Parents Weekend Getaway Itinerary for Newport Beach Trip

Our trip to Newport Beach for a Parents Getaway was nothing short of amazing at the Balboa Bay Resort! Matt and I love traveling to California and try to pick a different spot every time we go.

One of my favorite trips was driving the coast from Napa Valley down to San Diego all along the Pacific Coast Highway (aka the 101). It was truly breathtaking.

This trip was our first time away from the kids…. ever! We knew we wanted something with a direct flight from Chicago for 3 nights away. Our trip honestly could not have been more perfect!

We were torn between a visit to Newport Beach or going back to a favorite -- Santa Barbara. We opted for a parents weekend getaway in Newport Beach so that we could do day trips to other local spots like Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach.

Parents Weekend Getaway Itinerary for Newport Beach Trip

Planning ahead to leave your kids

Asking for help from parents or a caregiver can feel like a tall order. One of the best travel tips I can offer is how we scheduled our trip! We planned our trip from Wednesday until Saturday. We had our normal childcare Wednesday until Friday.

My parents stayed with the kids in the morning until the nanny arrived and had them for dinner and bed. While it was busy, it wasn’t too much. Then, they had them most of the day Saturday and we arrived home before bedtime.

Timing-wise it was perfect. I also think getting home just before afternoon naps would be good, too. I don’t know about you, but jumping back into parenting after a little break is always hard for me.

Exploring Newport Beach and Its Surroundings 

Newport Beach, with its miles of pristine beachfront, is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. A leisurely stroll along the Newport Pier or Balboa Pier offers breathtaking waterfront views, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some sea lions basking in the sun. For a closer encounter with marine life, embark on a whale-watching excursion from Newport Harbor or book a cruise along the coastline to witness the majestic migrations of gray whales and active blue whales, a sight to behold year-round.

A visit to Lido Marina Village is a must-do for first-timers in the Newport Beach area. This popular spot boasts charming boutiques, ice cream bars, and waterfront restaurants where you can savor great food while enjoying the setting sun. Renting electric boats from here is a great way to explore the harbor and nearby Balboa Island, known for its quaint shops and the iconic Balboa Island Ferry. Don't forget to indulge your sweet tooth with some delicious treats as you wander through this delightful seaside village.

For those seeking adventure beyond the beach, Newport Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities. Explore acres of forest land at Crystal Cove State Park, go for an electric bike ride along the scenic Back Bay Loop Trail, or embark on a hike in the nearby Newport Coast. If you're a fan of theme parks, a short drive will take you to iconic destinations like Disneyland or the San Diego Zoo.

Things To See In Newport

There are a million fun things to do in the area, but some of the most popular are:

• Visit Newport Beach Pier

• Lido Marina Village

• Newport Harbor

• Check out Crystal Cove

• Hike at the State Park

• Go Whale Watching

• Visit Balboa Village

• Explore the Balboa Fun Zone

• Dine and shop at Fashion Island

• Explore Lido Beach

• Layout at Laguna Beach

• Christmas Boat Parade

• Crystal Cove State Park

The Balboa Peninsula features the Balboa Village, which is a touristy area with a ferris wheel, ice cream and Duffy boat rides. While it’s touristy, I’m still glad we went to walk around. Lido Marina Village was, by far, our favorite and a must-see on any trip!

Popular Newport Beach Restaurants

Nobu Newport Beach for Drinks or Dinner

• Javier's for Drinks, Lunch or Dinner

• Pizzeria Mozza for Lunch or Dinner

• The Cannery for Lunch

• Sessions West Coast Deli for Lunch

• Ho Sum Bistro for Dinner

• Sienna Italian for Dinner

• Beachcomber for Breakfast

• Las Brisas for Lunch

• A's for Dinner

• Broadway for Dinner

• Mama Dee's Italian for Dinner

• Sota Sushi for Dinner

• Gulfstream for Dinner

• CDM for Dinner

• Shorebird for Drinks

• Lido House Hotel Rooftop for Drinks

• Wild Taco for Lunch Dinner or Drinks

• Malibu Farm for Lunch, Dinner or Drinks

• Moulin for Breakfast

Parents Weekend Getaway in Newport Beach, California Itinerary

We had the perfect balance of on-the-go and relaxing. When we were searching for Newport Beach hotels, we wanted something centrally located and that's how we stumbled upon Balboa Bay Resort. It was truly the perfect place to stay!

I've only planned family vacations the last few years so making a weekend itinerary just for couples was fun! While we wanted it to be a romantic getaway, we also just wanted to have fun and not be too tied down. I'm not one for too many spa treatments because I feel like I can do that at home (even though I never do!)

Day 1 - Settle In & Grab Dinner

We arrived right around 4pm. Given the time change from Chicago, a late lunch was in order. We opted for an easy happy hour/late lunch combo at A&O Restaurant on the Balboa Bay premises.

After happy hour, we went up to our room with a view of the bay to freshen up and get ready for dinner. We decided to take the hotel's shuttle over to Lido Beach, which is a super cute area with restaurants and adorable shops.

We walked the pier and grabbed a few drinks, and then decided to settle at Malibu Farm Restaurant. The food was delicious and the drinks were super fresh, too!

Day 2 - Explore Laguna & Fancy Night Out

We started our morning with a workout at the Balboa Bay Resort. They had two Pelotons and it was lovely!! Matt and I talked about how this trip was all about a reset.

Then, we took a 5 minute uber to Laguna Beach and went to Moulin for breakfast. Highly recommend their crapes! After breakfast, we walked around, did some shopping and then walked to the beach to watch the surfers.

There's something about watching surfers that I find so mesmerizing. Maybe it's because you can really only watch them in California.

At any rate, we then did lunch and a pitcher of margaritas as Las Brisas. We originally sat down at Larsen, and while it was so cool looking, they had a monster attitude and we left.

After lunch, it was back to Balboa Bay Resort for some drinks poolside and a ping pong competition. I won, of course. Then, we showered and got dressed up for a fancy dinner at Nobu. Oh my goodness was it delicious!

We ordered all of the specials at Nobu, which included wagyu beef sliders, yellowtail and a delicious salad. I can't remember the name of our dessert, but it was absolutely delicious. The waiter was fabulous and helped us space things out as well.

Day 3 - Relax at Balboa Bay Resort & Walk Newport Beach

Spa day! We woke up, did a morning workout and had a very casual breakfast at A&O Restaurant. My only compliant is that it's so good that we ate there too much!

At any rate, we enjoyed a really nice morning on the resort premises and went for a facial and massage at the spa. It was most definitely the best facial I've had on vacation. My face was glowing for five days afterwards, and it's inspired me to revamp my skincare routine.

What's nice is that you get access to the spa for the day when you have a service done, so you can take advantage of the steam room, sauna, lounge area and showers with super nice Drybar tools.

OK, I hate to admit. it, but we went back to A&O for lunch. We were enjoying just hanging out. at the hotel and didn't feel like leaving the premises. this is why I was saying that I love to find a hotel that has everything you need so you don't have to leave!

After lunch, we went to the pool and lounged for several hours. It was so relaxing. I read a book and we both dozed off for about an hour.

We took the hotel car down to Newport Pier and decided to walk from there to Balboa Pier and the Balboa Fun Zone. The ocean views were breathtaking. We're big walkers and it was. a fun way to see a few miles of shoreline. The only thing that would have made it better is a boat ride!

Dinner did not go quite as planned because Mama Dee's was so slammed, but it worked out perfectly. We ended up going to Lido House Hotel for drinks and having an app-like dinner on the rooftop watching the sunset. It was truly magical.

Day 4 - Breakfast & Fly Home

I planned our trip so we'd be able to grab breakfast in the morning. We were both a little sluggish from a late night out so opted for one more workout before grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee from Starbucks. Then, it was off tot he airport and hope to see our babies! We flew in and out of Orange County, but you could also easily fly into Los Angeles, too!

Highlights of Balboa Bay Resort

When I looked for hotels in Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Resort. The views were breathtaking, and I loved how much the resort offered onsite. While we like to go out and adventure every day, it's nice to also have all necessary accommodations on site so you don't have to! The spa was definitely a must-do experience. I really loved my facial and Matt said it was one of the best massages he's ever had. The A&O Restaurant is also a great perk. It's a delicious restaurant right onsite with views of the harbor. They even have live music. a few nights a week!

Staycation at Balboa Bay Resort

After a day of exploration, retreat to one of the amazing hotels in Newport Beach, such as the Balboa Bay Resort or the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. These beautiful properties offer luxurious accommodations, waterfront views, and top-notch amenities. Treat yourself to a romantic evening with sunset cruises, waterfront dining, or a relaxing soak in a circular coliseum pool.

Start your next day with a delightful breakfast overlooking the marina before setting out on your Newport Beach adventure. Whether you're cruising Newport Bay, soaking up the sun at the beach state parks, or browsing the shops along Marine Avenue, Newport Beach promises unforgettable experiences and beautiful California sunsets that will leave you longing to return again and again.

I hope this helps you plan your weekend getaway! I'm also hoping it's not another 4 years before Matt & I sneak away again! Newport Beach is truly a beautiful place that offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether you're embarking on a cruise line adventure, enjoying views of the coastline from Balboa Island Ferry, or unwinding at the circular coliseum pool of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, there's something for everyone to enjoy, especially during the summer months.

Nearby attractions like Palm Springs or San Francisco are just a short drive away, offering further opportunities for adventure. From wine bars to department stores, outdoor patios to historic districts, Newport Beach caters to every taste and interest. Don't miss out on the chance to witness Newport Beach whales or encounter different dolphins while exploring this coastal city.

With its charming small islands, marine biology opportunities, and lookout points offering vistas of beautiful California sunsets, Newport Beach promises unforgettable experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. So pack your bags, embrace the warmth of the sun, and dive into your Newport Beach adventure—it's the best time to discover the magic of this coastal gem.

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