36 Hours in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is the ultimate family playground with something for everyone – from tots to teens to mom and dad. We have mapped out what to do for 36 hours in Newport Beach to create a picture-postcard-perfect vacation this summer, without breaking the bank, in Newport Beach!
Day 1:
3pm: You and your family have arrived! Check into your hotel, unpack, and get ready for a relaxing, fun, and scenic Duffy Cruise in Newport Harbor. Everyone will need to bring a sweater – it could get chilly on the bay!
3:30pm: Rent your easy-to-navigate electric boat and get ready to cruise the Harbor. For extra family fun, play the “Duffy Boat Scavenger Hunt” game and find historical landmarks around the Newport Bay.he kids will love it, and adults will enjoy the scenic views, beautiful landscape, yachts, and homes along the waterfront.
5pm: Cruising can work up a healthy appetite, so it’s time to dock and dine at one of Newport’s many family-friendly restaurants: Harborside Restaurant. Situated in the middle of Newport Harbor in the “Fun Zone”, you will be amongst all the action while overlooking the stunning views of Newport Harbor. Parents can enjoy exquisite seafood and steak fare while young ones have an array of kid-friendly options to choose from as well, it’s the best of both worlds!
7pm: After dinner, head to Balboa Island and stroll along Marine Avenue to window shop and treat the family to dessert. Indulge in a Newport Beach tradition and order a Balboa Bar at Dad’s or Sugar n’ Spice – a creamy ice cream treat made-to-order with your choice of decadent toppings.
Day 2:
8am – Head to Balboa Island where you can enjoy breakfast at Wilma’s Patio, a Balboa Island family-owned and operated restaurant. Kids and adults will love their homemade pancakes, waffles, French toast, and every kind of egg dish imaginable.
9:30am– Take the Balboa Island Ferry over to the Fun Zone. The kids will go crazy for the Ferris wheel and arcade games.
11am– Beach time! Pack your beach bags and pick your spot along the stretch of beach on Balboa Peninsula. Miles of coastline, filled with shops, restaurants, and beach rentals fill the boardwalk. Make the most of your beach day and rent a surrey bike – the whole family can ride at once!
1pm Enjoy lunch at Ruby’s, a 1950’s-inspired diner on the Balboa Pier. Everyone will love walking out to the end of the pier and taking in the views over a cheeseburger and Ruby’s famous shakes.
3pm- 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.
Sunset: After all of the activities, your family will be ready to relax – and the perfect way to do that is at “Movies on the Beach” at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Movies start when the sun goes down, projected on a giant big screen and snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Parking is $10 and we recommend you bring jackets, blankets and chairs, as it can get a little chilly after dark.
Day 3:
9am: Head down to Crystal Cove State Beach and eat breakfast on the beach! Park at the Los Trancos parking lot off of Pacific Coast Highway and take the Beachcomber Café Trolley down to the restaurant. The kids will love the fun trolley ride, and the Beachcomber Café offers great food and spectacular views from its perch on the sand.
11am: After breakfast at the Beachcomber Cafe, walk along the beach and check out the spectacular Crystal Cove tidepools.
1pm: Make sure to stop at Fashion Island before you head home. The outdoor shopping mecca is filled with more than 200 stores – featuring a great mix of boutiques, department stores and designer outposts. Kids will love the water fountains and park areas to run around in. The whole family can dine alfresco at one of the many open-air, family friendly restaurants and reminisce about their amazing time in Newport Beach this summer.
