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5 Newport Beach Date Ideas for Some Summer Fun

August 1, 2024

Nothing says summer like a little romance! From dreamy boat rides on the bay with your beau to picnicking on the sand with your sweetheart, love is in the air in Newport Beach. To help you spice up your summer, we’ve rounded up five dates that are sure to make sparks fly. Grab your first date, summer fling, fiance or even just a friend. These Newport Beach date ideas are sure to add some fun to your dog days!

Ride the Ferris Wheel + Get Ice Cream

📍Balboa Fun Zone

A Newport Beach icon, the Balboa Fun Zone is an entertainment oasis with an arcade, Ferris wheel, rides and attractions and an assortment of casual restaurants. Channel your inner child together and take a ride on the Ferris wheel for sky-high views of harbor. Then, snag a scoop of ice cream or a famous chocolate-dipped Balboa Bar at Cowafornia Ice Cream. And if you want to extend your date, you can hop aboard the ferry, which will charter you across to Balboa Island where you can stroll the boardwalk and check out the charming shops and restaurants on Marine Avenue.

Sandwiches at Gallo’s + Picnic at the Beach

📍Corona del Mar State Beach

Keep things casual this summer with a relaxing picnic on the sand. Since 1973, Gallo’s Italian Deli has served up its signature subs with sliced-to-order meats, making it a staple in the Corona del Mar neighborhood. Stop in and order their Italian Star or Turbacado, then walk down to Corona del Mar State Beach and enjoy a picnic with views of the waves. Be sure to bring a blanket and an umbrella to stay shady!

Dock and Dine at The Cannery

📍Newport Harbor

With one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast, boating is by far one of the most popular pastimes in Newport Beach. So set sail with your sweetheart this summer in your very own electric boat! Our city is home to several rental companies, including Vision Electric Boat Rental, Duffy Electric Boat Company, Newport Beach Boat Rentals and more. And after a cruise through the canals of the bay, pull up dockside to dock and dine at The Cannery—one of the most historic restaurants in town. You’ll want to try one of their classic cocktails along with some fresh, wild-caught seafood.

Shopping + See a Movie at The LOT

📍Fashion Island

Hone your summer style together with a shopping spree at Fashion Island! Hand in hand, stroll through this outdoor retail and entertainment center, where you’ll find everything from designer shops to local boutiques and department stores. After you’ve had your fill of shopping (and dining if brunch, lunch or dinner is in the cards), head over to The LOT to catch a movie.

This state-of-the-art movie theater is always showcasing the latest flicks and even features recliner seating and wait service!

Paddleboarding + Summer Concert Series

📍Back Bay

The beautiful waters of Newport Beach’s Back Bay set the perfect scene for a day outdoors with your date. This expansive ecological preserve is home to several endangered species and 1,000 acres of preserved wetlands to explore. Rent paddleboards from Pirate Coast Paddle Company, and wade through the glistening waters as you take in the surrounding scenery. Then, reward yourselves with some drinks and live music at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach’s Summer Concert Series! On August 23, Jazz Attack: Rick, Richard & Peter will take the stage at the hotel’s outdoor amphitheater, and we couldn’t think of a better summer date idea than grooving to live tunes with your partner.

Written by Visit Newport Beach

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