Newport Dunes
Location: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 714-765-7661; www.newportdunes.com
Price Range: $$
Pros: Luxury RV resort with loads of water activities on the bay
Cons: About a 10-minute drive to the actual beach
If you like
camping, it's fun to do it in style. So if you want to combine the fun
of roughing it against the backdrop of California's Riviera, you know
what you do? You book a stay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, one of
the best campgrounds & RV parks in the state.
Where
else can you beat the summer heat in The OC's only ocean aquatic park
and water playground, or take your pick of more than a dozen
recreational rentals, including sailboats, bicycles, golf carts and
inline skates?
At
Moe B's Watersports, located at the Newport Beach Dunes, you can check out a pedal boat, take a guided
kayak tour, or hop on a Duffy Boat for a cruise around Newport Bay and
Balboa Island. It's a great way to spot some prime Newport Beach real
estate, some awesome Newport Beach homes and Newport Beach mansions.
The latest rage is paddle surfing, a Hawaiian tradition that is catching on here in California.
It's
perfect for walking your dog (it's one of Orange County's best pet
friendly resorts), or trying out your beach cruiser on one of the best
bike trails (and safest bike trails) in the area.
When
the sun sets on the Pacific, head over to the Village Center grocery
store for some wine and S'mores makings, then stop by the beach for a
campfire and family movie on the outdoor big screen.
Though you can visit just for the day, I recommend at least a weekend to fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer.
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If
you don't feel like cooking, consider a gourmet take-out picnic from
the Daily Grill in Fashion Island, a top shopping and dining
destination just blocks away in the city of Newport Beach.
Try
to time your stay around the popular July 4 fireworks display at the
Dunes, or the Newport Beach Film Festival in April-May and the Hyatt
Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival in May.
I promise if you bring the kids to Newport Dunes, you're going to have a fun family experience.
Newport Dunes is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 714-765-7661; www.newportdunes.com
