Situated only 20 minutes from Disneyland—otherwise known as “The Happiest Place on Earth’”—Newport Beach is the ideal home base for an epic and magic-filled family vacation. Our coastal city exudes a laid-back charm and combines beautiful beaches with award-winning restaurants, making it the ultimate destination if you plan on spending a day or two at Disneyland. Here are five reasons Newport Beach, California, is the ideal place to stay (and play)!

1. Newport Beach and Disneyland Are Neighbors!

Disneyland is located in Newport Beach’s backyard, less than 20 miles away from the iconic Balboa Peninsula. You will be close enough to enjoy full days at the park while still experiencing the quintessential beach culture and lifestyle of Newport Beach. And with near-perfect weather, it’s always a good time to visit! Whether you’re thinking winter, spring or summer break, the year-round average temp is almost always perfection—a mild 70 degrees.

2. A Stunning Selection of Hotels

Newport Beach offers an array of hotels and resorts which can accommodate all family sizes and budgets. Stay in one of Lido House’s four custom-designed cottages with full kitchens and plenty of space to spread out. Plus, you can pedal to the beach boardwalk in minutes using one of the property’s beach cruisers. Be sure to make a reservation at Bluewater Grill or Buddha’s Favorite for some of the freshest seafood in town.

If a waterfront accommodation is at the top of your California vacation checklist, Balboa Bay Resort is a no-brainer. This bayfront property sits on the harbor’s edge and has its own dock, so after the Jungle Cruise, you can enjoy a sunset cruise in your very own electric boat!

If you’ve got kids (or teens) in tow, check out the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, which is located on the Back Bay and has a fabulous pool area for families, complete with winding waterslides! Plus, the resort is just minutes from Fashion Island, one of Orange County’s premier shopping centers.

Avoid the frenzy of Disneyland Resort-adjacent hotels during the summer months and stay at one of these family-friendly hotels!

3. Clean and Beautiful Beaches

What better way to balance a busy day at Disneyland than putting your feet in the sand and taking a dip in the ocean? Spend the afternoon at Corona del Mar State Beach, where your kiddos can build sandcastles and play in the gentle waves!

If more action is what you’re after, head over to the Balboa Peninsula and watch the surfers from the Newport Pier, or sign them up for a few lessons at Endless Sun Surf School. Then, head to the tip of the Balboa Peninsula (you can rent bikes from Seaside Bike Rentals), where you can check out The Wedge, a world-renowned bodysurfing spot where waves can reach up to 30 feet!

4. Seaside Dining

After a long day at Disneyland, you’ve undoubtedly worked up an appetite. Newport Beach presents over 300 dining options, ranging from family-friendly to prestige cuisine. If you plan on renting a boat, consider docking and dining at one of the city’s many bayside restaurants, which include The Cannery for wild-caught seafood, SOL Mexican Cocina for Baja-style bites, Lido Bottle Works for farm-to-table freshness and more. You’ll also want to stroll down Marine Avenue on the charming Balboa Island and enjoy a famous chocolate-dipped Balboa Bar from Sugar & Spice!

5. Family-Fun Activities

Outside of your Disneyland itinerary, be sure to schedule some time to explore Newport Beach and its many kid-friendly attractions! Head to the historic Balboa Fun Zone where you can take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and let the little ones play in the arcade.

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Pirate Coast Paddle Company at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is a great place to rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for some fun on the beautiful Back Bay. You’ll also want to check out the fascinating Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center—a 10,000-square-foot educational facility built into the bluff on the north side of Back Bay.

If shopping is more your style, Fashion Island is an outdoor lifestyle destination that boasts coastal views, a koi pond and over 125 specialty shops, including boutiques exclusive to Orange County, as well as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. There’s also a food court and more than 20 full-service restaurants, ensuring there’s something to tempt all taste buds.

A trip that combines the best California theme park experience with the best of the beach makes for—you guessed it—the happiest vacation on earth!

Written By: Kaylin Waizinger