That hand painted macaroni necklace may have been your mother’s favorite gift when you were five (and I’m sure she still keeps it with all her other cherished possessions), but if you’ve outgrown the homemade phase, we can help you plan an extra special day for the most important women in your life.

Our mother and mother figures come in all types, so the standard chocolate, flowers or jewelry may not be the best fit. Show them how much you know them by creating a day out in Newport Beach that’s all about them!

For the mother that loves the beach

Take advantage of this town’s natural resources and head to the beach. In my biased opinion, Crystal Cove State Park is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in California, so spend the morning dipping your toes in the water (or if you’re more adventurous, jump on in!), and admiring the rugged cliffs and picturesque tide pools. After a refreshing walk, settle in for Mother’s Day Brunch on the sand at the Beachcomber in Crystal Cove’s historic district. The special brunch menu includes bottomless champagne or mimosas, their signature beignets, and mouthwatering entrees like shrimp & lobster enchiladas.

If you let mom sleep in (for once) and are looking for lunch, skip the line for parking at Ruby’s Shake Shack right off the PCH by climbing up the wooden steps from the beach. True to its name, this place makes the best shakes in town (and they’ll make whatever sweet creation you can concoct). Plus, the view is unbeatable as you’re right above the beach.

For the mother that loves to be pampered

Everyone needs to indulge in a good spa day now and then, and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to treat your mother (and yourself!), to some self-love. Whether you want to schedule a massage, facial, or relaxing pedicure, Newport Beach is full of options.

Go for all-out luxury at The Spa at Pelican Hill. The reviews are glowing (including its ranking as the number one spa in California by Condé Nast Traveler), and after a facial or body polish, you will be too. The Spa is celebrating mom with a special Mother’s Day retreat, which includes two hours in the Spa Suite after a massage or facial!

According to the OC Hot List, the Lemon and Honey Day spa has one of the best facials in town and is offering a Holistic Mama Facial. This facial is both relaxing and effective with the aim of releasing tension and nourishing your skin.

For the mother that loves to bake

Photo credit Kelly Barcus

Remember when you used to bake with mom and she let you lick the spoon? Reminisce on those fun times with a baking or cooking class at Sur La Table, where you’ll be chefs and taste testers. You’ll learn a few nifty tips to use next time you get creative in the kitchen. If you can’t make a class on May 13^th, find a time you can take one together on the calendar here.

For the mother that loves to sweat it out

Sometimes the best motivation is having a friend join you at the gym or as you head out on a run. Whether you are the motivator or mom’s the one bringing you along, these classes will be so much fun you’ll be ready for round two.

A Barre Class at The Dailey Method – Barre classes may have spiked in popularity over the last few years, but classes are built around classic moves that your mom will probably recognize from her favorite Jane Fonda tapes. The Dailey Method helps you burn calories while improving your posture, balance and strengthening your core.

Hot Yoga at Vibes Hot Yoga – Since yoga should be as mentally and spiritually uplifting as it is physically, I’m all about the mood when I’m looking for a yoga studio. Vibes’ floor-to-ceiling Himalayan salt wall is lit to set the tone for a class, whether it’s a high energy hot class, or a restore session focused on quieting the mind and purifying the body.

Spin Class at Union Ryde – Cheer each other on through a 60-minute spin class at Union Ryde, where you’ll torch 1,000+ calories.

Photo Credit: Pirate Coast Paddle Company

SUP Yoga with Pirate Coast Paddle Company – Take to the Newport Bay for a SUP Yoga class with Pirate Coast Paddle Company. Floating on the calm waters just layers that feeling of serenity on the whole experience, so you’ll feel both energized and rejuvenated at the end of your session.

For all types…because who doesn’t love brunch?!

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach – Brunch in Bloom Mother’s Day celebration 

This isn’t just brunch, it’s a full celebration! Get photos of mom with all her loved ones in front of the flower wall (there’s a photographer standing by!), make your own bouquet, and let the kid’s get crafty at the activity station. Brunch is a veritable smorgasbord including dim sum, shrimp cocktails, crab claws, and ribeye carving. Plus, the $80 ticket (children – $20) includes bottomless mimosas and a bloody mary bar.

Mother’s Day Tea Moderno at The Resort at Pelican Hill

If you’ve finished your spa treatment and can’t bring yourself to leave Pelican Hill just yet, savor the rest of the afternoon with a special English Afternoon Tea. This includes tea-tasting, Italian-inspired canapés, and tea-based cocktails.

Prix Fix Brunch at Provenance

Toast your mom with a prix fix champagne brunch at Provenance for $49. The menu inspiration comes from the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, with ingredients straight from the restaurant-owned garden. Special Mother’s Day mains include Crab Cake Benedicts, Brioche French Toast, and Honey Balsamic Free Range Lamb Chops.

Brunch at Five Crowns

You won’t find a full English on this British pub’s brunch menu, but I’d say the Chilled Salmon Salad, Prime Ribs of Beef and Frittata sound a bit more appealing.

Discover more Mother’s Day dining offers here.

Written By: Kelly Barcus