Best Things to Do in Newport Beach
with an Exotic Car Rental

Newport Beach is one of the crown jewels of Orange County — and without question one of the best places in all of Southern California to experience an exotic car. The combination of pristine Pacific coastline, world-class dining, manicured streets, and the highest concentration of wealth per capita of any city in California creates a setting where a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Rolls-Royce feels not just appropriate but essential. Here is your definitive exotic car day in Newport Beach.

Morning: Crystal Cove — Arrive Before the Crowds

Crystal Cove State Park is one of the most photographically stunning locations in Orange County, and arriving in an exotic car at the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean before 8am is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in SoCal. The morning light hits the water at an angle that makes every photo golden, and the near-empty parking areas at that hour mean you can position your vehicle freely for photos without managing traffic or onlookers.

The Crystal Cove Beach Cottages below the bluffs offer a beautiful breakfast option — the outdoor terrace with the ocean behind you and your Ferrari or Lamborghini parked at the top of the hill is a scene worthy of any luxury lifestyle publication. Alternatively, stop at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack (a SoCal institution) for a morning treat before continuing up Newport Coast Drive.

Midmorning: Newport Coast Drive — The Prestige Cruise

After Crystal Cove, take Newport Coast Drive north toward Pelican Hill. This is one of the most beautiful roads in Orange County — wide, perfectly maintained, lined with manicured landscaping, and offering sweeping Pacific views at virtually every turn. The Resort at Pelican Hill sits at the top of the drive and is well worth stopping at, even if just to park your exotic at the rotunda and take in the views from the grounds. The Pelican Hill Golf Course below, the Pacific ahead, and your car in the foreground makes for an outstanding photograph.

If you want to extend the drive, continue on MacArthur Boulevard south past the Newport Coast communities. The sight lines here are spectacular and the road surface is among the best-maintained in the county.

Midday: Fashion Island — The Arrival Moment

Newport Beach’s premier open-air luxury shopping and dining destination was made for exotic car arrivals. Pull up to the valet at Neiman Marcus or the main entrance with your Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Ferrari and experience what it means to arrive in the right car at the right place. Fashion Island draws a clientele that appreciates these vehicles, and the energy of the response is something you will feel immediately.

For lunch, Fig & Olive on the east side of Fashion Island offers a beautiful terrace and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. True Food Kitchen and Nobu Newport Beach (for a splurge-worthy weekend lunch) are also excellent options within the Fashion Island complex.

Afternoon: PCH South to Laguna Beach

After Fashion Island, take PCH south through Corona del Mar and into Laguna Beach for the afternoon. The 20-minute drive along the Pacific coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Orange County, and arriving in Laguna Beach in an exotic during the mid-afternoon light is one of the signature SoCal experiences. Park near the Main Beach area and walk the downtown, browse the galleries, or find a cliffside table at one of Laguna’s excellent restaurants for a late afternoon drink with the ocean view.

• Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort — oceanfront dining, upscale, great for parking the car outside
• Mozambique — rooftop with ocean views, lively afternoon atmosphere
• Nick’s Laguna Beach — solid contemporary American, well-located

Sunset: Newport Harbor

End your day by cruising the Balboa Peninsula and parking near Newport Harbor to watch the sunset over the water. The combination of the harbor, the boats, the last light on the Pacific, and your exotic car creates an atmosphere that is uniquely and completely Newport Beach. It is also one of the most photographed spots in Orange County, and for good reason. The Balboa Bay Resort has beautiful waterfront seating if you want to cap the day with a drink at the water’s edge.

For dinner, the harbor area offers excellent options at every price point — from The Rusty Pelican for classic waterfront dining to The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar for something more refined. Park your exotic at any of the valet-equipped restaurants along the harbor front and let the evening unfold at the pace SoCal does best.

Best Time of Year for Newport Beach

Newport Beach is beautiful year-round, but our team recommends:

• Late September through November: After the summer crowds, the weather is still warm, roads are clear, and the light is exceptional
• March through May: Spring in SoCal is underrated — wildflowers on the hillsides, clear air after winter rains, and warm enough for open-top driving
• July–August: Peak season means crowds but also the best beach atmosphere. Plan your timing carefully to avoid afternoon PCH congestion