Swing Into Spring With These 5 Activities for Families
With more than 10 miles of breathtaking coastline, it’s no wonder our city by the sea is a cherished destination for families looking for some fun in the sun. From biking the Balboa Peninsula to making waves on a Jet Ski and building sandcastles by the bay, the opportunities for adventure are endless in Newport Beach! And whether you’re traveling with teenagers or tots, there’s a little something for everyone. Here are five seafaring activities that’ll keep the entire family entertained on your vacay by the bay.
3 p.m. Gone Glamping
Stripped of stodgy hotel formalities, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina offers a serene escape for those in search of some kid-friendly fun. This family-friendly waterfront resort sits on the edge of Newport’s Back Bay and is home to 382 oversized RV sites and 24 cabins/cottages. And whether you choose to camp or glamp, the resort’s abundance of water sport activities is sure to keep you and your crew busy! Bounce back and forth between the salty bay and the resort pool, and enjoy on-the-bay activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and boating.
10 a.m. Bike the Boardwalk
Kickstart your morning with a family bike ride down the bustling Balboa Peninsula! Rent a set of wheels from one of Newport Beach’s local rental businesses, such as Seaside Bike Rentals, Newport Cruisers or Pedego Electric Bikes, and zip down the coast! The Balboa Peninsula is home to several seaside restaurants worth a pitstop, but you’ll definitely want to make your way to Marina Park to let the kiddos romp around on the nautical-themed playground.
12 p.m. Catch Some Waves
After a brisk bike ride, it’s time to slip on your swimsuits and get in the water! Head to the beach for surf lessons from the pros at Learn to Surf or Endless Sun Surf School, and watch as the kids catch some waves! Looking for a little more thrill? Head across to the harbor side of the peninsula, and hop on a Jet Ski from Balboa Water Sports or soar to new heights with Balboa Parasail!
2 p.m. Chow Down
Located just a few blocks from the sand, The Crab Cooker is the perfect place for a midday bite! Since 1951, this seafood hotspot has served up a superb selection of smoked fish, fresh oysters and mussels and their famous red clam chowder. However, Newport Beach isn’t short on seafood destinations. We also love Woody’s Wharf for some crispy calamari, Hook & Anchor for a pair of lobster rolls and Bear Flag Fish Company for a poke burrito.
4 p.m. Fun for All
Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone
Newport Beach’s time-honored Balboa Fun Zone is the perfect place to end the day. This family-friendly amusement area is home to an assortment of things to do, including Ferris wheel rides and old-school arcade games! But before the kids get sucked in (we’re talking one too many games of skeeball), hop on the ferry, which will take you across the harbor to Balboa Island. This secluded destination is home to a handful of charming shops and eateries. Take a stroll down Marine Avenue, and don’t leave without snagging a creamy, chocolate-dipped Balboa Bar or frozen banana from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop or Sugar ‘n Spice!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
