8 Family-Friendly Ocean Activities in Newport Beach
With more than 10 miles of stunning coastline, it’s no wonder Newport Beach is a hot destination for both locals and visitors. With its assortment of activities like boating, surfing, swimming and more, there’s no better place to live your best life…in a swimsuit. So grab the sunblock and floaties and throw on your suit because we’ve rounded up all the best family-friendly water activities in Newport Beach. Go on, dive in!
Looking for a fun afternoon activity with the fam? Lucky for you, Newport Beach is home to several kayak and paddleboard rental companies, including Paddle Board Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula, Pirate Coast Paddle Company on the Back Bay and Balboa Water Sports–the only Sea-Doo rental spot in Newport Beach! All you have to do is reserve your board or kayak, and each of these companies will do the rest.
One of the most popular activities in Newport Beach, surfing is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful blue water. But don’t send the kids (or adults for that matter) out on their own with no instruction. Instead, sign them up for a two-hour surf lesson with Learn to Surf. This local surf school provides lessons given by pros with lifeguard experience. During the two hours, they’ll learn the basics of surfing, become proficient in the water and catch more waves than you ever could on your own.
If you prefer to be on the water as opposed to in the water, an electric boat rental is always a good idea. The city plays host to numerous rental companies like Lido Marina Village Electric Boat Rental, Duffy Electric Boat Rentals, Newport Beach Boat Rentals and more. Each of these features a fleet of dynamic electric vessels so you can cruise the harbor in style. For more information or to reserve your electric boat, visit each of the companies’ individual websites. And keep in mind, pricing is lower on weekdays!
If heights aren’t your thing, go ahead and skip this one. However, if you and the fam are up for a bit of adventure, strap in! Balboa Parasail offers a sky-high experience you won’t forget, featuring breathtaking panoramic views of Newport Beach. All flights reach up to 800 feet and can accommodate up to three at a time. For more info on this thrilling experience, visit www.californiaparasail.com.
A day at the dunes? Now that’s what days are made of! Your kids will love everything about Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. There’s fun for the whole family at Newport Dunes with access to boating excursions, poolside cabana rentals and the resort’s Beachfront Grill & Bar.
Fishing and Whale Watching
Plan a day on the open ocean with a fishing or whale watching trip from Davey’s Locker in Balboa Village. This top-notch tour agency offers year-round excursions out of Newport Bay with options like deep-sea sportfishing adventures and whale watching and dolphin cruises. The company boasts a 95% viewing success rate when it comes to whale watching. However, if you’re looking to reel in something tasty, Davey’s Locker is known to help folks catch hundreds of fish per trip, including species like giant yellowtail, tuna and halibut!
Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Cruises
While there’s no debate Newport Beach has a handful of amazing restaurants to wine and dine at, we’d like to introduce an “off-shore” experience that’s worth every penny! City Cruises by Hornblower offers a variety of special seafaring expeditions like brunch, lunch, cocktail and dinner cruises. Step aboard and enjoy everything from seasonal fare and specialty cocktails to live entertainment as you cruise the beautiful harbor. To reserve your seats, visit www.cityexperiences.com/newport-beach/city-cruises.
Boogie Board Rentals
If your little ones are too young to hop on a surfboard, look into renting some boogie boards! Ray’s Rentals in Balboa Village has all the gear you’ll need for a fun and relaxing day at the beach. Grab some boogie boards for the kids and beach chairs for the adults. Rentals for boogie boards start at $8 per hour and can be rented for up to a week!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
