Your Family-Friendly Spring Break Guide
Daylight savings time is just a couple weeks away, which means spring has nearly sprung! And there’s no better time to start planning an epic family-friendly spring break. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or teenagers, Newport Beach’s abundance of activities is sure to keep kids (of all ages) entertained. From boating on the bay to biking around town, there’s no shortage of things to do. Our beach city has everything your family will need to enjoy the perfect spring break on the coast!
Stay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Let’s glamp! Perched on the shores of Newport’s beautiful Back Bay sits Newport Dunes—a family-friendly waterfront resort. This bayside retreat sits on 100 acres and is home to over 382 oversized RV sites and 24 cabins/cottages. Park your RV for the week at one of Newport Dunes’ beachfront sites for a weekend of fun in the sun! Newport Dunes offers RV campers access to amenities and activities like hydrotherapy pools, beach access, waterfront dining and kid-friendly watersports. Each site features full hook-ups, picnic tables and RV parking, so you and your fam will feel fully equipped for your Back Bay staycay.
Spend an Afternoon at the Balboa Fun Zone
For a fun-filled day by the bay, head to Newport Beach’s time-honored Balboa Fun Zone. This family-friendly amusement area features an assortment of activities, including arcade games, Ferris wheel rides and more. Let the kids play, then head over to Pizza Pete’s for a midday slice! The Fun Zone is also home to several spots for an afternoon sweet treat—try Balboa Beach Treats for a scoop of ice cream or a frozen banana or Balboa Candy for a stellar selection of saltwater taffy.
Embark on a Whale-Watching Adventure
Add a little excitement to your spring vacay with an adventurous whale-watching excursion on the coast of Newport Beach! Both Newport Landing and Newport Coastal Adventure offer year-round cruises that will allow your fam the opportunity to see these unique sea creatures up close. Plus, spring is the perfect time to spot gray whales during their migration! To book your trip, visit www.newportcoastaladventure.com and www.newportwhales.com.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore the Back Bay, stop by Pirate Coast Paddle Company to rent kayaks and paddleboards for reasonable hourly rates. And if you and your crew are up for a real adventure, the nighttime SUP Glow tours are all sorts of fun! Each board is equipped with waterproof LED lights that illuminate the surrounding waters, making this nighttime experience a memorable one.
Do Some Shopping at Fashion Island
This outdoor retail destination is the perfect place to spend a day doing some spring shopping. With a variety of shops and eateries, Fashion Island is sure to keep everyone, from the toddlers to the teenagers, entertained. Spend some time upgrading your family’s spring wardrobes at name-brand stores like Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Faherty and more. And don’t leave without visiting the koi pond—your kids will love the colorful fish!
Take a Day Trip to Crystal Cove
Adult or child—nothing beats a milkshake or burger from the Crystal Cove Shake Shack .This popular roadside spot sits on PCH and is perched above the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, so you can grab a bite then hit the beach. After you’ve indulged, walk down to the shore and spend some time exploring the area’s sandy coves, rocky reefs and tide pools, where you’ll spot creatures like starfish and sea urchins!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
