A Food-Focused Family Itinerary for All Palates
Prepare your appetites for a family foodie adventure in Newport Beach! We know you and your crew like to sip and snack, so we put together the ultimate itinerary to ensure every member of your family enjoys a flavorful journey. Whether you’re looking for cozy, kid-friendly cafes, local eateries on the water or the best dessert shops in town, our city has something to satisfy everyone’s tastes—yes, even the pickiest of eaters. Let the culinary journey begin!
STAY
Situated on the historic grounds of the old City Hall, Lido House artfully merges a timeless Cape Cod charm with contemporary luxuries. This boutique hotel sits in the center of it all, offering foodies access to some of the best cafes, bistros and bayside restaurants in town. On site, the property’s elegantly designed rooms, suites and three-story cottages provide ample space for families, while other amenities, like the pool deck, make for a perfect day of fun in the sun with kiddos. There’s also the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Mayor’s Table, which is perfect for an elevated family dinner. And if you feel like venturing off-property, there’s a host of amazing waterfront restaurants nearby at Lido Marina Village. So consider this Newport Beach hotel a hub for foodies of all ages.
DINE
Whether your kids are picky or adventurous eaters, Newport Beach has something for every palate. The grounds are home to more than 400 restaurants that span all types of cuisine—from fresh seafood to classic Mexican, hearty Italian and beyond. Fuel your family’s vacation with a trip to Wilma’s Patio on Balboa Island for breakfast, or grab a pastry from Rye Goods, a sourdough bakery in Lido Marina Village. Then, when lunchtime rolls around, head to The Crab Cooker for a bread bowl of their famous clam chowder or spend the afternoon together at Avila’s El Ranchito, a family-owned establishment with a menu of delicious kid-friendly eats like taquitos, tamales and quesadillas. And for dinner, nothing beats a trip down the coast to The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove. You can even enjoy a bonfire on the sand together after the sun goes down!
PLAY
A paradise for kids and kids at heart, the Balboa Fun Zone offers a taste of nostalgia right in the heart of Balboa Village. Let the kids take a ride on the Ferris wheel or play in the arcade, then grab some grub from one of the local restaurants, like Jane’s Corndogs. There’s also plenty of sweet treats here, too. Your little foodies will love the glazed goodies at Balboa Bakery & Donuts and the selection of ice cream at Balboa Beach Treats. You can even rent bikes from Seaside Bike Rentals and cruise the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk together. We recommend making pit stops at the Newport Beach Pier and The Wedge to watch the surfers.
EXPLORE
Another foodie hub worth checking out is Fashion Island—Newport Beach’s renowned shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Along with boutiques and name-brand stores, this outdoor lifestyle center is home to an assortment of restaurants and kid-friendly attractions. Let your littles play at the fish-filled koi pond or play in the sunshine on the Atrium Lawn. Then, sit down to a delicious meal at one of the eateries—we love Great Maple for its brunchy maple bacon doughnuts, Sessions West Coast Deli for its tasty sandos and Gelato Paradiso for a creamy scoop of authentic Italian gelato. Fashion Island also has a movie theater called THE LOT for families who want to catch a flick!
