We loved staying at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, even as SoCal locals. With so much to do at the resort, we didn’t have time to enjoy every amenity, but there’s plenty we can recommend starting with a ride around the Back Bay or pedaling down to quaint Balboa Island for the famous Balboa ice cream bars with free two-hour bicycle rentals.
Green fees for the nine-hole Back Bay Golf Course are also included with your stay, and with par three holes, this course is fun for the whole family. We spent an afternoon swimming at one of the three pools and our son loved the splash pad. There’s also cornhole, ping pong, putt-putt golf, shuffleboard, and a life-size chess set.
The rooms are spacious and most have a balcony to enjoy the golden California sunshine. This hotel is usually less than $150 a night, which makes it a great affordable option for families, especially if you need to book multiple rooms.
Even though it’ll be hard to leave the resort, don’t miss a beach day at Crystal Cove State Park, stand-up paddle boarding in the Newport Marina or catching some waves at Blackies by the Newport Pier. — Kelly Barcus, No Man Before