FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN
in newport beach
Newport Beach is the ultimate family playground for tots, teens and everyone in between! The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and VEA Newport Beach are two great family friendly hotels with central locations offering lots of amenities such as free bike rentals, shuttle service and more. Here is your itinerary for an adventure packed 36 hours with the family!
Day 1
Afternoon
You and your family have arrived! Take time to check into your hotel and unpack.
Cruise Newport Harbor
Rent your easy-to-navigate electric boat (we recommend Vision Electric Boat Rentals) and get ready to cruise the harbor. The ride will be filled with scenic views of waterfront homes, yachts and the occasional wildlife that like to say, “Hi!”.
Cruising can work up a healthy appetite, and if you didn’t bring snacks on board, Newport Beach has you covered! Simply “Dock & Dine”: dock your boat at one of our many family-friendly restaurants such as Harborside Restaurant, Bluewater Grill, or Woody’s Wharf then dine inside or on your boat!
Evening
Stroll Fashion Island
After dinner, head to Fashion Island before you head back to your hotel. This outdoor shopping hub is filled with more than 125 stores – featuring a great mix of boutiques, department stores and designer outposts. Kids will love the water fountains, koi pond and park areas to run around in, and there are movie theaters and restaurants for all to enjoy.
DAY 2
Morning
Explore Balboa Island
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.
Take the Ferry to Balboa Village
Take the Balboa Island Ferry over to the Fun Zone. The kids will go crazy for the Ferris wheel and arcade games.
Afternoon
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 bike to scope out the best spots!
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.
Take the family to one of the many surf or stand-up paddleboard companies for an introductory lesson in these fun water sports. For beginners, head to Newport Aquatic Center or Pirate Coast Paddle Company located in the beautiful and scenic Back Bay to learn stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in calm waters.
Evening
Enjoy a sunset
After all of the activities, your family will be ready to relax and enjoy the perfect Newport Beach sunset. Some popular vantage points are Lookout Point in Corona del Mar, Castaways Park in the Back Bay or from any spot on the many miles of beaches.
From there, end your jampacked day by getting a comforting dinner at one of Corona del Mar’s many restaurants such as Avila’s El Ranchito, Bamboo Bistro or CdM Restaurant.
Day 3
Morning
Discover Crystal Cove State Park
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, take the Beachcomber Cafe shuttle or walk the path under Pacific Coast Highway to the Crystal Cove Historic District. Beachcomber Cafe offers great food and spectacular views from its perch on the sand.
After, walk along the beach and check out the spectacular Crystal Cove tidepools teeming with life. Some of the cottages have been converted to shops, and a portion of the proceeds goes to Crystal Cove Alliance, which is dedicated to the preservation of the District.
Afternoon
By now you’ve worked up an appetite, climb the stairs to Crystal Cove Shake Shack, which overlooks Crystal Cove State Beach for one last look at the beautiful coastline of Newport Beach while eating a classic burger, fries and a shake.