Helicopters, Yachts & Hidden Gems: My Exclusive Newport Beach Luxury Experience

As a travel advisor based in Arizona, I know the value of escaping the desert heat as summer stretches into fall. At the end of August, I headed to Newport Beach, California, for a much-needed cool-down and a closer look at one of Southern California’s most versatile coastal destinations. I checked into the Pendry Newport Beach, a chic and modern luxury hotel that blends upscale elegance with SoCal charm.

Wanting to explore right away, I hopped on a complimentary pedal-assisted e-bike and made my way to the Back Bay, one of Newport Beach’s hidden gems. This tranquil estuary is part of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from the hustle of the beachside scene. A scenic bike path winds along the bay, ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Back Bay offers a tranquil escape with minimal vehicle traffic, as access is limited to a narrow, single-lane road along the main trail. This creates a peaceful environment perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounding the trail, you’ll find a variety of scenic hiking paths that wind up and down the surrounding hills and coastal mountains, offering sweeping views of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and its diverse ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll find sandy beach spots where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards—perfect for getting out on the water.

One of the most unexpected highlights? Watching planes take off from nearby John Wayne Airport—soaring steeply before throttling back at 1,000 feet for noise abatement as they glide silently toward the Pacific. Seeing the massive underbellies of the planes so close overhead was surreal.

After biking the Back Bay, I returned to the Pendry Newport Beach and treated myself to a private poolside cabana—the perfect spot to unwind while catching the US Open on the in-cabana TV. Complete with sun, shade, personalized service, and curated small bites, the pool at Pendry Newport Beach is a refined retreat—gorgeous in design with rich green tiles, stylish umbrellas, and chic color palettes. While the pool area is intimate in size, it delivers a high-end experience that perfectly reflects the hotel’s elevated aesthetic. It’s just one of the many upscale amenities that make Pendry Newport Beach a standout among luxury hotels in Orange County.

My stay in the Corner Ocean One-Bedroom Suite was nothing short of exceptional. Spacious, beautifully appointed, and designed with comfort in mind, the suite offered the perfect blend of style and serenity—with sweeping bay and ocean views as a backdrop. One of the standout perks? Exclusive access to The Elwood Club for up to four guests—an elite members-only space that adds serious value to your stay (we definitely need to talk about this).

After settling in, I headed to Bar Pendry for a pre-dinner cocktail. This stylish, social lounge set the tone for the evening with its elevated vibe and tailored drink menu. Dinner followed at SET Restaurant, where the ambiance was electric, thanks in part to a live DJ. Despite being a Monday night, both the bar and restaurant were buzzing—proof that Pendry Newport Beach delivers an upscale, vibrant experience every night of the week.

I started the morning with a serene, outdoor gentle yoga flow at Fashion Island, hosted and sponsored by Lululemon. This complimentary, guided session was the perfect way to welcome the day—fresh air, mindful movement, and a community vibe set against the backdrop of palm trees and fountains.

After yoga, I took full advantage of Fashion Island’s premier shopping experience. From designer boutiques to wellness brands, I shopped until I (happily) dropped into a one-of-a-kind Elia Parfum workshop—a must for fragrance lovers and those seeking a bespoke, sensory experience. During this guided session, I created a custom perfume blend that reflects my personal essence, all while sipping on bubbles. You can even engrave your bottle with your initials, a meaningful date, or custom artwork—making it a deeply personal keepsake or a luxurious gift. A portion of the shop’s proceeds is proudly donated to A21, a global nonprofit organization working to combat and abolish human trafficking. By shopping here, guests support a meaningful cause while enjoying unique, purpose-driven retail.

Following my custom scent experience, I made my way to the newly opened, four-story RH Newport Beach—a breathtaking showcase of curated interiors, artistic installations, and high-end home inspiration. This immersive design destination truly redefines the intersection of home and hospitality.

I had a prescheduled tour of the space, which allowed me to take in the thoughtfully designed rooms, signature RH aesthetics, and elevated design concepts throughout each level. The crown jewel? The rooftop restaurant offering sweeping coastal views and a refined dining atmosphere that’s every bit as elegant as the interiors below. While I didn’t have time for lunch on this visit, it’s officially made its way to the top of my bucket list.

After my tour of RH Newport Beach, I made my way to Roger’s Gardens, a beloved local gem known for its lush landscapes, curated plant collections, and legendary Halloween décor—which is unveiled in spectacular fashion every fall. The weather was perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the garden's mix of seasonal blooms, home accents, and festive touches made it a truly immersive experience.

Next, I checked in for lunch at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, a must-visit for any traveler seeking a garden-to-table culinary experience. Rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and relaxed elegance, Farmhouse delivers fresh flavors in a serene outdoor setting. I was lucky enough to be seated under the charming gazebo—imagine string lights, winding pathways, and soft afternoon breezes. It’s the kind of place that turns a meal into a memory. My top recommendation? The seasonal pizza—ours featured fresh mozzarella, house-made pesto, and ripe summer peaches. 10/10.

After wrapping up our visit at Roger’s Gardens, we ventured to Crystal Cove, a serene oceanfront hideaway that feels like a well-kept secret—known mostly to locals and guests of The Resort at Pelican Hill. This charming enclave boasts rich Hollywood history and preserved coastal cottages that whisper tales of Southern California’s golden era. Pro tip: You can rent one of these cabins for a week-long stay.

Wandering through the historic Crystal Cove State Park, we explored the quaint bungalows and shopped for unique souvenirs, soaking in the authentic charm of this coastal gem. The 41 historic beach cottages still standing here offer a nostalgic glimpse into beach life past, making it a must-visit for travelers who crave authenticity and local culture.

For refreshment, we settled under an umbrella at The Beachcomber Café, where I enjoyed the largest watermelon mojito of my life—served in a giant canning jar! Pro tip: Pace yourself, or you might struggle to make it back up the hill to your car.

To end the day, we took the trolley up to The Resort at Pelican Hill for a memorable ocean view dinner at The Pelican Grill and Bar. The elegant setting paired with spectacular coastal views and breezes made for the perfect finale before returning to the Pendry to prepare for our hotel move the next day.

One of the many perks of booking a Virtuoso rate with me is enjoying complimentary breakfast, an ideal way to start the day. After a delicious meal, we headed straight to our private meeting room inside John Wayne Airport’s exclusive private aviation terminal. This luxurious space sets the tone for what’s next: a thrilling private helicopter tour to Catalina Island.

The terminal at SNA (John Wayne Airport) offers a high-end travel experience like no other. As we prepared for takeoff, receiving our safety briefing beside our helicopter, the sight of private and jumbo jets landing and taking off nearby filled the air with excitement and anticipation.

Our helicopter tour took us soaring over iconic Southern California landmarks, including The Pendry, VEA Newport, Newport Golf Club, and Fashion Island. Our expert guide narrated the coastline’s highlights before we flew out over the Pacific Ocean toward the famous Airport in the Sky on Catalina Island.

A special moment came when our pilot hovered above Crystal Cove, giving us an aerial view of the spot we’d explored just the day before. To top it off, we were lucky enough to spot not one but two pods of dolphins playing in the waves below—a truly unforgettable experience.
The entire helicopter journey—from blades up to blades down—lasted just 20 minutes, making it an efficient and exhilarating way to explore the Southern California coastline.

Pro tip: If you’re staying in Newport Beach but want to attend a concert or event in LA without the hassle of traffic, reach out to me! I can arrange a private helicopter ride that combines luxury with convenience.

We landed at the Airport in the Sky and jumped in our open-air Hummer to explore Catalina Island’s rugged backcountry, which welcomes you with expansive skies, dramatic landscapes, and a deep connection to its storied wilderness. Our journey led us to El Rancho Escondido, a historic estate still owned and operated by the Wrigley family—a living testament to Catalina’s rich heritage.

At El Rancho Escondido, we experienced a captivating Arabian horse demonstration, showcasing the agility and intelligence of these noble creatures. We then met a stunning golden palomino who happily posed for photos and plenty of affection. The estate itself is a beautiful sanctuary, featuring the family’s private residence, historic homes, horse stalls, and a showroom filled with vintage awards, saddles, and equipment.

The crown jewel of the property is the recently added Bishop’s Chapel, nestled among the sprawling Rusack Vineyards. Surrounded by rows of grapevines, we were treated to an intimate, seated luxury farm-to-table luncheon. This exquisite meal was complemented by a soulful acoustic serenade and a tasting of signature Rusack wines, with breathtaking views stretching from the vineyards all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

After lunch, the adventure continued aboard our open-air Hummer for a scenic safari through Catalina’s interior. We navigated rugged canyons where herds of wild bison—leftover from old Hollywood movie sets—roam freely. The stunning canyon vistas opened up to reveal a surprising sight, Avalon Bay, reminiscent of the famed Amalfi Coast.

Arriving at the quaint town via a breathtaking descent to the Green Pier, the lively atmosphere was a vibrant contrast to the peaceful solitude of the morning, signaling the start of a new chapter in our Catalina exploration. Avalon’s vibrant energy was contagious—the town bustling with life, waves gently breaking against the shore, and a dazzling array of boats in every shape and size decorating the harbor.

We tendered out to board our stunning private yacht for the return journey to Newport Beach. This three-level beauty featured four fully appointed stateroom cabins, a galley staffed by a personal chef, and a full-service deck crew. As we smoothly drifted out of Avalon and cruised up Catalina’s coast, our deckhand and onboard fishing guide cast lines into the Pacific. Though the fish weren’t biting that day, it didn’t matter—our chef began serving delectable French onion mini sliders paired with tomato and feta bites.

The bubbles were flowing, the music was perfectly curated, and the mood was effortlessly chic as we set sail. Timing was everything as we entered Newport Bay during golden hour, soaking in the warm glow of sunset over the water. Cruising through the bay was a highlight—passing iconic homes steeped in history, from John Wayne’s residence and private vessel to the legendary filming locations of Gilligan’s Island. We anchored in the heart of the bay and indulged in one of the freshest, most thoughtfully prepared dinners imaginable.

As night fell, we pulled anchor and headed to Balboa Bay Resort, where an outdoor patio with live music set the stage for nightcaps and sweet treats—the perfect way to unwind after a day full of adventure.

To cap off the evening, we checked in at Lido House, a boutique hotel where coastal grandma style meets refined shiplap design, offering a sophisticated twist on classic beach aesthetics—an ideal retreat after a luxurious day on the water.

Breakfast was another perk included with my stay at Lido House, setting a relaxed and delicious tone for the day. After coffee and a leisurely morning meal, we headed down to valet to pick up the Moke I had rented, a perfect, fun way to explore Newport Beach’s charming coastline. Our destination? The iconic Balboa Island, accessed via the historic Balboa Island Auto Ferry, which added an extra layer of local charm to our adventure. Once on the island, we embarked on a self-guided walking tour, soaking in the picturesque shoreline views and indulging in classic treats like iced coffees, warm cinnamon rolls, frozen bananas, refreshing acai bowls, and the beloved Balboa Bars.

Our stroll alternated between small vintage boutiques and fresh, chic coastal shops—highlighted by a permanent jewelry purchase that added a special memento to the trip. One standout stop was Blue Atlas Marketplace, a boutique that feels like Martha Stewart meets The Hamptons. Specializing in personalized monogrammed gifts, corporate keepsakes, and specialty items, this shop embodies the spirit of Balboa Island—unique, thoughtful, and utterly charming.

With our Moke rental almost up, we returned to Lido House to refresh and recharge for our last night in Newport Beach. Around 4 pm, we headed to Topside, the rooftop lounge on the fourth floor of Lido House, to meet with Chef Reily. He shared fascinating insights about Lido House’s exclusive partnership with a prestigious champagne producer in Paris.

The highlight? A dramatic sabering of a champagne bottle, followed by several glasses of bubbly—a sparkling start to the evening. Next, we made our way to a Newport Beach institution, “A Restaurant,” a legendary eatery serving guests since 1926. This iconic spot is steeped in history, from John Wayne’s famous booth to numerous celebrity sightings over the decades. Their Instagram tagline, “A classic never goes out of style,” couldn’t be more fitting.

After savoring a perfectly cooked, generous steak, we headed to another uniquely Newport experience—the renowned Pageant of the Masters in nearby Laguna Beach. The Pageant of the Masters is an awe-inspiring, immersive performance where life literally imitates art, transforming each scene into a living masterpiece. For those in the know, it’s a must-see. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I recommend running—not walking—to next summer’s show.