The last couple days of Newport were filled with beach days, lots of good food and spending quality time with the fam.
When we go to Newport we actually don’t stay on the beach. So we have to drive to the beach and Crystal Cove is always my beach of choice.
I have always loved Crystal Cove! If you ever find yourself in Southern California you have to go visit it. My running picture in my last Newport post is at a great lookout point on the beach.
(oh and this turquoise wall was obviously screaming my name so I had to take a picture)
Will thought the beach looked like it came out of a movie or something.
It really does! So quaint and cartoon-like.
This has a funny story…
While we were on the beach my little brother Jensen looked over and thought Will and I were kissing. To try to make fun of us, he grabbed my camera and tried to take pictures of us to make us feel stupid (oh 14 years olds… love him) However, when he ran to the front of us he saw that Will was actually casually trying to get food out of my teeth HAHAHA.
Literal story of our lives.
I ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON.
These shorts were the best beach shorts too!
From Soel boutique in Provo. .
Also! Here are my favorite Newport Beach eats for those that asked.
(from L to R, T to B)
1. EL RANCHITO
This Mexican restaurant is right in the heart of Newport and it is so good! I ordered the tortilla soup and loved it and Will had the smothered enchilada. YUM.
2. PAUL MARTIN’S
This restaurant is located in Irvine Spectrum and if you’re looking for a little bit of a nicer restaurant this is the place for you! My sister Isabelle literally came on this family trip specifically to go to this restaurant because she loves it SO MUCH. I ordered the steak salad + sweet potato fries and Will loved their crispy shrimp!
3. HIPPO COOKIES
I have always heard about these but never tried them. They were so tasty! And cute. Found on Balboa Island.
4. DAD’S CHOCOLATE DIPPED BANANAS
These are also a famous specialty on Balboa Island. I had mine dipped in a cinnamon crumble and it was seriously so dang good. Being on Balboa itself is magical but these just topped it off.
5. ROSE BAKERY
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Southern California. If you are a breakfast person you MUST go here. I get their Lucio breakfast burrito with the fruit breakfast parfait. Their chocolate croissants are also amazing!
6. GREAT MAPLE
Located inside the Fashion Island mall. We all loved every meal we ordered. Loved the pesto flatbread, quinoa salad, and french dip!
7. SIDECAR DONUTS
A friend of mine from college commented on my picture of the Hippo Cookie and told me while I was in Southern California I had to go try Sidecar donuts in Costa Mesa. There were honestly some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Will LOVED the Maple + Bacon one (I can’t love those quite yet haha) and I loved the vanilla bean one.
8. SEASIDE DONUTS
I have been going to Seaside while I was down in Newport as long as I can remember. .10 cent donut holes? Yes please. My mom even remembers going to this place when she was my age!
9. CRAB COOKER
Easily my Dad & Grandpas favorite restaurant down there. If you are a fish person this place is for you!
10. BEACHCOMBER
Last but not least we totally need to include the Beachcomber on Crystal Cove beach. If you saw my Instagram you know that Will and I were there and accidentally went on camera during a Food Network episode featuring this restaurant!
Everything here is good. Just make sure you make a reservation!
Hope you enjoy!
Missing this place already.
