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7 Ways to Spend Presidents’ Day Weekend


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 Presidents’ Day with us on the coast! Here are six 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.

Whale Watching

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!

Corona del Mar Farmers Market

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

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 an eggs cooked-to-order station. For reservations, call (949) 630-4487.

Book a Staycation

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 local properties! 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, chic 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 luxurious escape, check in to The Resort at Pelican Hill, Balboa Bay Resort or the all-new VEA Newport Beach.

Live Music at Lido Marina Village

On Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day weekend, locals and visitors of Newport Beach can enjoy live music at Lido Marina Village on the Lido Deck. Singer and songwriter Zach Churchill will kick off the weekend with a performance from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and country artist Lauren Black will close out on Sunday. Get some shopping done in the morning, then sit back, relax and enjoy the harbor views and tunes! There’s no better way to spend a three-day weekend.

Head to Happy Hour

Make Mondays fun again! This Presidents’ 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 Hot & Raw Ceviche, 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, New England Chowder Tots and more!

Written by: Kaylin Waizinger

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