If you’re lucky enough to spend your birthday in Newport Beach, California, a) we’re jealous, and b) you’re in for a huge treat! Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is a bustling city with a lively arts, food, and music scene that’s often overlooked when it comes to birthday destinations. Of course, the main attraction is the beach, but if you dig a little deeper — and we’re not talking about sandcastles — you’ll find that the city has so much more to offer than vistas and its iconic shoreline. In fact, there’s really no better place to spend a birthday: From hanging out on the boardwalk and cruising on the water to lounging on the beach, hitting some of the world-class restaurants and bars, and much more, there are a ton of great things to do for your birthday in Newport Beach.
Not sure where to go or what to do while you’re in town? No problem: We’ve got your back. Take a peek at this short list we put together of a few of the best things to do in Newport Beach for your birthday.
Newport Beach Premier Brunch Cruise
There’s no better way to kick off your birthday bash than with brunch — unless, of course, you have brunch while you’re embarking on a magical ocean escape on a yacht! Start your Orange County celebrations off on the right foot with the Newport Beach Premier Brunch Cruise! While onboard, you and your guests will enjoy a delicious, chef-inspired buffet with a selection of fine wine, Champagne, and perfectly made classic cocktails. Plus, there’s plenty of live entertainment while you’re on board — and did we mention all of the gorgeous views of Southern California’s world-famous beaches, yachts, and delightful sea life?
Newport Beach Sights & Sips Premier Cruise
Looking for a livelier experience while in town? Look no further — get ready to rock out on the water with breathtaking views of the Newport Beach Harbor, dance the evening away, and sip on a delicious cocktail (or three) as you watch the sunset aboard the Newport Beach Sights and Sips Cruise. You and your guests will get front-row seats to experience all of the action in the harbor while you jam out to the DJ’s hottest tunes, maybe with a birthday request or two. There are also plenty of hors d’oeuvres, along with an excellent selection of cocktails, wine, and beer from the well-stocked cash bar.
Newport Beach John Wayne Celebration Premier Dinner Cruise
If you’re a fan of John Wayne — or if you’re just in the market for a great time on the water — you need to book your ticket aboard the Wild Goose: From May 25th through June 24th, cruises aboard the Wild Goose yacht are in honor of the anniversary of John Wayne’s Birthday! The famous actor called Newport Beach his home for many years, so the residents take his history very seriously, and the Newport Beach John Wayne Celebration Premier Dinner Cruise is sure to be a memorable cruise for you, whether you’re a John Wayne fan or not.
You and your guests will be transported back in time as you enjoy your choice of dinner (or brunch on the Newport Beach John Wayne Celebration Premier Brunch Cruise) aboard the Wild Goose. You can chat with other John Wayne fans as you all sip delicious cocktails curated by Duke’s Bourbon Whiskey. Not only that, but you’ll also cruise by the location that was formerly John Wayne’s 10-bedroom, seven-bath waterfront mansion where he and his family lived and Wild Goose was once docked. And, you can feel great about celebrating your birthday on the water, since a portion of ticket sales will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in support of John Wayne’s final wish: to find a cure for cancer.
Other Great Ideas for Birthday Celebrations in Newport Beach
Other fun things to do in Newport Beach include popping into some of the city’s great restaurants and bars to sample some of the delicious local cuisines. There’s also the Sherman Library and Garden, which is a gorgeous botanical garden with a cool museum of living plants, ample walking paths, beautiful fountains and a library centered on the study of the Pacific Southwest. Oh, and don’t leave town without checking out Balboa Pier — take advantage of the miles of sand for soaking in the sun during the day, and then in the evening, watch the sunset over the water.
As you can see Newport Beach has the perfect recipe for a night to remember, with all the ingredients to cheers to another year!