Embrace the Chill: Your Ultimate Family Guide to Winter Weekend Adventures!

With over 10 miles of breathtaking coastline, it’s no surprise that Newport Beach is a beloved spot for families eager for some “winter” enjoyment under the sun. In our coastal city, there are innumerable ways to keep every age group entertained! From sailing and Jet Skiing to creating sandcastles by the bay, your young ones are sure to adore a winter weekend in Newport Beach. So pack your luggage and prepare for an adventure—you’ll never hear a “Mommy, I’m bored” here!

Stay at Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort is located on 15 acres of oceanfront land, featuring 180-degree bay vistas that are simply stunning. Make yourself comfortable in one of the resort’s 159 newly renovated guest accommodations, which present a variety of floor layouts, views, and amenities. If your group includes several members, we suggest reserving one of Balboa Bay Resort’s four spacious suites. Many of these suites come with separate bedrooms, private outdoor spaces, cozy living rooms, and even kitchenettes. But before you settle in, you and your family will want to take advantage of the resort’s numerous features like the on-site A+O Restaurant | Bar, private poolside cabanas, and rentals for boats and kayaks.

Grab Breakfast at Cappy’s Cafe

Following a restful night’s slumber in your luxurious suite, gather the kiddos and venture to Cappy’s Cafe for a delicious breakfast by the shore. This long-standing restaurant is dedicated to nourishing the community and ensuring patrons are well-fed. Here, adults can enjoy refreshing beverages like Bloody Marys and mimosas while the little ones stay cozy with a cup of hot cocoa! Then, feast on morning favorites such as Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Corned Beef Hash and Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, and more. If you have really young companions along for the trip, don’t forget to check out Cappy’s kid’s menu!

Discover the Balboa Fun Zone

Once you’ve had your share of French Toast and pancakes, head over to the Balboa Fun Zone for an array of fun and games! This historical amusement area is located on the waterfront and is just a short five-minute drive down the Peninsula. Let the children enjoy the nostalgic arcade, hop on the Ferris wheel, then grab a slice at Pizza Pete’s. And if you’re eager to prolong your seaside thrill, skip over to Newport Landing for a whale-watching expedition at sea!

Go Whale Watching

Ready for a nautical adventure? Witness gray whales during their winter migration on a whale watching excursion! Gray whales migrate each year along the shores of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, making the longest journey of any marine mammal. They travel in pods from December through April, and during this migration, it’s common to see five or more at once. You can arrange a whale watching tour through Newport Coastal Adventure, Newport Landing, or Davey’s Locker.

Hit the Beach in Crystal Cove

Located just south of Corona del Mar, the stunning Crystal Cove State Park awaits. This area of natural coastline includes 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Let the children splash in the gentle waves, construct sandcastles on the shore, and explore the park’s tide pools where they can observe sea urchins, starfish, and other marine creatures.

Sunset Dinner at The Beachcomber Cafe

When the craving for a meal hits (or you start hearing “I’m hungry”), secure a table at Crystal Cove’s most frequented dining establishment, The Beachcomber Cafe! This laid-back eatery is mere steps from the shore, featuring a menu loaded with California-inspired delicacies and tropical beverages along with an outdoor deck offering ocean views. Sit down for a sunset dinner and indulge in delectable dishes like Crispy Calamari, Clam Chowder, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops, and more.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Sugar ‘n Spice

As you return along the coast from Crystal Cove, take a break at Balboa Island for one of Newport Beach’s most iconic desserts: the Balboa Bar! Since 1945, Sugar ‘n Spice has been serving these frozen delights to locals and tourists hoping to satisfy their sweet cravings. Stop by their location on Marine Ave., and customize your Balboa Bar just as you prefer! With dips like chocolate and peanut butter and toppings like Oreo crumbles, rainbow sprinkles, and toasted coconut, your children are bound to relish every bite.