Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, and recharge in the year-round warmth and sun. Enjoy fun in the sun and on the water and make a list of the top boater events in Newport Beach to do on your boating vacation. There is plenty to do while on the water or in anticipation of conquering the deep blue sea. There are parades and other holiday celebrations to enjoy, and you can ask about decorating your vessel to take part in the festivities.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce celebrates Christmas on the water. The annual boat parade takes place nightly beginning at 6:30 each evening. The slow cruise that moves around Newport Harbor has been happening for over 100 years! Residents and visitors alike will have the chance to view beautifully decorated vessels, from canoes and kayaks all the way up to the largest yachts. Visit their website for a countdown clock for the upcoming parade as well as pictures of the previous year’s winning vessels for some decorating inspiration. The parade sets sail from the Dine & Watch waterfront and Dine & Walk dining options are within walking distance of many of the best public viewing areas.

Old Glory Boat Parade

The American Legion Yacht Club of Newport Beach hosts an annual boat parade to celebrate the 4^th. The Old Glory Boat Parade features a theme each year. Boats entering the parade decorate their vessels to fit the theme. The parade typically starts at the east end of Lido Island at 1 p.m. on the 4^th. The course weaves throughout the harbor between 1 and approximately 3:30 p.m. – depending on the number of entrants – so everyone has a chance to see the boats in all their red, white, and blue glory. You can register to be part of the parade for free at the American Legion Yacht Club website. A donation to the Post 291 Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund is appreciated.

International Yacht Race

The race is over 75 years old and still sailing. The race is an amazing three-day event includes the race, seminars, a buffet, and more. The Newport to Ensenada race starts at Balboa Pier. Choose to race from Newport to Ensenada, or a shorter leg journey like San Diego or Dana Point. There are several other yacht and boating races that call the waters of Newport Beach home as well.

Fishing

Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the ocean, beaches, and all the fun activities the west coast has to offer. While many visitors will dress in bathing suits and gather beach gear for a day on the water, some have come in search of their next big fish story. Fishing and boating go hand-in-hand, and the waters of Newport Bay and the deep sea beyond are filled with your next fish story. Set sail in search of California halibut, various species of bass, rock cod, sculpin, and more. After you dock for the day, take your catch home, and grill it up. Don’t forget to secure a California fishing license before heading out.

Dock & Dine

Whether you’re navigating the high seas or need to fuel up before heading out, there are plenty of dining options in Newport Beach and the surrounding area. You can choose to pull up to the dock and get out for a sit-down meal inside the venue, or you can take advantage of the many restaurants of the area that participate in the “dock & dine” experience. Participating restaurants allow you and your crew to pull up and enjoy great food right on board your own vessel. You can even place a to-go order and have a delicious fresh meal aboard while your adventure continues. There’s a myriad of choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and even a soothing nightcap after a day of fun on the water – just make sure to designate a captain for the way back to Carefree Boat Club. Enjoy seafood from Newport Landing Restaurant, American fare from the Harborside Restaurant, or your favorite Mexican dish from Sol Mexican Cocina, just to name a few.

Charter Tours

Sometimes the boater in you just needs a break. Keep your boat docked at Carefree Boat Club and let someone else take the helm while you sit back and relax. You can charter tours for a number of activities, including snorkeling, SCUBA diving, whale or dolphin watching, or a sunset cruise with your sweetheart for a special date. Whatever type of tour you choose, make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking pictures of ocean, shoreline, and the majestic sea creatures you’ll encounter.  Once someone has shown you the ropes of the best places to explore, set sail from your slip at Carefree Boat Club and make your own memories.

Parasailing

Combine boating and air travel in one experience. Keep your own boat docked at Carefree Boat Club and head out for an adventure of a lifetime. Take off for an exhilarating flight from the deck of a USGS-approved and specially designed parasailing boat. Head up, up, and away into the blue skies above Newport Beach. Keep your eyes peeled and trained on the water below for glimpses of dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures. Go up alone or with one or two friends. You can choose to stay dry or go for a little dip in the water to cool off before going up again and coming down safely on the platform. Ask about photo packages and GoPros so you can record the experience from your own point of view in the harness. There are also locations in Long Beach, Catalina Island, Lake Tahoe, and Dana Point, so you can chase the thrill in most locations there is a Carefree Boat Club.

Water Activities

Boating is more than just driving around the water in a vessel. There are activities and fun that take place in and on the water, too. Drop your anchor and enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, or SCUBA diving. Try your hand at wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or even surfing. Ask about water toys like inner tubes and other inflatables, as well as jet skis for your ideal time on the water. Make sure your licenses or certifications are up to date for activities like jet skiing or SCUBA diving on your own.

Spa Day

After a day on the high seas – which may have included rough waters – you deserve to rest, relax, and unwind. You can find several spas and salons in Newport Beach and the surrounding area that have just what you need to relax and unwind. Choose your spa and treatments like manicures, pedicures, facials, wraps, scrubs, and more. You can even leave with a new look that includes a new hairstyle and professionally applied makeup. Even the guys can relax with treatments designed especially for them like a men’s manicure, facial, and other services created to meet their needs. Ask about any Covid restrictions when booking your appointments.

Newport Dunes Aquatic Park

Boaters never miss a chance for fun on the water, whether it’s in the boat or not. The Newport Dunes Inflatable Waterpark is available each summer starting Memorial Day weekend. There is a myriad of inflatable bridges, slides, climbers, trampolines, and more to keep you busy. A life jacket is required for all guests and is included in the cost of admission. Admission is good for one hour of play time in the park. Children under 8 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 18 or older. For their own safety, it is not recommended for children under five to use the inflatables. You do not need to be a guest of the Newport Dunes Resort to enjoy the water park.

Endless Sun Surf School

Catch a wave when you learn to surf on your next Newport Beach boating vacation. Carefree Boat Club may have the equipment, but you’ll want to learn how to use it first. Endless Sun Surf School has been teaching visitors and locals alike how to hang ten for nearly 60 years. They work with surfers of all ages and abilities on the fundamentals of surfing so everyone can enjoy the sport along one of California’s best beaches. Learn from CPR-trained teachers who are professional surfers themselves. Their in-depth knowledge of the sport, combined with a passion for teaching and passing on the joy of surfing make learning to surf fun and maybe even easy. Lessons are offered everyday – that’s 365 days a year – for everyone. Both private and group lessons are available.

Orange Coast Winery

The adults-only activity is a fun way to relax and unwind after a day on the water, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. The local boutique winery located in Newport Beach uses local grapes from Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, and Lodi, California. Currently, there are no on-site tastings or events due to Covid precautions, but you can still pick up a bottle to indulge in during a home-cooked meal at your accommodations.

Pirate House

A perfect way to bring land and sea together is to go see where the pirates live. Pirate House is actually a private residence in the Newport Beach area. What makes it a fun attraction is the many pirate statues and pirate-themed pieces and statues throughout the property. Spot pirates hanging out on the balconies, guarding the perimeter of the property, and even keeping watch out back on the water. There are pirate flags waving from the boats at the private, a boat with a cannon, and one lifts his telescope to keep watch on the goings-on beyond the home. Don’t be afraid to get out and take pictures with the pirates and other zany characters on the property – the owners don’t mind. There’s even a group of pirates hanging out at the end of the dock playing cards for treasure.

King’s Eye Escape Room

Spend 60 minutes of your Newport Beach boating respite with some onshore activities. Work together with your best boating buddies to solve the clues and break out of the room in 60 minutes or less to win. Rooms are ranked by difficulty and the number of people needed to solve the puzzles, so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your group. Your group must be smaller than ten participants and only one group is allowed to wait in the lobby, so come close to your appointment time to avoid overcrowding.

Fun Zone Arcade & Game Room

Plant your feet firmly on the ground and indulge the kid and gamer in you – or the kids and gamers of the group. The arcade features modern and “old-school” games that everyone can enjoy. Challenge each other to games of Skee-Ball, Deal or No Deal, and many others to pass the time and have a little fun with your feet firmly on the ground. The arcade has been around since 1936. Don’t worry about going from boat to arcade without your wallet, there is no admission fee, and you can wander in and out as you explore the surrounding area and take a break from the high seas.

Top Boater Events in Newport Beach

Have your boating bases covered – along with some others you might not have thought of for the best boating experience in Newport Beach – with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including the newest one right here in Newport Beach. We have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, as well as the hassles like storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, cleaning, or extra fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning and transporting your own boat. Reserve a boat and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period.

Contact us today to book your next Newport Beach boating getaway!