Ten Reasons to Visit The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort This Summer

Are you looking to kick off your summer with awesome adventures and some "cooling-off" activities? The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the best place to have a splashin' good time with the whole family! Relax on the soft sand beach and play in the ocean water lagoon on one of the largest inflatable water parks. It's the perfect way to have fun in the sun and the ultimate summer destination for families.

The beautiful beachfront resort known as Newport Dunes resides on over 110 acres in Orange County's famed Newport Beach area, and the Marina is just a short swim across the lagoon. Of course, you could plan to just go for the day, but there is so much to do there that you'll probably want to go several times over the summer. You could even plan a weekend getaway in their RV resort or one of their cute cottages if glamping is on your summer bucket list. Easy to get to from LA or San Diego and full of summer vibes, here are all the must-do activities for your next laid-back vacation experience at this family-friendly resort.

THE INFLATABLE WATER PARK IS THE #1 REASON TO GO!

During the summer months - between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends - Newport Dunes, a Back Bay Newport Beach Water Park, is the place to be. They have one of the largest inflatable water parks, including climbing structures, slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses. The water park is open from 10 am to 6 pm. After you register at Moe's Watercraft rentals and grab a life jacket (which must be worn in the water park), swim out across the lagoon to wherever you want to start your waterpark adventure. Kids and adults of all ages can test their skills on the obstacle course and do jumps off the trampoline. It's impossible not to have a great time -- the lifeguard circles around the waterpark on his SUP for safety. After about an hour, you'll probably want to take a break as it's incredibly exhausting but exhilarating at the same time. You can always go out again for more!

Watersports for everyone in the family from beginner to pro

Want to try your skills at watersports this summer? The lagoon is the perfect place to teach your kids what's SUP. Moe's Watersport Rentals is open from 10 am to 5:45 pm and offers rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and pedal boats. They can also book the inflatable waterpark pass for you and give you a wristband for the day. The rentals are available for year-round enjoyment. One of the coolest things to try is the Radiant Ride, available on select summer nights from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. You'll have a blast touring the Back Bay on a LED-lit Stand-Up Paddle Board!

SEAS THE DAY in a Duffy Boat

Take a Duffy Boat out and leisurely cruise the world-famous Newport Harbor on a two or four-hour adventure. Chill with up to 8 family and friends while listening to your favorite music in a 21' electric boat. You'll see incredible private mega yachts, the cutest sailboats with fantastic names, and all the oceanfront mansions' waterfront architecture. Cruise around Lido Island or stop and dock on iconic Balboa Island and stroll the boardwalk with its unique mom & pop shops. Grab a bite on the island or one of the many restaurants in Newport Harbor. Create exciting memories with your family while exploring in a Duffy boat!

Beach Activities that are shore to please everyone

Once back on land, the fun doesn't end. If you need a water break, there are many dry activities for kids and adults around the resort. Head on over to one of the volleyball courts, horseshoe courts or the kids' favorite, Pirate Playground. In addition, you can rent beach cruisers, electric bikes, pedal go-karts, or golf carts at the onsite Marketplace. The Marketplace also has sunscreen, floats, snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and more if you need anything during your visit.

Keep calm and jump in the pool

Young and old will enjoy Newport Dunes as they offer many options for beach activities and watersports for the whole family. Sometimes, you just want to dip in a hydrotherapy pool or relax in a soothing jacuzzi. There are four distinct pools, including a U-shaped hot tub. Cabanas are available for rental with food and beverage service if you want a laid-back luxury vibe.

Summer nights under the moonlight

Day guests may enjoy Newport Dunes until 10 pm to hang out on the beach after the watersports rentals are closed. For those making the party last or if you have a campsite, the beach firepits are a great place to cozy up after dusk and roast marshmallows for s'mores after dinner. Public concrete firepits are scattered across the beach, but you can also have a portable firepit delivered to your campsite with wood if you prefer privacy. Firepit rentals are available at the Marketplace. Newport Dunes also hosts PG-rated movie nights with a giant movie screen set up on the beach. So bring your lawn chairs and the kids for some family-friendly movies every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.

Pizza parties, game nights and arts and crafts are also on the nightly activities calendar Wednesdays thru Sundays. Try Starfish and Seashell Painting, Keepsake Bottle Crafts, Plant Your Own Flowers and Family Bingo are just some of the beach camping experiences. The evening is also a great time to meet fellow guests and make new friends.

Beverages, snacks and food puts everyone in a good mood

When you're ready to refuel, Moe B's Munchies will satisfy your palate with fresh-to-order burgers, sandwiches, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, seasoned fries or a 14" pizza. Indulge in these summer favorites with the highest sustainable quality ingredients straight off the grill. Hours are Wednesday to Friday 11 am to 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. The over 21 crowds can try some hand-shaken margaritas and a refreshing selection of cocktails at the beachfront bar. Also, do feel free to bring a cooler with your own snacks and drinks or buy them in the Marketplace. Just remember summer is meant for BBQ and a Beach Burger and Dune Dog are delicious after hours of swimming.

RV there yet?

The beach is made for glamping. Newport Dunes resort houses more than 382 oversized RV sites. All sites offer full RV hookups. Campers have access to all the same amenities as at a hotel, including beach access, hydrotherapy pools, beachfront dining, water sports and, of course, SoCal's largest inflatable water park. Newport Beach is nearby if you want to explore other areas of Orange County during your stay. Concierge and Housekeeping teams are available seven days a week, 365 days a year. The 1250 sq. ft. Beachfront Sites and 1575 sq. ft. Supersites are most popular among RVers and have earned Newport Dunes a spot on the Top 15 Best Luxury RV Resorts 2020.

Beach time is just a cottage away

Want a home away from home? There are 24 cabins/cottages onsite at Newport Dunes, including Studio Cottages, Large Cottages and Beachfront Cottages. Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze or BBQ on an outdoor deck and escape for a siesta in the bright, rustic interiors with natural-wood floors and open-beam ceilings. Studio amenities accommodate up to 4 people and include twin-sized bunk beds, a double-bed sofa sleeper, a kitchenette with microwave, a mini-fridge and a small dining table. The larger cabins accommodate up to 6 people with a queen-sized bed, a sofa bed and a 12' x 12' unfurnished sleeping loft with a 48" ceiling. There is also a kitchen and dining area, but not all cottages have stoves or ovens, so check when you reserve. All cottages have a bathroom with a shower and a TV with basic cable and free WiFi.

Don't wait for the perfect day, take the day and make it perfect

Want a sneak peek of what staying at the resort is like? Reserve a beachfront cabana ahead of time, or just plan on finding a spot on the beach to pitch your sun umbrella and beach towel. Guests can arrive as early as 8 am and stay until 10 pm. Remember the watersports rentals are from 10 am to 6 pm in the summer. Reach out ahead of time to check on rental availability. If you can, you'll definitely want to spend the entire day at the resort because Newport Dunes has so many options for families to enjoy!

Newport Dunes is one of Southern California's ultimate destinations for families. The beachfront resort is open year-round, and the inflatable water park and other activities in the summer make it ideal for the whole family. We love how easy it is to stay and play for the day at Newport Dunes or enjoy it for longer in one of their on-site cottages or RV campsites. Let your summer adventures begin!

Newport Dunes rates vary because of the time of year and whether you are a resort guest or a public day guest. Visit the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort website for the details. https://www.newportdunes.com/

Chanin Victor, the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at the Santa Monica Observer, presents her column "Travel Trends" bi-weekly in the print edition, offering readers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of travel. Become a Subscriber Today! Beyond her role at the Observer, Chanin is a versatile freelance travel journalist, crafting engaging narratives that transport readers to intriguing destinations. In her 9-5 role, she serves as a creative director, dedicating her expertise to promoting tourism destinations across Southern California, blending her passion for storytelling with her professional pursuits. Based in Los Angeles with her family, Chanin seizes every opportunity to embark on new adventures. Discover her travels and insights at chaninvictor.com - PLUS - if you're interested in Chanin's family-friendly travel stories, inspiration and travel tips, look HERE: https://chaninvictor.com/travel-trends/ at the Santa Monica Observer!