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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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With a beach
blanket bingo vibe from years past, Newport Dunes Resort
provides the perfect home away from home for guest to
have fun in the southern California sun.
Situated opposite of the multi-million dollar beach
front properties that line the golden coastline of southern
Orange County’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Dunes
presents a 110-acre year-round aquatic playground at
the entrance to the Back Bay nature preserve that the
entire family can enjoy. Once you park at the Dunes,
you won’t need to start your vehicle again until
you leave; everything you need is just a walk away.
From the moment you arrive, you will see children riding
bikes, families and friends sharing a barbeque or roasting
marshmallows on a stick over an open bonfire, people
out in the water splashing about, and just lying on
the beach soaking up the sun.
While most guests arrive by RV, stopping for just a
few days rest as they continue to their final destination
or staying for an entire vacation, you don’t need
an RV to stay here. There are plenty of overnight options
including tent camping and cottage rentals.
The Cottages are cozy, but still provide
guests with many of the luxuries you find at a mid grade
hotel, complete with queen size beds and linens, kitchenettes,
full bathroom, and entertainment center. The entire
family should have access to everything they need.
Don't have a tent, but still want to camp out? Then
the Dunes can pitch a tent for you, complete with cots,
a picnic table, and a fire ring just a few steps away.
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Newport Dunes Resort |
Also, don’t
worry if you suddenly remember something you forgot to pack.
The Dunes Market Place can fill most of your needs and also
offers a great breakfast every morning.
The main attraction of the Newport Dunes Resort is of
course, the bay, and its access to numerous water activities.
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you are sure to
find something to occupy your time.
For the younger ones and the teenagers, Moe B's Watersports
Park is a hit, with an air filled rock wall, trampoline,
and numerous slides that rocket you into the waveless
swimming lagoon. Where else can you ascend to the top
of a 20-foot structure, and then soar like a bird before
making a splash into the water below?
If that’s not a challenge enough for you, you can
try your hand at sailing your own sabot or catamaran,
a task much harder than it looks, or participate in the
always entertaining and amusing, build your own cardboard
boat race.
Of course, if you want a more relaxing way to spend time
on the water, one and two-person kayaks, paddle boats,
and electric motor boats are available, and the Dunes
has plenty of area to maneuver, while also keeping you
secluded so you don’t have to worry about bigger
boats speeding by you. However, if you have a bigger boat,
the Dunes does have a boat launch and offers daily, weekly,
and monthly slip rates at their Marina.
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A great way
to view the Bay from the water is via an Upper Newport Bay
Kayak Tour, offered daily at 10AM. Rent a kayak from the
Newport Aquatic Center at North Star Beach and head out
onto the glassy bay. Watch for birds, leaping mullet fish,
sea lions, and the occasional dolphin. Reservations are
required.
And if you’re too busy to stop or pack a lunch,
no problem. Just minutes away from the Dunes is the Daily
Grill, offering picnic boxes complete with utensils and
red and white checkered tablecloth all set to pick up
and enjoy on the beach. Varieties of boxes are available
ranging from chicken, salmon, steak, or you can even build
your own masterpiece. It’s a great change of pace
if you want to take a break from preparing your own food,
but still want to have a picnic. For those that just don’t
want to leave the water. The Dunes also offers a pool
side lunch barbeque.
As the days wind down, and the sun begins to set over
the Pacific, the fun doesn’t end at the Dunes. In
fact, often times it’s just getting started, as
the smell of open pit fires and barbeques from campers
permeates the air.
You may even spot a few fish fries,
and it’s likely that these campers have discovered
Pearson’s
Port. This floating shack is truly a hidden
Orange County gem, and is probably one of the best places
to purchase California Spiny Lobster, sea bass and buckets
of spot prawns that were literally caught earlier that day.
The prawns are so fresh they jump right out of the bucket.
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Newport Dunes Cottages |
Newport Dunes Summer Activities |
The Dunes can also take care of your needs when it comes
to a quiet full service dinner, and the Back Bay Bistro
offers guests an eloquent dining experience. The Bistro
provides a smart and casual vibe, and while the food is
delicious, the views from the large enclosed patio are
stunning, including a great bar overlooking the water.
Live music is often heard from the bar on Saturday nights,
and is a popular place for locals as well as quests of
the resort.
However, if you’re looking for more of an after
hours family hangout, the Dunes has you covered.
A movie on the beach is a great way to experience a traditional
family activity with a unique spin, and from May to September
on Friday and Saturday nights, the Dunes shows current
and popular family movies on a giant inflatable screen.
Grab a blanket, chair, popcorn or a snack, and enjoy time
with the entire family in the great outdoors.
So the next time you are looking for a weekend excursion
or relaxing yet adventurous vacation setting to reconnect
with your family while at the same time disconnecting
from the hustle and bustle of the suburban grind, the
Newport Dunes Resort is a great place to relax, regroup
and unwind.
Newport Dunes is located just one
hour south of Los Angeles in Newport Beach, California.
Article by Matthew martz |
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