) Humphrey Bogart courted Lauren Bacall at this harborside, full-service luxury resort, back when it was still a private yacht club. Now there’s a hotel attached to the historical building, and its discreet architecture complements the craftsmanship of the yachts moored outside. Rooms have topflight amenities – book one on the waterside. It’s pricey, but perfect for a kiss-and-make-up splurge. Good restaurant, too. Parking costs $18 for 24 hours.
Eating
Don’t be alarmed to find many of the best restaurants tucked into pre-fab strip malls. This is the OC after all.
Ruby’s Crystal Cove Shake Shack ( 949-464-0100; 7703 E Coast Hwy; shakes $4.62 incl tax; 10am to sunset; ) South Carolina has South of the Border, South Dakota has Wall Drug and SoCal has Ruby’s Shake Shack, formerly known as Crystal Cove Shake Shack. But this place is so good, tacky billboards simply aren’t needed. Although this been-here-forever wooden shake stand, between Newport and Laguna, is now owned by the Ruby’s Diner chain, the shakes and ocean view are as good as ever. Don’t fear the date shake, it’s delish. The Shake Shack is located just east of the Crystal Cove/Los Trancos entrance to Crystal Cove State Park Historic District.
Cappy’s Café ( 949-646-4202; 5930 W Coast Hwy; mains $6-12; 6am-3pm Mon-Fri, 6am-4pm Sat & Sun;) Around since 1958, this bright blue diner serves tasty omelettes, country fried steak, stuffed French toast and numerous other cholesterol-heavy breakfasts, though egg substitutes are now available. They cook the bacon crispy.
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YUMMIEST BEACH BREAKFAST JOINTS
Nick’s Deli, Seal Beach – Order the breakfast burrito. Change your life.
Harbor House Café, Sunset Beach – Find large portions