7 Ways to Spend President’s Day Weekend in Newport Beach
A three-day weekend is upon us, and there’s no better place to spend a day off than in the sunny city of Newport Beach! Whether you’re looking to get out on the water, indulge in a bayside brunch or listen to some live tunes, we know exactly where to make it happen. So set your email to OOO and celebrate President’s Day with us on the coast! Here are 7 ways to enjoy your extra long weekend.
Beach Bonfire in Crystal Cove
Celebrate your day off with a cozy bonfire on the sand! Located in the Crystal Cove Historic District, The Beachcomber offers bonfire experiences for groups of all sizes. The Sunset Package comes with a three-hour fire pit rental, four s’mores kits, four beverages and four beach chair rentals. Throw on a sweatshirt, gather your family and friends and get ready to get cozy around the campfire! Click here to reserve your bonfire experience.
Ranked as one of the top activities in Southern California, whale watching in Newport Beach is a great way to see these sea creatures up close! Between the months of December and April, grey whale season is in full swing, but animals like seals and dolphins can be seen year-round. Book your whale watching tour today through one of Newport Beach’s local businesses, such as Newport Landing, Davey’s Locker or Newport Coastal Adventure. Each of these local companies offers daily whale-watching adventures guided by experts!
Fashion Island‘s Lunar New Year Celebration
Embrace the start of springtime and the dawn of a new year at Fashion Island‘s Lunar New Year Celebration. This holiday is celebrated with grandeur not just in China, but globally, and Fashion Island is welcoming visitors from Feb. 9-25 to enjoy all kinds of Lunar New Year sales, decorations and activations! Dive into an array of engaging activities, from the artistry of kite painting to live calligraphy demonstrations and more. To see what events are in store this Presidents’ Day weekend, click here.
When it comes to supporting local farms, the Corona del Mar Farmers Market is a must-visit. Located at the intersection of Marguerite and PCH, this open-air market has been around for over 22 years and features a variety of locally grown and harvested foods. Enjoy some fresh air in the charming community of CDM, and shop everything from seasonal veggies and flowers to baked goods and more. The market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, so plan accordingly!
Sunday Seafood Brunch at Balboa Bay Resort
Nothing beats a decadent brunch on a three-day weekend! Treat you and your family to a sensational seafood spread at Balboa Bay Resort. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the bayside Lighthouse Room, you and your crew can indulge in buffet-style offerings. These include a full seafood display of oysters, crab claws, sashimi and more, plus a bakery and patisserie display, seasonal salad and fruit display and a cooked-to-order eggs station. For reservations, call (949) 645-5000.
Book a Presidents’ Day Weekend Getaway
Newport Beach is home to several stunning seaside hotels—from luxurious five-star resorts to family-friendly retreats. Take advantage of the long weekend and book a stay at one of the city’s newest hotels, such as the ultra-luxe Pendry Newport Beach or coastal-chic VEA Newport Beach! For those in search of a stylish staycation in the heart of it all, Lido House is a great pick with its Cape-Cod style aesthetic, charming guest rooms and top-notch amenities. If you’re traveling with the kids, we recommend staying at Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach or Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina for access to a variety of water sports and activities. And for those in search of a five-star escape, check in to The Resort at Pelican Hill, or opt for a waterfront vacation at Balboa Bay Resort.
Head to Happy Hour
Make Mondays fun again! This President’s Day, you can enjoy a variety of happy hour specials. Whether you’re craving cocktails, tacos or sushi, Newport Beach’s assortment of happy hour hotspots is sure to fill your belly without breaking the bank. Head to Helmsman Ale House (between 2 and 6 p.m.) for $2 off all starters, or swing by SOL Mexican Cocina (between 3 and 6 p.m.) for discounted bites like the Firecracker Quesadilla and Naked Guacamole, which are all under $10. And if you’re in the mood for seafood, Bluewater Grill offers a variety of drink specials and discounted bites, priced between $6 and $12, like Crispy Calamari, Blackened Fish Tacos, Steamed Clams and more!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
