6 of the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Newport Beach
Is soaking up the sun with your youngins at the top of your summer bucket list? If so, it’s time to hit the beach! We’ve rounded up some of Newport’s best kid-friendly beaches where the waves are small and the sand is soft. Pack up your shovels, umbrellas and chairs, throw on your suits and get ready for some fun on the sand!
Make your way to Balboa Island and set up your beach chairs and umbrellas along the shore for a peaceful view of Newport Harbor. This sandy spot on the bay is perfect for your little ones to splash around and play while you sit back and relax. There are no waves here, so bring a raft and let your kids float the day away. After a day of swimming and sun, grab a sweet treat on Marine Avenue at Sugar ‘n Spice for one of their famous Balboa Bars or frozen bananas loaded with all your favorite toppings!
If your kiddos aren’t ready to jump into the surf just yet, Marina Park on the Balboa Peninsula, also situated on the harbor, is a great location to lay out your beach towels, catch some rays and float around in the calm, shallow waters. In addition to the bay, kids can play on the nautical-themed playground and build the sandcastle of their dreams. There’s also Lighthouse Café nearby if the kids get hungry and you start craving some crispy calamari or coconut shrimp.
With its sandy stretch of shoreline and rolling blue waves, the Newport Pier is a prime spot for those looking to cool off in the big blue. Forgot your boogie or surfboard? Head over to 20th Street Beach and Bikes next to the Newport Pier and rent beach equipment for as low as $12 per day! Watch your little ones right from your beach chair ride the whitewash all the way up to the shore. The ocean can be rough, so remember to adhere to the lifeguard’s flag system. Red means no, and green means go!
Located on the west side of Corona del Mar State Beach, Pirate’s Cove is tucked inside the Newport Harbor entrance channel, so the water is usually calm. This small beach faces the Balboa Peninsula, offering views of the jetty and the harbor. Kids can explore nearby rock caves, collect seashells and play in the calm water where the waves can’t get them. Spend an afternoon here soaking up the sun, and be sure to check out the views from Lookout Point Park, perched just above Pirate’s Cove.
A mecca for summer entertainment, Newport Dunes is a must-visit if you’ve got multiple kids in tow. This family-friendly waterfront resort sits on the beautiful Back Bay and offers a ton—and we mean a ton—of ocean activities. Take advantage of the RV sites and stay the weekend, or come for the day and let your little ones play on the inflatable floating water park! There are also paddleboard, kayak and boat rentals available, and in the summertime, families can enjoy live concerts with food trucks and festivities!
With 3.2 miles of protected sandy beaches, Crystal Cove State Park is a coastal sanctuary teeming with marine life. Take your kids down to the tide pools at Pelican Point or Reef Point, then find a spot on the sand to soak up the sun. You’ll also want to explore the Historic District, which is home to The Beachcomber (try the beignets!) and several charming restored cottages. Crystal Cove Shake Shack is also a popular spot in Crystal Cove to catch a sunset, and the milkshakes are worth the splurge.
