A recommended day trip from Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
A recommended day trip from Hyatt Regency Newport Beach: morning paddle or bike along the Upper Newport Bay, lunch and a walk on Balboa Island, then an afternoon harbor cruise or whale-watch from Newport Harbor. Return to relax at the resort pools or SHOR American Seafood Grill for dinner.
In this guide
Start with the Back Bay: kayak or bike
The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach sits beside the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, so begin your day with a water or wheels activity. Local outfitters like Pirate Coast Paddle Company and the Newport Aquatic Center rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for exploring the protected Back Bay.
If you prefer land, use the hotel’s included resort-fee bike benefit: two-hour beach cruiser rentals are part of the resort fee (longer rentals are available locally). The Back Bay Loop is a scenic 10.5-mile route for a shorter out-and-back ride or a longer loop.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for morning breeze
- Safety note: pools and beach areas at the hotel have no lifeguard on duty; supervise children
- Where to start: ask the concierge for kayak or bike rental locations and times
| Option | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Kayak or SUP rental | 2–3 hours |
| Short bike ride (out-and-back) | 1–2 hours |
| Full Back Bay Loop (bike) | 2–4 hours |
Walk or shuttle to Balboa Island for lunch
Balboa Island is listed as about one mile from the hotel and is an easy walk or quick shuttle ride; Marine Avenue has shops, cafes and casual eateries. The historic Balboa Island Ferry connects the island to the Balboa Peninsula for short crossings.
Choose a casual lunch on Marine Avenue, sample local snacks, then cross the bridge for a boardwalk stroll or rent small electric carts if you prefer to cover more ground.
- Travel: hotel shuttle to Balboa Island may be available—check the front desk schedule
- Ferry: the Balboa Island Ferry operates regular short crossings (fare noted by local sources)
- Tip: bring small bills for ferry and casual purchases
| Lunch options | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Casual cafés on Marine Avenue | Quick bites, sandwiches |
| Boardwalk snacks on Balboa Peninsula | Seafood, ice cream |
| Sit-down restaurants near the harbor | Relaxed lunch with water views |
Afternoon options: harbor cruise, whale watching or beach time
If you want an ocean excursion, book a Newport Harbor boat tour or a seasonal whale-watching trip departing from Newport Harbor; these departures are about two miles from the hotel. The Catalina Flyer ferry to Avalon (Catalina Island) also sails from Newport and takes roughly 75 minutes each way.
For a lower-key afternoon, head to nearby beaches such as Balboa Beach or the Balboa Pier area for a walk, or return to the hotel for pool time and light bites at Oasis Pool Bar.
- Harbor/whale tours: check seasonal schedules and book in advance if possible
- Catalina Flyer: crossing time to Avalon is about 75 minutes; check ferry schedules and fares separately
- Beach choice: Balboa Beach and Balboa Peninsula are commonly recommended nearby beaches
| Option | Approx. travel from hotel |
|---|---|
| Newport Harbor tours / whale watching | About 2 miles |
| Catalina Flyer ferry to Avalon | Departs Newport Beach; ~75-minute crossing |
| Balboa Beach / Pier | Short drive or shuttle |
Return to the resort: pools and a short rest
After a busy day, relax at one of Hyatt Regency Newport Beach’s three outdoor pools. The family lagoon pool (Oasis) includes Newport Beach’s only waterslide; the Serenity and Indulge pools provide quieter spaces and an adult-oriented pool area with day beds and a private whirlpool.
Pools are listed as open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; note there is no lifeguard on duty and children must be accompanied by an adult. Poolside snacks and drinks are available at the Oasis Pool Bar.
- Family pool: waterslide and fountain play area
- Indulge pool: adult-oriented with day beds and private whirlpool
- Pool hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; no lifeguard on duty
| Pool | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Oasis (family lagoon) | Waterslide, family-friendly |
| Serenity | Quiet retreat, private whirlpool |
| Indulge | Adults-oriented, day beds |
Dinner at SHOR American Seafood Grill or Lobby Lounge
For dinner, SHOR American Seafood Grill serves Southern California–inspired seafood and American dishes and offers outdoor patio seating. SHOR’s hours are listed as breakfast and lunch in the morning/early afternoon and dinner daily from 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.
If you prefer a more casual setting, the Lobby Lounge transitions from morning coffee to an evening bar with craft cocktails, California wines and a menu of appetizers, burgers and salads.
- SHOR serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner hours are daily 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Lobby Lounge serves Starbucks coffee in the morning and cocktails later in the day
- Reservations: SHOR accepts reservations—book in advance for busy evenings
| Venue | Best for |
|---|---|
| SHOR American Seafood Grill | Seafood dinners, outdoor patio |
| Lobby Lounge | Coffee, cocktails, light dinner |
| Oasis Pool Bar | Poolside drinks and light bites |
Practical tips and room choices for day-trip travelers
If you plan an early start or late return, note the hotel’s standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM (noon); early/late requests are subject to availability. The Bell Desk offers complimentary luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.
Room choices to suit day-trippers: Room, Bay View provides a bay-facing balcony for morning or evening views; Family Room lists 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Trundle Bed for families who need extra sleeping space.
- Bring a change of clothes and a small dry bag if you plan water activities
- Resort fee covers bike rentals (two-hour cruisers), premium Wi‑Fi and fitness-center access—confirm current inclusions at check-in
- Hotel contact (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
| Room recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Room, Bay View | Balcony with bay views for morning or evening |
| Family Room | 1 King Bed + 1 Twin Trundle Bed for family stays |
| Room, Pool View | Close to pools for quick returns between activities |
