NEWPORT BEACH for families
MOMENTS
Everything Newport Beach has to offer for families— all in one place. Curated by Visit Newport Beach, this directory highlights the best family-friendly dining, experiences, attractions, and outdoor adventures worth knowing — so your family can spend less time planning and more time enjoying. For even more ideas, visitnewportbeach.com
The NEIGHBORHOODS
• BALBOA ISLAND
• BALBOA PENINSULA
• BALBOA VILLAGE
• CORONA DEL MAR
• FASHION ISLAND / NEWPORT CENTER
• NEWPORT COAST / CRYSTAL COVE
• LIDO MARINA VILLAGE / CANNERY VILLAGE
• MARINER’S MILE / WESTCLIFF
• UPPER NEWPORT BAY (BACK BAY)
• AIRPORT DISTRICT
MEANT TO BE shared
From waterfront breakfast spots to dinner tables the whole family will love, Newport Beach delivers at every meal.
MORNING
RITUALS
CAPPY’S CAFE
Balboa Peninsula
Laid-Back & Little Sailor Approved visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/cappys-cafe/
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
Balboa Peninsula
Boats, Brunch & Harbor Views visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/lighthouse-cafe/
MALIBU FARM
Lido Marina Village
Dockside Fresh & Coastal Chic visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/malibu-farm/
WILMA’S PATIO RESTAURANT
Balboa Island
Anchored in Island Tradition visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/wilmas-patio-restaurant/
DOCK & DINE: A treasured local tradition! Cruise the Harbor as you navigate to dock-friendly restaurants. Enhance your voyage with festive decor touches arranged through your concierge, and make it entirely your own.
CASUAL BITES & LOCAL GEMS
CHARLIE’S CHILI RESTAURANT
Balboa Peninsula
A Newport Classic & Famous Chili Bowls visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/charlies-chili-restaurant/
CIRCLE HOOK FISH COMPANY
Lido Marina Village
Fresh Catch & Dockside Flavor visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/circle-hook-fish-company/
CRYSTAL COVE SHAKE SHACK
Crystal Cove
Shakes, Sunsets & Ocean Views https://visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/crystal-cove-shake-shack/
THE BEACHCOMBER AT CRYSTAL COVE
Crystal Cove
Iconic Toes in the Sand & Bites in Hand visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/the-beachcomber-at-crystal-cove/
WIND DOWN TOGETHER
MAMA D’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Balboa Peninsula
Hearty Italian Portions & Family Traditions visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/mama-ds-italian-kitchen/
RUBY’S
DINER
Balboa Pier
End-of-Pier Eats & Classic Treats visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/rubys-diner/
THE CRAB COOKER
Balboa Peninsula
Seafood, Stories & Newport Tradition visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/the-crab-cooker/
GREAT MAPLE
Fashion Island
Bright Flavors, Dinner Worth Lingering Over visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/great-maple-2/
NEWPORT BEACH essentials
The experiences that define a Newport Beach family visit — all within easy reach of your hotel.
MADE FOR PLAY
BALBOA FUN ZONE
Balboa Peninsula Ferris Wheels, Arcades & Waterfront Fun visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/balboa-fun-zone/
NEWPORT DUNES WATER PARK
Upper Newport Bay
Slides, Splash Zones & Bayside Play visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ newport-dunes-water-park/
ONCE UPON AN ISLAND
Balboa Island
Mermaids, Storytime & Fairytale Parties visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ once-upon-an-island/
TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CLUB
Newport Center
Serve, Rally, All-Ages Play newportbeachttc.com
NATURALLY NEWPORT
DOCK & DINE
Arrive by Boat, Stay for the Bites visitnewportbeach.com/dock-and-dine-newport-beach/
WHALE WATCHING
Seasonal Migrations & Up-Close Ocean Encounters visitnewportbeach.com/?s=whale+watching
TIDE POOLING AT CRYSTAL COVE
Explore Hidden Treasures at Low Tide crystalcovestatepark.org/tidepool-explorations/
SUNSET PICNIC AT INSPIRATION POINT
Panoramic Coastal Views from a Classic Lookout visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/inspiration-point/
BEACH BONFIRES
Evenings by the Fire with Ocean Views and S’mores thebeachcombercafe.com/crystalcove/beach-rentals/
SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS
Lush Gardens and Peaceful Paths for All Ages visitnewportbeach.com/museums-arts-and-culture/ sherman-library-gardens/
FASHION ISLAND
Koi Ponds & Open-Air Bites fashionisland.com
NEWPORT BEACH CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET
Local Produce, Sunday Traditions & Kids’ Scavenger Hunt visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/ newport-beach-certified-farmers-market/
JUST beyond NEWPORT
Newport Beach is ideally positioned at the heart of Orange County — some of Southern California's most beloved family destinations are less than an hour away.
THRILLS, RIDES & ADVENTURES
DISNEYLAND PARKS Anaheim ~35 min
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM Buena Park ~40 min
WILD RIVERS WATER PARK Irvine ~15 min
ADVENTURE CITY Anaheim ~35 min
K1 SPEED INDOOR RACING Irvine ~15 min
HIJINX HOTEL Costa Mesa ~10 min
HOLEY MOLEY Irvine ~15 min
BOOMERS IRVINE Irvine ~15 min
DISCOVERIES WORTH THE DRIVE
CATALINA ISLAND
Ferry Access, Car-Free Exploration & Island Getaways (Book In Advance) visitcatalinaisland.com
CENTENNIAL FARM AT
OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER
Free Admission and a Year-Round Working Farm Experience
ocfair.com/centennial-farm/
DISCOVERY CUBE ORANGE COUNTY
Hands-On Science Exhibits for Curious Minds of All Ages discoverycube.org/orange-county/visit/
PRETEND CITY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Interactive Play Spaces Designed for Younger Children pretendcity.org
RIVER STREET RANCH
Pony Rides, Animal Encounters, and Outdoor Play riverstreetranch.com
TANAKA FARMS
Seasonal Pick-Your-Own Produce & Farm Experiences tanakafarms.com
WE PLAY LOUD INDOOR PLAYGROUND
Indoor Play Spaces Perfect for Younger Children & Rainy Days weplayloud.com
EXPLORE BEYOND THE BAY:
Allow Go Rentals (a Newport Beach–founded company) to deliver your car right to your hotel. It’s a seamless way to venture further without missing a moment.
WHERE ADVENTURE shapes YOUR DAY
From harbor waters to coastal paths, Newport Beach is made for exploring your way.
GO YOUR OWN WAY
DUFFY BOAT RENTAL
Cruise the Harbor, Captain Your Day. Invented in Newport Beach visitnewportbeach.com/boat-and-yacht-charters/ duffy-electric-boat-company/
ELECTRIC BOAT RENTALS
Vibrant Color • Self-captain • All ages visitnewportbeach.com/boat-and-yacht-charters/ electric-boat-rental/
KAYAK & PADDLEBOARD
Glide Calm Waters & Scenic Views visitnewportbeach.com/tours-and-whale-watching/ pirate-coast-paddle-company/
BIKE RENTALS
Cruise The Balboa Peninsula Boardwalk visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ newport-beach-bike-rentals/
MOKE RENTALS
View the Piers, Enjoy a Ferry Ride or Just Cruise visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ newport-beach-moke/
PARASAILING
Soar Above the Harbor with Sweeping Views visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ balboa-parasail/
JET SKI RENTALS
High-Speed Fun on the Harbor & Beyond visitnewportbeach.com/boat-and-yacht-charters/ balboa-water-sports/
LEARN ON THE WATER
NEWPORT BEACH SURF LESSONS
Learn to Surf with Confidence on Local Waves newportbeachsurflessons.com
ERIK NELSEN SURF CAMPS
Build Skills with Expert-Led Surf Camps eriknelsensurf.com
NEWPORT SURF CAMP
Fun, Skill-Building Surf Camps for All Levels newportsurfcamp.com
ENDLESS SUN SURF
Catch Waves & Learn the Art of Surfing Year-Round endlesssunsurf.com
NEWPORT AQUATIC CENTER
Paddle & Row Camps newportaquaticcenter.com/camps/
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE: THE SCHOOL OF SAILING & SEAMANSHIP
Youth Sailing Lessons And Camps occsailing.com/classes-and-programs/youth-program/
LEARN, EXPLORE, create
Newport Beach and Orange County offer a remarkable range of cultural, scientific, and creative experiences for curious families.
MUSEUMS
All in under 20 mins from Newport Beach!
BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM Newport Beach
BOWERS MUSEUM Santa Ana
LYON AIR MUSEUM Santa Ana
MARCONI AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Tustin
ARTS & CULTURE
ART THERAPY OC
Creative Studio Time for Families & Young Artists visitnewportbeach.com/museums-arts-and-culture/ art-therapy-oc/
MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Historic Grounds, Gardens & California Heritage missionsjc.com
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS / FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Living Art, a Signature Summer Tradition foapom.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Broadway Performances & World-Class Entertainment scfta.org
SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
An Artisan Festival with Local Makers sawdustartfestival.org
MARINE LIFE & ECOLOGY
BOLSA CHICA CONSERVANCY
Guided Wetland Walks & Coastal Wildlife Viewing bolsachica.org
OCEAN INSTITUTE DANA POINT
Tall Ships & Hands-On Ocean Exploration oceaninstitute.org
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
Marine Rescue & Educational Encounters pacificmmc.org
PETER & MARY MUTH
INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Interactive Nature Discovery Along Upper Newport Bay newportbay.org
THE ECOLOGY CENTER
Farm-Based Learning & Hands-On Outdoor Experiences theecologycenter.org
THEATERS
LIDO THEATER
Lido Marina Village • Boutique Cinema Est. 1938 visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/lido-theater/
THE LOT AT FASHION ISLAND
Fashion Island • Luxury Cinema Dining visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/ the-lot-at-fashion-island/
SET SAIL & DROP ANCHOR FOR SUMMER:
From surf, rowing to sailing, beyond daily rentals, several of these experiences offer seasonal camps—an inspiring way to dive deeper, learn new skills, and make the most of your time on the coast.
BEACHES, PARKS & more
From protected coves to open ocean, Newport Beach’s coastline offers a remarkable variety for families at every stage.
BEACHES & COASTAL PARKS
CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK & BEACH
Historic Charm, Relaxed Coastal Escape visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/ crystal-cove-state-park/
CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH
Easygoing Elegance, Family Friendly visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/ corona-del-mar-state-beach/
PIRATES COVE
Secluded Cove, Local Favorite visitnewportbeach.com/activities-and-attractions/pirates-cove/
NEWPORT MUNICIPAL BEACH
Classic Beach, Lively Energy visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/ newport-municipal-beach/
MARINA PARK & BEACH
Calm Bayside, Kid-Friendly visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/marina-park/
UPPER NEWPORT BAY
NATURE PRESERVE
Wildlife Haven, Peaceful Escape visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/upper-newport-bay/
PARKS & OUTDOOR ESCAPES
IRVINE PARK RAILROAD
Orange County’s Oldest Regional Park Pony & Train Rides • OC Zoo irvineparkrailroad.com
ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK
Expansive Parkland Free Balloon Ride, Carousel & Farm cityofirvine.org/great-park
TRAVELING WITH PETS
FURRY FAMILY friends
Newport Beach welcomes four-legged family members warmly. These resources will help you plan accordingly. Always confirm pet policies and size restrictions directly with properties before arrival.
DOG-FRIENDLY
PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Curated List Of Newport Beach Pet-Welcoming Properties visitnewportbeach.com/hotel/article/ pet-friendly-hotels-newport-beach/
DOG-FRIENDLY PATIOS
Current List Of Welcoming Restaurant Patios visitnewportbeach.com/restaurants/article/ dog-friendly-patios-in-newport-beach-are-off-the-leash/
PET FRIENDLY PARKS & BEACHES
Current List Pet-Friendly Parks & Beaches https://visitnewportbeach.com/pet-friendly-parks-beaches/ https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/ city/newport_beach_ca_us/
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
SPECIAL events
Newport Beach rewards visitors year-round. Here’s what to know by season.
SPRING & SUMMER
APRIL
EXPERIENCE WITH THE EASTER BUNNY fashionisland.com/events/spring-celebration
MAY
BALBOA ISLAND ARTWALK balboaislandartwalk.info
JUNE
MOVIES AT NEWPORT DUNES newportdunes.com/movies-on-the-beach/
JULY
THE OLD GLORY BOAT PARADE visitnewportbeach.com/events/the-old-glory-boat-parade/
AUGUST
NEWPORT BEACH ART WEEK visitnewportbeach.com/events/newport-beach-art-week/
FALL & WINTER
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
ROGER’S GARDENS HALLOWEEN BOUTIQUE rogersgardens.com/pages/halloween
NOVEMBER
50 DAYS OF FESTIVE FUN BEGINS visitnewportbeach.com/50daysoffestivefun/
DECEMBER
NEWPORT BEACH
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE visitnewportbeach.com/newport-beach-christmas-boat-parade
JANUARY - MARCH
WHALE WATCHING newportwhales.com
1 BALBOA ISLAND
1 BALBOA ISLAND A throwback to small walkable island delights visitors of all ages.
A throwback to small town, U.S.A., this walkable island delights locals and visitors of all ages.
2 BALBOA PENINSULA
2 BALBOA PENINSULA An oasis situated and Newport piers to our toes.
An oasis situated between the Balboa and Newport piers brings the Pacific to our toes.
3 BALBOA VILLAGE
3 BALBOA VILLAGE A ferry’s jaunt from Fun Zone is stuck best of ways.
A ferry’s jaunt from Balboa Island, the Fun Zone is stuck in time in the very best of ways.
4 CORONA DEL MAR
4 CORONA This charming main stunning homes and grassy knoll overlooking beloved beach.
This charming main street hub borders stunning homes and a picnic-worthy grassy knoll overlooking the town’s beloved beach.
5 FASHION ISLAND/ NEWPORT CENTER
5 FASHION NEWPORT CENTER A premier and sophisticated destination for the and gastronome.
A premier and sophisticated outdoor destination for the discerning shopper and gastronome.
6 LIDO MARINA VILLAGE/ CANNERY VILLAGE
6 LIDO MARINA CANNERY VILLAGE The stylish and trendy Newport’s island villages bookstores, theaters, boutiques.
The stylish and trendy gateway to Newport’s island villages offers bookstores, theaters, restaurants and boutiques.
7 MARINER’S MILE/ WESTCLIFF
7 MARINER’S WESTCLIFF This “inland” enclave back from the sand the boating life and eateries.
This “inland” enclave takes a step back from the sand to focus on the boating life and neighborhood eateries.
8 NEWPORT COAST/ CRYSTAL COVE
8 NEWPORT CRYSTAL COVE Upscale dining, casual unique boutiques to this coastal nook.
Upscale dining, casual beach food and unique boutiques lend a quiet charm to this coastal nook.
9 UPPER NEWPORT/ BACK BAY
9 UPPER NEWPORT/ BACK BAY Nature meets nurture green preserve dotted and biking paths and center for water sports.
Nature meets nurture in this lush green preserve dotted with walking and biking paths and an aquatic center for water sports.
10 JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT, ORANGE COUNTY
10 JOHN WAYNE ORANGE COUNTY Located only a few beach, this airport shops and hotels offer arrivals and departures.
Located only a few minutes from the beach, this airport and its surrounding shops and hotels offer zero-stress arrivals and departures.