Getting around Pelican Hill and the Newport Coast
Pelican Hill is on 504 coastal acres at 22701 Pelican Hill Road S in Newport Beach; the resort is best reached by car from John Wayne Airport (no dedicated airport shuttle) or by arranging a paid town car or limo. On site you'll use complimentary valet parking, an hourly beach shuttle to Crystal Cove, and internal shuttles/transport arranged by concierge for Villa and Main Estate access.
In this guide
Getting to Pelican Hill
The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), about 9 miles away and typically a 15-minute drive; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is farther and often takes about 45 minutes by car. The resort does not list a dedicated airport shuttle — limo or town-car transfers are available as paid options, and many guests drive or take rideshare.
If you're driving, common routes to the resort use MacArthur Boulevard then CA-73 South (a toll road) from John Wayne Airport. The resort address is 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach, CA 92657 for GPS or taxi directions.
- Nearest airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) — about 9 miles
- No dedicated airport shuttle listed — arrange paid transfer or rideshare
- Driving directions commonly use MacArthur Blvd and CA-73 South from SNA
| Origin | Typical travel option |
|---|---|
| John Wayne Airport (SNA) | Taxi/rideshare or paid car service (≈15 minutes) |
| Los Angeles International (LAX) | Taxi/rideshare or car (≈45 minutes depending on traffic) |
| Downtown Newport/Fashion Island | Short drive (about 5 minutes) |
On-site transport and parking
Pelican Hill provides complimentary valet parking for Resort guests; visitor valet is available for a fee or at reduced cost with validation. Villa guests and Bungalow guests receive overnight valet as part of the stay.
The resort runs a complimentary coach/trolley shuttle to Crystal Cove Beach and offers internal transport between the Main Estate and the Villa areas when needed — concierge can arrange transport or golf-cart style transfers for luggage or mobility assistance.
- Complimentary overnight valet parking for Resort guests
- Visitor valet parking is charged (rates and validation options vary)
- Concierge can arrange internal transport, luggage transfers, or paid town car/limo services
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Complimentary for Resort guests; visitor valet charged |
| Beach shuttle | Complimentary, hourly to Crystal Cove (request through resort) |
| Paid transfers | Limo/town car available on request |
Moving around the resort
Pelican Hill's property is large; allow extra time to walk between the Main Estate (rotunda, restaurants, Coliseum Pool) and the Villas. The resort operates shuttles and will transport guests between major zones on request.
Pool access and cabana reservations have specific rules: cabanas at the Coliseum Pool are bookable, outside food is prohibited at pool decks, and children must be supervised. During certain renovation periods the resort may direct guests to the Villa Pool with transport from the Main Estate.
- Request shuttle or cart transport from concierge for Villa–Main Estate transfers
- Coliseum Pool has cabanas available for reservation and enforces pool rules (no outside food/beverages, restrictions on inflatables and loud music)
- Children must be supervised; cabana/pool hours and availability can vary seasonally
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coliseum Pool | Iconic circular pool; cabanas bookable; pool hours and rules apply |
| Villa Pool | Available to Villa guests and as alternate during Main pool work |
| Adults-only pool area | A private adults-only pool exists on a second level behind a restaurant |
Getting to nearby beaches, shopping and attractions
Pelican Hill sits above Crystal Cove State Park and runs a complimentary hourly shuttle to Crystal Cove Beach; the resort can provide beach chairs and umbrellas there by request. Crystal Cove Historic District and the Beachcomber restaurant are local beach-area options.
Other local destinations a short drive from the resort include Fashion Island (shopping, roughly a 5-minute drive), Corona del Mar beaches and Sherman Library & Gardens, Balboa Island and Newport Harbor. The resort concierge can help with directions, reservations, and arranging water excursions.
- Crystal Cove State Park — complimentary resort shuttle (hourly) and beach drop-off by request
- Fashion Island shopping center — approximately a short drive from the resort
- Balboa/Harbor activities — Duffy boat rentals, whale-watching, fishing excursions available from nearby harbors
| Nearby spot | Transport advice |
|---|---|
| Crystal Cove Beach | Complimentary shuttle; or short drive |
| Fashion Island | Short drive; valet/parking at the mall |
| Balboa/Harbor | Drive to launch points for boat tours or arrange with concierge |
Golf, spa and activity access
Pelican Hill includes on-site golf facilities with a driving range and a pro shop; the resort offers golf lessons and equipment rentals. The minimum age for players, riders, and spectators at the golf club is listed as 5 years old, with chaperones required for children.
The Spa at Pelican Hill is Forbes Five-Star rated and open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; spa services and facilities are reserved for guests 18 and older. Fresh Air Fitness classes are offered daily (ages 16+ for most classes) and a Villa Clubhouse Fitness Center is available for guests.
- Golf driving range and pro shop on site; lessons and rentals available
- Spa open daily 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; spa services for guests 18+
- Daily Fresh Air Fitness classes (age minimums apply); Villa Clubhouse Fitness Center open to guests
| Facility | Key info |
|---|---|
| Golf Club | Driving range, pro shop, lessons; age minimums and chaperone rules apply |
| The Spa at Pelican Hill | Forbes Five-Star; spa hours 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; 18+ for services |
| Fitness classes | Daily classes; many require participants to be 16+ |
Practical tips: check-in, fees, pets and accessibility
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. A government-issued photo ID and a credit card are required at arrival; the minimum age to check in is listed on some sources as 21 (Marriott's site lists 18), so confirm with the resort if this matters for your group.
The daily Resort Fee covers a range of guest amenities such as overnight valet parking, spa facility use, a daily Fresh Air Fitness class, golf practice facility use after noon, and the complimentary Crystal Cove beach drop-off with umbrella/chairs. Policies and exact inclusions can vary by reservation type, so check your confirmation or ask the front desk.
- Check-in 4:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM; ID and credit card required
- Resort Fee includes parking, beach shuttle/drop-off, spa facility use and a fitness class (details vary by program)
- Pelican Hill is pet-friendly for up to two dogs (combined weight limits and a non-refundable pet fee apply); notify resort in advance
| Topic | Quick note |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in 4:00 PM / Check-out 11:00 AM |
| Resort Fee | Daily fee covers parking, spa facilities, fitness class, beach shuttle (confirm details) |
| Pets | Up to two dogs allowed in Bungalows or Villas; non-refundable pet fee required |
