Planning Your Disneyland Vacation? Stay in Newport Beach!

Photo Credit: @dizfeed

Only 20 minutes from Disneyland, Newport Beach is the ideal home base for a family spring break adventure. The combination of bountiful activities, incredible dining, and easy-gong vibe make Newport Beach the perfect complement to a day or two at Disneyland. View offer!

Here are the top 5 reasons why Newport Beach, California is the ideal place to stay.

Photo Credit: @disneydentist Christopher Auyong

1. Newport Beach and Disneyland are Neighbors:
Disneyland is located in Newport Beach’s backyard, less than 20 miles away from the heart of the city.

You will be close enough enjoy full days at the park while still experiencing the quintessential beach culture and lifestyle of Newport Beach.

And it’s always a good time to visit! Whether you’re thinking winter, spring or summer break, the year-round average temp is almost always at perfection – a mild 70 degrees.

2. Clean and Beautiful Beaches:
This past year, Newport Beach earned ‘A+’ and ‘5 Stars’ by Heal the Bay and the National Resource Defense Council as one of the cleanest beaches in the country.

What better way to balance a busy day in Anaheim than putting your feet in the sand and listening to the surf? The family will love playing in the gentle waters of ‘mothers beach’ at Corona del Mar State Beach. After, play a round of volleyball!

Balboa Peninsula

If more action is what you’re after, then head to Balboa Peninsula and check out the surfers around Newport Pier – ideal times are early morning or late afternoon, an easy complement to a day at Disney. Learn to surf at Endless Sun Surf School. Then, head to the tip of the Peninsula, where you can check out The Wedge, a world-renowned bodysurfing spot where waves can reach 30 feet!

There’s more to explore Crystal Cove State Park, one of nature’s prettiest theme parks. Tide pools will keep kids of all ages fascinated and you will feel transported back time among the quaint beach cottages. Hungry? ? Grab a bite on the patio of The Beachcomber or trek up the wooden staircase and order a thick milkshake at the Shake Shack.

Lido House Hotel

3. Stunning Selection of Accommodations:
Newport Beach offers a wide-array of lodging styles, which accommodate all family sizes and budgets. Plus, you’ll avoid the frenzy of Disneyland® Resort-adjacent hotels during the summer months.

Lido House, Newport’s newest hotel, has four cottages with full kitchens and plenty of space to spread out. Plus, you can pedal to the boardwalk in minutes using one of the property’s beach cruisers. Be sure to try the catch of the day at Bluewater Grill or super fresh sushi at Buddha’s Favorite.

Balboa Bay Resort sits right on Newport Harbor and has its own dock, so after the Jungle Cruise, you can enjoy a sunset jaunt in a duffy boat, a beloved electric boat native to Newport Beach. Or check out the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach which is located adjacent to the Back Bay and has a fabulous pool area for families. Plus, it’s just minutes to the shopping and dining at Fashion Island.

4. Beach Dining:
After a long day at Disneyland, you have undoubtedly worked up an appetite. Newport Beach presents over 400 dining options, ranging from family-friendly to prestige cuisine. Stroll down Marine Avenue on Balboa Island  and enjoy a famous Balboa Bar from Sugar & Spice. Get inspired by an incredible range of local options including Royal Hen, an upscale pub, Picante Martin’s for delicious casual Mexican, or Ciao for an easy evening of pizza and pasta.

Balboa Fun Zone

5. Family-Fun Activities:
Outside of your Disneyland itinerary, be sure to schedule some fun time to explore Newport Beach.

Explore the iconic Balboa Fun Zone and ride the Ferris Wheel, play arcade games and learn about the ocean at Ocean Quest.

Take the family to the Pirate Coast Paddle Company at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, and take an introductory lesson in stand-up paddle boarding that will teach you the basics of this fun sport in the calm waters of the beautiful Newport Back Bay. Don’t miss the fascinating Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, a 10,000 square foot educational facility built into the bluff on the north side of Back Bay.

Fashion Island

Or head to Fashion Island – an outdoor shopping destination that boasts a Mediterranean ambiance, fountains, koi pond and over 125 specialty shops including a number of boutique’s exclusive to Orange County, as well as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. More than 50 dining options will ensure that there’s something to tempt all taste buds.

A trip that combines the best summer theme park experience with the best of the beach makes for the happiest vacation ever.