8 Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Newport Beach
Hailed as the nation’s first taste of summer, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to round up the family, fire up the barbecue and soak up some sun. And with some of the best beaches, resorts, restaurants and parks that California has to offer, Newport Beach has something for everyone’s ideal holiday weekend. Whether it be an escape to a luxurious oceanfront hotel or a relaxing afternoon listening to live music, read on to see some of the amazing activities Newport has to offer this Memorial Day weekend.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Nestled neatly in the heart of Newport’s gorgeous back bay marina, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina offers some of the best ways for families to escape and explore one of Newport’s hidden treasures. With everything from RV camping to Duffy boat rides, this casual resort is the perfect place to spend Memorial Day with the kids. Don’t miss the opening of the resort’s inflatable floating waterpark on Memorial Day Weekend and the seasonal Tunes at the Dunes free concert series on May 26-28!
Sip and Savor at the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival
Sip the day away at the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival this Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-28)! Balboa Bay Resort will host this highly anticipated annual event, and guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of world-class wines and spirits. Enjoy live music, aerialist entertainment, tasty bites and stunning views of Newport Harbor, and don’t forget to snag tickets to Duckhorn’s five-course dinner on Friday night! At this year’s festival, there will also be a pop-up speakeasy called The Speyside Lounge, where guests can snack on tapas and taste a range of Macallan single malt scotch whiskeys.
Memorial Day weekend at VEA Newport Beach
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at VEA Newport Beach for a weekend of events. Enjoy a BBQ on their brand-new Sunset Lawn Saturday, and soak up the sun and good vibes with a DJ and specialty cocktails Saturday and Sunday at Edge Bar.
Surf Lessons at Endless Sun Surf School
Given the plethora of scenic and spacious world-class surf populating Newport Beach’s coastline, there is no better way to seek a bit of adventure this Memorial Day than to spend a day in the waves with Endless Sun Surf School. With tons of different options for every skill level, Endless Sun offers a great way for families to indulge in one of SoCal’s favorite pastimes.
Head to the Balboa Fun Zone
This list would be remiss without the inclusion of one of Newport’s most iconic places for fun and fanfare: the Balboa Fun Zone. Initially built in 1936, this one-of-a-kind attraction has been entertaining families for over 85 years, making it a true staple in the Newport Beach community. So hop aboard the ferry, grab your favorite flavor of ice cream, and don’t forget to take a ride on the legendary Balboa Ferris Wheel, which boasts some of the best views of the harbor!
Stay and Play at Balboa Bay Resort
One of the most luxurious and unique resorts in the city, Balboa Bay Resort brings guests within a stone’s throw from the beautiful harbor, making it perfect for any family seeking a bit of rest and relaxation on the calm waters of the marina. And now, thanks to their Make a Splash offer, guests can enjoy 15% off room accommodations, a $50 credit for pool and beach day necessities, a reusable beach tote, two canned seltzers, a complimentary shuttle to the beach and valet parking.
For those looking to get some vitamin sea this Memorial Day weekend, join Ekam Yoga & Pilates for a stand-up paddleboard yoga session at 10 a.m. on May 27! Led by local yogi Sarah Ramos, this class is sure to bring some zen to your three-day weekend. Register for the class on Ekam’s website, and simply meet at Newport Harbor Patrol Beach the morning of. You’ll paddle out as a group, anchor and do yoga under the beautiful sun.
Plan a Bonfire With S’mores in Crystal Cove
Nothing quite says “the start of summer” like an evening spent by the fire at one of the most scenic beaches in the entire state: Crystal Cove State Park. With shimmering panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs baked in golden sunlight and some of the best spots to watch the sunset, Crystal Cove is perfect for a beach bonfire with the family. Simply pack a bag, grab a fire pit and enjoy an evening of smiles and s’mores.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
