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With the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, Newport Beach activities are abundant. Rent your easy-to-navigate electric boat and get ready to cruise the Harbor. For extra family fun, play the “Duffy Boat Scavenger Hunt” game and find historical landmarks around the Newport Bay. The kids will love it, and adults will enjoy the scenic views, beautiful landscape, yachts, and homes along the waterfront. Powerboats, electric boats, sailboats, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, jet skis – options aplenty!
Cruising can work up a healthy appetite, so it’s time to Dock & Dine at one of Newport’s many family-friendly restaurants. Situated in the middle of Newport Harbor is the Fun Zone at Balboa Village, you will be amongst all the action while overlooking the stunning views of Newport Harbor. Parents can enjoy exquisite seafood and steak fare while young ones have an array of kid-friendly options to choose from as well, it’s the best of both worlds!
After dinner, head to Balboa Island's Marine Avenue, home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry, and quaint Newport Beach bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor. Be sure to treat the family to Newport Beach’s iconic dessert and order a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana–creamy ice cream treats made-to-order with your choice of decadent toppings.
Take the Balboa Island Ferry over to Balboa Village, Home of the Fun Zone. The kids will go crazy for the Ferris wheel and arcade games. Also be sure to check out ExplorOcean. The museum features meaningful collections and engaging exhibits, and offers relevant educational programming that will connect kids and adults to the adventure, inspiration and mystery of the sea!
Pack your beach bags and pick your spot along the stretch of beach on Balboa Peninsula. Miles of coastline, filled with shops, restaurants, and beach rentals fill the boardwalk. Make the most of your beach day and rent a surrey bike – the whole family can ride at once!
Have the family try an introductory lesson in stand-up paddle boarding that will teach you the basics of this fun sport in the calm waters of the beautiful Newport Back Bay or Newport Harbor.
After all of the activities, your family will be ready to relax – and the perfect way to do that is having a picnic on the beach. Grab some food from one of the 400 Newport Beach restaurants and a blanket then head to the beach for family bonding time at sunset.
Head down to Crystal Cove State Park and eat breakfast on the beach! Park at the Los Trancos parking lot off of Pacific Coast Highway and take the shuttle down to the restaurant. The kids will love the fun ride, and you’ll enjoy the great food paired with spectacular views. After breakfast, walk along the beach and check out the spectacular Crystal Cove tide pools.
Make sure to stop at Fashion Island before you head home. The outdoor shopping mecca is filled with more than 125 stores – featuring a great mix of boutiques, department stores and designer outposts. Kids will love the water fountains and park areas to run around in. The whole family can dine al fresco at one of the many open-air, family friendly restaurants and reminisce about their amazing time in Newport Beach this summer. You’re sure to make memories for a lifetime!
To start planning your Newport Beach getaway today, head over to Visitnewportbeach.com.
