120 Years of Newport Beach, One Iconic Bayfront Escape
Newport Beach turns 120 this year. And honestly? The city is aging better than ever.
To mark the milestone, Balboa Bay Resort, Newport’s legendary bayfront retreat, launched its Seaside Heritage package. It’s part history lesson, part luxury escape, and entirely worth booking. Think vintage postcards, waterfront cocktails and $120 in resort credit to spend however your heart desires. Yes, please.
The Seaside Heritage package offers 12% savings on a two-night Bay View King stay at Balboa Bay Resort. Included: a “Through the Decades” vintage postcard gift set, $120 resort credit toward dining, spa services, Drybar blowouts or water activities, plus one complimentary classic cocktail per guest daily at A+O Restaurant | Bar.
Speaking of A+O, it deserves its own moment. The restaurant pulls inspiration from the Italian Riviera, with white-washed wood paneling, custom glass-front doors and a wraparound patio draped in striped umbrellas. Sit waterside and watch yachts drift past Newport Harbor while you sip. The menu leans into casual California coastal cuisine. Think fresh seafood, beer-battered fish tacos, clam chowder and lobster mac & cheese that earns its reputation.
A+O Restaurant’s kitchen is led by Executive Chef Diego Bernal, who brings more than 20 years of global culinary experience and a seasonal, locally sourced cooking philosophy. Chef de Cuisine Ricky Camacho adds a decade of luxury coastal hospitality expertise. Together, they make A+O one of the best restaurants in Newport Beach.
On Fridays and Saturdays through July, A+O serves its Paella by the Bay. Expect Prince Edward Island mussels, jumbo shrimp, calamari, Spanish chorizo and sweet peppers in a rich savory sauce, finished with lemon. It’s a shared dish made for seaside dining and a strong argument for not leaving the resort all weekend.
Sunday mornings bring Brunch, Bubbles and Beats: brunch board specials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music from noon to 3 p.m. Weekday evenings? Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. with $10 palomas and $8 crispy duck fries. Live music fills the patio Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. The vibes, as they say, are immaculate.
The property also offers Blend Café (open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for freshly brewed coffee and grab-and-go bites. For those who prefer maximum relaxation, in-room dining runs daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, the Waterline pool bar serves seasonal poolside bites and craft cocktails. Check current hours and ordering details with the resort, as they vary seasonally. And for the boating crowd, Onboard Provisions delivers charcuterie, wraps and bubbly directly to private yachts and Duffy boats. Guests must place orders 48 hours in advance, so plan ahead. The resort really has thought of everything.
Balboa Bay Resort opened to the public in 2003 but traces its history to the Balboa Bay Club, which debuted in 1948. Early guests included Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Greta Garbo, Bing Crosby and John Wayne, plus three U.S. presidents: Nixon, Ford and George H.W. Bush. Today it holds a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond designation.
Ready to book? The Seaside Heritage package requires a two-night minimum stay with a one-night deposit at booking. Cancellations must be made by noon, 48 hours before arrival to avoid a one-night charge. Beyond that? All you have to do is show up, sip something cold and let Newport Beach do what it’s been doing for 120 years.
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.645.5000
Q&A
What is the Balboa Bay Resort Seaside Heritage package?
The Seaside Heritage package at Balboa Bay Resort celebrates Newport Beach’s 120th anniversary with 12% savings on a two-night Bay View King stay, a “Through the Decades” vintage postcard gift set, $120 resort credit and one complimentary classic cocktail per person per day at A+O Restaurant | Bar.
What can I use the $120 resort credit for at Balboa Bay Resort?
Guests can apply the $120 resort credit toward waterfront dining, spa treatments, Drybar services, Duffy boat rentals, paddleboarding, kayaking or other on-the-water experiences offered by the resort.
What restaurants are at Balboa Bay Resort?
Balboa Bay Resort’s dining options include A+O Restaurant | Bar for casual California coastal cuisine, Blend Café for coffee and grab-and-go items, in-room dining, the Waterline pool bar and Onboard Provisions for private yacht and Duffy boat delivery.
What are the hours for A+O Restaurant at Balboa Bay Resort?
A+O Restaurant | Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The kitchen closes at 9:45 p.m. nightly.
Is Balboa Bay Resort pet-friendly?
Yes, Balboa Bay Resort welcomes dogs. A pet fee applies, and guests must register their pet at the front desk. Trained service animals are not subject to the pet fee.
