Late-Afternoon Activities Near Fashion Island: What to Do After Lunch

Introduction

Fashion Island is situated in Newport Beach, California. It is an upscale shopping center that houses several proclaimed brands such as Nordstrom, Balenciaga, Gucci, Barnes & Noble, Lululemon, etc. We are yet to discover that apart from being the best shopping center in Newport Beach, it is also a hub for various activities. Activities near Fashion Island serve as an attraction for tourists and residents alike. Shopping takes up quite some time. While shopping is the main activity here, other things to do after lunch are not shopping-related but related to relaxation and entertainment. Since it is located in Newport Beach, beach-related activities such as strolling on the beach, experiencing fun activities such as participating in various games, surfing, swimming in the sea, and indulging in the best seafood delicacies at the restaurants nearby, are always some of the options to go for. The nightlife near Fashion Island makes up for all the tiredness one gathers during the shopping spree during the day. Even if our purpose is not shopping, let’s check out the activities that they have to offer.  

Top Late-Afternoon Hangouts to Explore

The entrance to a Sessions Outlet, with a sunny sky in the background.

Late afternoon means lunch hours or well, beyond that, evening time. And what time is the best time to grab a bite to refuel ourselves since Fashion Island is such a vast area to explore along with the beach and yet-to-be-experienced nightlife. This wonderful place has a plethora of bars, cafes, lounges, and restaurants to provide several cuisines and options to our satiety.  Some of the popular spots in and near Fashion Island include;

  • Bacio Di Latte: This gelato spot serves authentically made gelatos in several flavors. They have a beautiful heritage regarding their gelato production. Their menu has flavors like caramel, chocolate, and raspberry/lemon. 

  • The Lot: One of the popular bars near Fashion Island. This one has American cuisine and is reasonable in terms of our pocket. They have vegetarian options as well and are open for long hours. Their diverse food and alcohol options are pretty interesting to try out. They also host private screenings and events. 

  • Lemonade: If we are searching for a vegan and gluten-free space, this is it. Their make-your-own-bowls and sandwiches are most popular among the customers. 

  • R+D Kitchen: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are endless here and pocket-friendly. They serve delicious and healthy salads along with the favorite types of fast food like french fries. Not only food but they are a step ahead in the popular choice category by providing entertainment in the form of movies. We can watch movies while having their delicious food. 

  • Sushi Roku: For the sushi and Asian cuisine lovers. Their exquisite sushi menu and hospitality are worth paying a visit to. 

  • Sessions: For the best sandwiches, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and kids’ menu we need to visit Sessions. They are a late-afternoon cafe and restaurant that has many branches across the country.   

A colorful vegetarian sandwich with various vegetables and sprouts on a plate.

There are several other cafes, restaurants, and lounges in Fashion Island that we can visit to experience the vibrant nightlife here after replenishing ourselves. 

Fun Nighttime Entertainment Options

Two friends share a cheerful moment on a boat, clinking champagne glasses and laughing, with a marina and string lights in the background.

Entertainment near Fashion Island feels endless due to the large number of events hosted there every day. Here are some of the things that we can do in Fashion Island. 

  • Evening and night walks: Fashion Island is situated in Newport Beach therefore beach related activities are at the top of the list. Walking by the beach is the most relaxing thing to do. Balboa Pier, Corona del Mar State Beach, and Upper Newport Bay Beach are some of the beaches that can be visited. The scenic beauty and the sounds of the waves are the most relaxing things to experience. 

  • Bike and Yacht rentals: to have a full-scape view and experience Newport Beach and Fashion Island walking is not the best option but it is economical. We can also rent a bike and swoop through the place without hurting our legs much. People who love to spend a quiet, alone, and relaxing time, can also book yachts and yacht excursion experiences. They extend till evening and excursions can extend for a day more. Private yacht experiences depend on individual bookings and preferences. 

  • Lido Theatre: for the theatrical person inside us, Lido Theatre provides authentic theatrical experiences through performances and movies alike. Their pop-up cafe has delicious snacks to offer as well. This theatre has been restored time and again to balance the state-of-the-art and modern updated concepts of tech and interior designing intact. 

  • The Lot: Fashion Island’s prime location for all the fun events and experiences. They offer amazing food to accompany the theatrical and promotional events. Fashion Island holds a lot of book-talk events where writers showcase their latest publications and talk about them. The Lot also has fun and gaming zones adding up to the entertainment level. 

Take a Stroll Through Fashion Island

The most important activity to do is to shop here. Evening strolls and Fashion Island shopping at night is a perfect way to end the day, of course, add some dinner to round it off. Shopping in and near Fashion Island is a very relaxing way of passing time because the variety of shops here makes up for everything. We want it and we will get it. Strolling through Fashion Island, we will come across Armani, known for its top-notch quality, subtle colors, and minimal designs. Next, Balenciaga for the luxurious apparel appeal. For books, we have our favorite Barnes & Noble. Their editions of hard-bound classics are a collector’s heaven. They offer curbside pickups as well. Chanel, Bloomingdale’s, and Apple are some of the luxury brands that are housed in Fashion Island. This is a shopper’s heaven. Walking through the brightly lit windows of such reputed brands and observing their out-of-the-world designs is one of our favorite hobbies. Fashion Island makes no excuse for fulfilling that.

Evening Coffee Spots for a Relaxing End 

Coffee after lunch sounds like a breath of fresh air. Coffee is known to energize the human body as much as it acts as a refreshment for us. Late afternoon coffee spots and cafes near Fashion Island offer a variety of coffee recipes and options along with sweet and savory treats to complete the evening snack hour. Let us look into some of the places where we can get coffee near Fashion Island. Starbucks needs no introduction whatsoever. They serve their authentic coffee recipes along with the flexibility and liberty to customize our order according to our liking. They serve red and white wine after their closing. We can enjoy our wines in the outdoor sitting area with the Fashion Island and sea views. Next comes Mendocino Farms. They offer different types of sandwiches and bowls. Their fresh produce caters to good health and quality maintenance. They are vegetarian and vegan friendly, assuring a large satisfied customer base. Their beverages have a touch of homeliness. Coming to the best one so far and hence saved for the last- Sessions. Sessions is a cafe that offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, fries, coffee, matcha, tea, canned drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Sessions have delicious combo meals as well for adults and kids alike. 

Outdoor Relaxation: Perfect Evening Views

For outdoor activities and relaxation spots near Fashion Island, we can take a stroll around it and explore the scenic views near it. Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar areas have the most picturesque views. The view of the Pacific Ocean from these two areas is magnificent. The lighting, people, and management are top-tier, ensuring the perfect evening experience. Inspiration Point is a scenic trail that offers a beautiful spot for stargazing at night. Next, we can experience some live music that the restaurants and diners have to offer. Bacchus Bar and Bistro, and Lido Marina Village have arrangements for proper live music. Their lounge ambiance and music that feels personally relatable results in an unforgettable experience. Crystal Cove State Park offers a bonfire experience that is best enjoyed with a large group. 

Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Evening Experience

Active mornings are the best for shopping and mindfully exploring all the stores that are on the top of our lists. After that, when we get hungry and realize that we have crossed the appropriate lunch hours, we need not panic because as we saw, Fashion Island has a variety of cafes and restaurants to offer luncheons in late afternoon and evening hours. Not only that, we can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and the beaches from the outdoor seating arrangements or through strolling around Fashion Island. Fashion Island after lunch becomes more lively as the lights start to brighten the area. The evening and nightlife here are relaxing because of the live music and stargazing experiences, not to forget the bonfires and pollution-less breeze. Let us include all of these amazing experiences in our itineraries now that we know of the things to do here, in Fashion Island. 

Previous
Previous

Best Sandwich Shops Near South Coast Plaza for Every Occasion

Next
Next

Best Restaurants Near Fashion Island: Where to Go for Evening Bites