Fun Things to do in Newport Beach in a Weekend
How we spent a weekend in Newport & Laguna Beach
After a visit to Disneyland, my two daughters, my mom, and I decided to spend a fun weekend at Newport and Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. Both Newport and Laguna Beach have lots of fun things to do with kids, the beaches alone offer endless fun. Orange County proves to be a picturesque destination with its stunning beaches, diverse dining options, and abundant wildlife. Below are the fun things we did in Newport and Laguna Beach on a weekend.
Fun things to do in Newport Beach
Day 1
Following an Uber ride from Anaheim, we arrived at our Newport Beach hotel and then made our way to Balboa Pavilion. We planned our first day to make the most of our time here looking for fun things to do in Newport Beach for the weekend. Our plan was to embark on a whale-watching excursion, and both the Pavilion and the adventure turned out to be fantastic ways to spend our afternoon.
Balboa Pavilion
Presently, the Pavilion serves as a hub for marine recreation, offering a variety of activities such as sport fishing boats, a spacious passenger catamaran to Catalina Island, harbor sightseeing cruises, boat (skiff) rentals, and exciting whale-watching adventures. The venue also boasts the new Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom. Surrounding the Pavilion, you’ll find charming souvenir shops and restaurants. Moreover, a mini amusement park with ocean views awaits, featuring attractions like bumper cars and carnival games.
Click here for a list of restaurants nearby
Whale & Dolphin Watching
After having lunch at Balboa Pavilion, we went on a boat to watch whales and dolphins. We picked Davy’s Locker for this trip, which was another super fun thing to do in Newport Beach! The boat ride lasted about 2 hours, and they had drinks and snacks for us. The ride was long enough to see quite a bit of coastline and short enough that the kids didn’t get bored. Even though we didn’t see any whales, we saw lots and lots of dolphins—like hundreds of them! It was a fantastic experience for me and the kids. This is a highly recommended fun thing to do in Newport Beach on a Weekend!
To book an excursion through Davy’s Locker, Click Here
There are other great options as well for Whale watching in Newport Beach, click here to see more.
Newport Beach & Newport Pier
Following our whale-watching adventure, we took an Uber to the Newport Beach pier. Even though it was a bit chilly, we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach and explored the oceanfront shops and restaurants. It’s a great spot for a stroll or some beachside fun. On a warm day, you can relax on the beach, go for a swim, or even try some surfing.
Things to do in Laguna Beach
Day 2
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Our initial destination in Laguna Beach was Main Beach, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. It’s a spacious beach with miles of coastline to stroll along. The kids had a blast dipping their feet in the ocean and gathering shells. Main Beach also offers various facilities, including volleyball courts, a playground, showers, and bathrooms. It’s a wonderful spot to spend an extended period.
Check out more information and things to do on Main Beach in Laguna Beach
Shopping and Art Galleries in Laguna Beach
I love souvenir shopping, and the main strip of Laguna Beach lived up to my expectations. The area also boasts some really cool art galleries, which my 14-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoyed exploring. Whether I was in search of “made in Laguna” keepsakes, updating my wardrobe, or seeking a one-of-a-kind gift from a local artist, the town had something that caught my eye. With nearly a hundred boutiques scattered from the north to the downtown village and all the way to the southern tip of Pacific Coast Highway, I was bound to discover a piece that’s a true California original.
Restaurant Recommendation with an Amazing View in Laguna Beach
We ate at The Cliff in Laguna Beach and it was a great choice. The views here are amazing and they had good food. You can get Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner here and they have happy hour from 3-6 from Monday-Friday. They have a variety on their menu from Burgers to Pasta to Seafood.
For a list of other great restaurants in Laguna Beach, click here
FAQ’s for Newport Beach and Laguna Beach
Should we stay in Newport Beach or Laguna?
We chose to stay in Newport Beach mainly due to cost (we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach) but if given the choice, I would have preferred Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach appeared to have more beachfront options, and I was particularly drawn to the charming downtown area. Either way, you can’t go wrong, but if you’re seeking expansive coastal views, I’d recommend Laguna Beach.
Below are some recommended hotels in each location.
Newport Beach
Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach, an IHG Hotel
Balboa Inn, On The Beach At Newport
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Laguna Beach
Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
Capri Laguna on the Beach – A Boutique Hotel
Which airport should I fly into to get to Newport Beach?
John Wayne Airport-Orange County
This is the closest, easiest and my favorite airport to fly into to get to Orange County.
