Newport Beach is a seaside community in southern Orange County, California, with a population of approximately 85,000 people. Swimming and sandy beaches are popular in Newport Beach. Newport Harbor once served maritime businesses, but it is now largely used for recreation. Balboa Island attracts visitors with a waterfront path and easy access to stores and restaurants from the ferry.
Regardless of the style of family vacation you’re looking for, Newport Beach has something for everyone. Newport Beach effortlessly combines the best of family fun with activities that will keep everyone occupied for hours and hours.
Going to the beach is one of the most popular family activities in Newport Beach. During the summer, the beach is a popular resort and holiday destination for the entire family. Swimming, boating, or even riding the waves on a jet ski are all options for you and your wife or pals. With summer temperatures reaching 75 degrees and beyond, nothing beats the heat like a trip to the beach.
The beach offers a variety of activities for children. They can construct sandcastles, play in the water, or simply relax in the sun. If kids become bored of playing in the sand, simply return to your hotel room and enjoy the secure yet confined swimming pool.
The Balboa Fun Zone is another popular family destination in Newport Beach. There’s something here for everyone, and the Fun Zone will keep kids entertained for the duration of their visit! If you’ve never been to the Fun Zone, you’re in for a treat of a lifetime!
The Balboa Fun Zone is divided into several sections, including restaurants and beaches. There’s so much to do here that you’ll probably have to return multiple times to see everything the Fun Zone has to offer.
Rollerblading is another enjoyable activity in Newport Beach. Rollerblades can be rented from a variety of sources, ranging from children’s sizes to adult sizes. There are numerous areas to use your rollerblades, including the beachside walkways. If you enjoy rollerblading, Newport Beach helps to raise the bar.
Nothing beats the Toy Boat when it comes to keeping youngsters entertained. The Toy Boat, located at 3331 East Coast Highway, is the ideal place in Newport Beach to take the kids. There are hundreds of thousands of toys and activities to keep your children and you engaged for hours.
After a day of family activity in Newport Beach or the nearby areas, you can relax with lunch at one of the fantastic restaurants. The meal is delicious, and everyone in your family will be able to enjoy their favorite dish.
1. Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone, one of California’s oldest and greatest coastal amusement parks, is a terrific spot for the whole family. The Fun Zone can make the time fly by with so much to do for the entire family.
The Balboa Fun Zone, perfectly located on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, has always managed to compete with top amusement parks giants such as Sea World, Disneyworld, and even Belmont Park.
For almost 100 years (The Fun Zone was built in 1936 by Al Anderson), the Fun Zone in Newport Beach has given people something to do both during the day and at night. Residents and visitors to the region will remember the big-name bands and loud music that poured from the iconic Rendezvous Ballroom.
From relaxing on the sandy yet beautiful beaches to visiting the Fun Zone sections, there’s always something to do here. You can also go out on the Balboa Pier, which was created in 1912 to connect Balboa and Catalina Island. The pier was also one of the few to survive the well-known yet deadly coastal storms that hit California in the 1980s.
Those looking for excitement and travel will love the Catalina Flyer, which takes one hour to reach Catalina Island. The island ferry from Balboa Island brings you to the well-known Catalina Island.
The famous Fun Zone Ferris Wheel ($5 per rider) is one of the most popular attractions here. This wheel offers fantastic views of the Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean and has been a night and day landmark in the pleasure Zone since 1936, calling out to all to enjoy the pleasure. If you’ve ever ridden a Ferris wheel, you know how much fun they can be.
The Fun Zone was entirely rebuilt from the ground up in 1986, adding to the already entertaining and dynamic ambiance here. The Ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcades, and everything else here make the Fun Zone a lot of fun for everyone that comes here.
After you’ve had your fill of the rides and attractions, you may grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous vendors or restaurants, then take a boat on the harbor. Young or old, the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach may help you release those priceless childhood memories.
If you are planning a trip to California and are looking for something exciting to do, make sure to stop by the Fun Zone. There is also lots to see in the surrounding region, making the Fun Zone a real treasure. With no entrance fee, the Fun Zone is one Newport Beach attraction you should not miss.
2. Disneyland Resort
If you’re seeking excitement and adventure in the Newport Beach area, the Disneyland Resort has it all. Located in Anaheim, 18 mi from Newport Beach, Disneyland is just a short ride away from the Little Inn by the Bay. Developed by Walt Disney in the 1950s, the Disneyland Resort is better than ever with the inclusion of Disney California Adventure Park in 2001.
Disneyland is a place where dreams come true for children of all ages. No location on Earth can capture the wonder and magic of Disneyland, from riding the many rides to watching the magnificent parade and meeting the enchanting Disney characters in person.
Disneyland Resort will delight children of all ages for hours with its daily excitement and seasonal activities such as the fireworks display. The best part is that Disneyland Resort has something for everyone in the family.
At the Disney Adventure Park, you may also learn about past and current California, as well as the colorful history that has shaped California into what it is today. The Adventure Park includes attractions such as the California Gold Rush and the Hollywood Golden Years.
There are also other family activities available, such as the Muppet Vision 3D, Twilight Zone Tower, and others. You might spend hours here and still not find all of the magic.
If you are hungry, there are plenty of places where eating at the resort. You can eat at one of the restaurants or purchase food from one of the many sellers. There are also a variety of delicacies available, ranging from caramel apples to cotton candy.
There are numerous reasons to visit Newport Beach, but nothing is more fun and exciting than the Disneyland Resort or Disney Adventure Park. Both are suitable for the entire family and will deliver hours of cutting-edge amusement.
Here is a map of the attractions:
3. Fashion Island
If you enjoy adventure and shopping, Fashion Island at the Newport Center in Newport Beach is the place to go. Fashion Island, proving to be one of the finest establishments in Newport Beach, is one site you just must see if you want to have a great and exciting time during your visit or stay here.
Stopping here will not take you out of your path because it is centrally placed between Los Angeles and San Diego. Within the Newport Center on Fashion Island, there are around 1,300 hotel rooms.
The carousel is a favorite among children in Fashion Island. The carousel is a custom-built Venetian-themed ride with 32 vintage horses and other creatures that is suitable for riders of all ages. The carousel, which features animals such as rabbits, tigers, bears, and fish, is a must-see for anybody who appreciates theme parks and amusement attractions.
Fashion Island has a charming Kiddie Train for younger children. The train has become a tradition for the area’s youngest youngsters. If you come here, you can catch the train between Bloomingdale’s and Marcus.
The cascading fountains and the well-known dazzling koi pond are two of the island’s most recognizable features. The Pop Jet can be found adjacent to Macy’s, while the Iris Fountain can be found near Island Terrace. Both were designed in 1989 specifically for Fashion Island. The koi pond, which contains 15,000 gallons, was also specially built in 1968.
The entire Fashion Island region is surrounded by high-end hotels, including the Hotel Newport Beach. The Orange County airport and various beaches are only minutes away from the island. During the summer, the sandy beaches are the perfect place to unwind after a day of shopping and fun on Fashion Island.
There are numerous events held throughout the year. Fashion Island is more than simply shopping, including summer concerts, a project playhouse, and seasonal events for youngsters.
On the shopping front, as the name suggests, there are hundreds of stores and several good restaurants to choose from. Fashion Island in Newport Beach is the place to go if you want to see the best in shopping and entertainment.
If you’re planning a trip to Newport Beach, don’t forget to stop by Fashion Island. You can buy practically everything here, and there are plenty of activities to keep the youngsters entertained. A trip to Newport Beach would be incomplete without a stop here, making Fashion Island an essential aspect of the whole beach experience.
4. Gondola Ride
The gondola, which is over 800 years old, is recognized as a romantic icon. Although a gondola may conjure up images of Venice, Italy, a gondola ride at Newport Beach can be just as romantic.
You’ll be escorted into the fairy-tale backdrop of the hidden canals beyond Newport Beach once you’ve boarded the black yet sleek gondola. Most of the time, the person guiding the gondola will appear unobtrusive yet mysterious, hearing and saying nothing.
With this perception, the boat will appear to move as if by magic, gliding along with nothing to disrupt the calm music. The splashing of a fish breaking the surface of the water is occasionally heard, which adds to the song and tempo of the gondola ride.
With the gondola so close to the water’s surface, you’ll feel as if every sensation you have is being stimulated. The warmth of the sun, the fragrance of the water, and the lapping of the waves will relax you like nothing else.
As the sun sets, you’ll see other gondolas passing through the canals. On a ride with your loved one, the gondola can help rekindle the spark or simply transport you to another planet. When you return to the docks, you’ll undoubtedly wish that the journey had never ended.
If you’ve never taken a gondola ride, you owe it to yourself to do so. The gondola trip, whether for a wedding, honeymoon, marriage, or just a couple of pals, will make you feel like you’ve never felt before. There are a few gondola ride companies in Newport Beach, each one promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The gondola trip adds a romantic touch to Newport Beach, which every couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.
A gondola trip is something you should not miss if you are visiting Newport Beach or if you reside in the vicinity. It will give the word romance a whole new meaning.
5. Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is a modern and contemporary art museum in Costa Mesa, California, on the site of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The museum’s collection has about 4,500 works, with a focus on California and Pacific Rim art from the early twentieth century to the present. Traditional paintings, sculptures, and photography are on display, as well as contemporary media in the form of video, digital, and installation art.
The OCMA, located at 3333 Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, 7 miles from Newport Beach, is California’s major showcase for contemporary art. The museum, which opened in 1962, is dedicated to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of contemporary and modern art.
The museum hosts exhibitions of local, national, and international scopes while also preserving one of the most impressive and significant works of California art since the beginning and end of World War II.
For people who are unfamiliar with contemporary art, the OCMA offers a wide range of seminars aimed at improving understanding and appreciation of the topic. Even if you are unfamiliar with contemporary art, the museum will teach you everything there is to know and appreciate about it.
The museum is well-known across the world for its extensive collection of California postwar art, which includes sculptures, paintings, prints, drawings, and even photography.
Those who are already familiar with contemporary art will undoubtedly like everything the museum has to offer. Fans of postwar art will appreciate this museum as well, as it houses the most comprehensive collection of California art in the country.
The OCMA’s main holdings include works by Tony Berlant, Philip Guston, Super Critical Mass, Kenneth Noland, Tony DeLap, Martin Kersels, David Park, Nathan Oliveira, Joan Brown, Ed Ruscha, Larry Bell, Joe Goode, Robert Irwin, Chuck Arnoldi, and Judy Fiskin. There are also significant holdings in room-scale works, including Bill Viola’s Theater of Memory and Chris Burden’s Tale of Two Cities.
The museum is open all year and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Monday. Admission to OCMA is free, no advance reservations or tickets are necessary.
If you’re on vacation in Newport Beach, you can take a day trip to the OCMA. The museum is an excellent place to spend a day looking at art. For locals, the museum is a terrific spot to return to time and again to relive memories of postwar art and everything that contemporary California art is known for.
6. The Wedge
If you like to surf or hit the waves, you must visit the notorious “The Wedge” in Newport Beach at least once in your life. Although The Wedge is not a wave, it is a 20-foot-plus battering ram that was built by sheer intelligence. The Wedge is located on the western side of the Newport Harbor entrance, at the confluence of the beach and the man-made pier that creates the breakwater. When a swell from the south or south/southwest is of sufficient size and direction, the Wedge can produce waves up to 30 feet (9.1 m) high.
The way it heaves, throws, and bends behaves in ways that other waves cannot fathom. If you look closely, you’ll discover that The Wedge is made up of two waves that come together to form a giant slingshot capable of sending anyone flying.
The Wedge rides a swell for a few seconds before retracting the surf energy from the jetty and smashing on the beach. Though it appears to be a “humping effect,” as the locals refer to it, the sensation and appearance must be seen to be believed.
For many years, The Wedge at Newport Beach has been regarded as the best surfing spot in the world. Professional bodyboarders have also been here over the years to test their skill and experience with the one thing that is extremely difficult to beat.
The Wedge is dangerous at all tides, but the ideal time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the tide is at its peak. With sizes ranging from 6 to 20+ feet, you must be on your toes before attempting to tame it.
Bring your camera, beach chair, swim fins, goggles, and insurance card if you plan to go surfing or bodyboarding here! It’s always best to be prepared, which makes the insurance card invaluable – especially given how powerful The Wedge truly is.
Summer is the greatest season to explore The Wedge, as winter can be chilly. The Wedge may be too difficult for a beginner. If you have prior experience, you may find it a little insane. In any case, it’s a test you won’t soon forget.
There are numerous restaurants nearby, including Quick Fix and Worth The Wait. There are also various locations to stay, as well as places where shopping and having fun.
Newport Beach has everything you need for an enjoyable trip, from surfing to simply watching The Wedge battering surfers. If you like surfing, you should go to The Wedge at least once to test if you have what it takes.
7. Pelican Hill Golf Course
One of the top golf courses in California is located on the Newport Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean. Pelican Hill Golf Course gives one of the best golf and after-golf experiences, boasting a very good golf course, the finest services and amenities, and superb eating.
The two golf courses will challenge both novices and seasoned golfers. While both are excellent courses, the most difficult decision will be picking which to play first. Even though you can play the course you didn’t choose later, choosing the one, to begin with, is almost as much fun as playing.
The North Course
The Pelican Golf Course’s North Course is designed in a classic Scottish style, nearly floating over an elevated plateau. The dramatic elevation changes contribute to the stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Newport Beach Harbor.
In keeping with the clever design philosophy, the landscape here plays a significant role in the challenge and overall attractiveness of the North Course. Golfers from all over the world appreciate playing the North Course because the design is superior to that of most other golf courses.
The South Course
Set high above the Pacific, the South Course is also regarded as one of the best in the Newport Beach area. The South Course features stunning beach vistas, pine trees, manicured fairways, and a lovely soaring eucalyptus.
The South Course also features difficult greens that are submerged by cleverly placed bunkers. The course here was designed with rolling topography, canyon crossing tee shots, and holes that border the cliffs of the California coast in mind.
Both courses have distinct designs that make use of the terrain and topography to provide golfers with difficulties they won’t find anywhere else. While many golf courses use the field to enhance the playing experience, Pelican Hill employs a variety of techniques. As a result, you’ll have a round of golf that will leave you wanting more.
If you appreciate golf, Pelican Hill Golf Course in Newport Beach is the place to go.
8. Adventures At Sea
Adventures At Sea Yachts has been taking guests on wonderful trips since 1980. The cruises’ active personnel can manage any form of charter, including corporate, wedding, private, surprise, sailing, sport, fishing, private, and much more. Adventures At Sea in Newport Beach enjoys what they do and pays close attention to detail in their trips, as seen by several awards, accolades, and satisfied customers.
Adventures At Sea offers Southern California champagne sailing cruises, an Orange County sailboat charter, a sailing yacht charter in Newport Beach, and sea yacht cruises across California. Adventures At Sea may take you from Newport Beach to see and experience California in ways you never imagined.
Those of you planning a wedding could benefit significantly from these fantastic charters. Nothing beats tying the knot aboard a luxurious yacht, with the wind in your hair and breathtaking vistas of California and its beaches all around you.
Adventures At Sea provides corporate events for the business world. You can wow friends and visitors on these charters with the California lifestyle that a charter epitomizes. From showing off to friends to a bouquet with your boss, these charters can help you become highly famous in a short period of time.
The charter experience of these cruises might help you relax in a variety of ways as a vacation excursion. A charter ride is a lot of fun, whether it’s around California or just through the harbor. You can enjoy the views from the water or simply relax and have the time of your life.
Fishing charters are popular among avid fishermen and anglers because they allow you to fish from the privacy of a yacht. You can go out on the ocean and have a great time doing what you love. A fishing excursion is a terrific way to unwind when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing.
Adventures At Sea in Newport Beach makes your holiday more enjoyable by providing a variety of charters to pick from. These charters are a hit with the locals, who can’t seem to get enough of them. If you’ve never been on a boat or a charter cruise, you should book one as soon as you arrive in Newport Beach. When you experience it for the first time, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to go on the trip of your life!
9. Little Inn By The Bay
Located at 2627 Newport Blvd, the Little Inn By The Bay in Newport Beach offers one of the area’s top hotel experiences. They provide unbelievable prices while yet providing superior service. They do more than enough to ensure you have a nice vacation in Newport Beach while saving as much money as possible by offering several comfy rooms and packages.
In the morning, you can create your own continental breakfast from a choice of options, such as muffins, cereals, and juices, and have it brought to your hotel room along with the morning paper!
The Little Inn by the Bay offers beach cruisers in addition to the morning paper and a continental breakfast. It’s pointless to walk when you can utilize the provided bikes to explore the miles and miles of beaches and boardwalks that Newport Beach and the peninsula have to offer.
The Little Inn is quite close to many restaurants and shops. Step outside the Inn and you’ll find a plethora of delicious eateries and California stores. You may go out at night and enjoy romantic walks on the beach with the one you love because you are pretty near to the ocean.
Blue Water Grill, Billy’s at the Beach, Rusty Pelican, Charthouse, and many other restaurants are close to the Little Inn by the Bay. The Little Inn, which serves everything from seafood to Japanese cuisine, guarantees that there is something for everyone in the region.
The Little Inn not only has a terrific location, but it also has spacious rooms with cable television, nice views, and even beach rentals. During the day, you may explore everything Newport Beach has to offer, and at night, you can unwind and relax in one of the many excellent accommodations.
When the time comes to visit Newport Beach, make sure you book your hotel accommodation ahead of time. Because the Little Inn by the Bay is one of the top hotels in Newport Beach, and extremely popular during the summer months. The last thing you want to find out is to arrive at Newport Beach and realize that there are no available rooms!