Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Southern California, and Newport Beach is one of the best places to celebrate. With its warm sunshine and calm Back Bay waters, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. At the center of it all is Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, a laid-back waterfront destination at 1131 Back Bay Drive known for its resort amenities and family-friendly atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend stay, Newport Dunes delivers everything from live music and inflatable water parks to kayaking on the Upper Newport Bay—making it an ideal spot to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Kick Off Summer at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Newport Beach’s Best Kept Secret
Nestled along the Upper Newport Back Bay, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina blends the feel of a family campground with the amenities of a full-service resort. It offers waterfront RV and tent sites, beach cottages, guest slips at the marina, heated pools, spas, and a calm, waveless beach in one location. It has also been recognized among the Top 100 Parks in the U.S. and Top Family Campgrounds of 2024.
During Memorial Day weekend, the resort becomes a lively hub with live entertainment, water sports, food trucks, and beach movies, creating a festive atmosphere for families. Because demand is high, early reservations are strongly recommended.
Memorial Day Weekend Concerts
The Tunes at the Dunes music series at Newport Dunes Horseshoe Event Venue overlooks the calm Back Bay and features live local artists and tribute bands over three evenings during Memorial Day weekend (5–8 p.m.), with food trucks (2–7 p.m.) and a full bar (2–8 p.m.).
Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs or floats. Past performers have included artists like David Rosales and Family Style, offering a mix of country, blues, soul, and rock, with early arrival recommended due to high demand.
July 4th Spectacular
The Fourth of July at Newport Dunes is a waterfront celebration featuring Tunes at the Dunes with live music, food trucks, and full-bar service. The surrounding Newport Harbor also features fireworks that can be viewed from the resort’s beachfront setting.
The entire holiday weekend is filled with waterfront activities and a festive atmosphere that makes Newport Beach one of Southern California’s top Independence Day destinations.
Labor Day Weekend Farewell to Summer
Labor Day weekend at Newport Dunes brings back Tunes at the Dunes for a final summer celebration, featuring three nights of beachfront concerts with past performers ranging from country rock to funk, soul, blues, and ‘80s tributes. Movies on the Beach also take place at dusk on Saturday and Sunday, adding to the seasonal experience.
The resort offers RV and cottage stays, including partnerships that allow RV delivery and setup on-site for added convenience, along with special post-summer weekday stay offers that make it easy to extend the season a little longer.
Splash Into the Inflatable Aquatic Park
Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Newport Dunes Inflatable Aquatic Park is a floating playground on the Back Bay featuring more than 20 oversized inflatables, including slides, trampolines, jungle gyms, and climbing obstacles for guests ages 5 and up.
Sessions run from morning to early evening and include life jackets for all participants, with advance booking recommended during busy holiday weekends. The calm, waveless waters of the Back Bay make the experience especially safe and accessible, allowing both kids and adults to enjoy high-energy water fun in a controlled, family-friendly environment.
Explore the Back Bay With Water Sports Rentals
Moe B’s Watersports at Newport Dunes offers rentals including stand-up paddleboards, 2-person kayaks, pedal boats, and electric Duffy boats for up to eight guests, allowing visitors to explore the calm waters of Upper Newport Bay. Rentals run daily throughout the summer season.
For a nighttime experience, Radiant Rides offers guided illuminated paddleboard tours of the Back Bay for groups, turning the water into a glowing after-dark adventure that highlights the bay’s calm, scenic environment.
Relax on the Beach and in the Pools
Newport Dunes features a waveless public beach along the Back Bay, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly beach activities. Visitors can also upgrade their experience with beachfront cabanas, while resort guests have access to heated pools, spas, and poolside cabanas. Moe B’s Munchies offers casual food and drinks throughout the summer, making it easy to relax between water activities and entertainment.
Movies on the Beach — Family Nights Under the Stars
Every Friday and Saturday night from Memorial Day through October, Newport Dunes hosts Movies on the Beach — a free, family-friendly outdoor cinema experience on the sand, with films starting at dusk. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and snacks for a relaxed evening under the stars.
The experience can also be combined with food trucks and live Tunes at the Dunes concerts, creating a full evening of waterfront entertainment that has become a seasonal favorite for returning families.
Marine Protected Area & Ecological Significance of Upper Newport Bay
What makes Newport Beach — and specifically the Newport Dunes area — stand out from many other Southern California coastal destinations is not just its recreation value, but its direct connection to a protected and scientifically significant coastal ecosystem. Upper Newport Bay (commonly known as Newport Back Bay) is part of one of the most ecologically important wetland systems in coastal California and is closely tied to the state’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, MPAs are designated to conserve marine biodiversity, protect habitats, and support long-term ecosystem resilience — limiting disruptive activities and maintaining the natural balance of coastal waters and wetland environments. The NOAA Marine Protected Areas program similarly recognizes MPAs as essential tools for preserving marine ecosystems, improving water quality, and sustaining biodiversity under increasing environmental pressure.
Why This Matters for Your Back Bay Experience
Because Newport Dunes sits along the Upper Newport Bay ecosystem, it combines recreation with environmental protection. The surrounding wetlands reduce wave energy, creating calm, waveless waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. It is also part of a major coastal wetland and Pacific Flyway route, supporting diverse migratory bird species and offering rare wildlife viewing in an urban coastal setting.
The area’s protected status also supports no-wake zones and habitat protection regulations that enhance both water quality and safety for recreational paddlers and boaters. Managed as part of California’s coastal wetland and ecological reserve system, the bay benefits from ongoing habitat restoration, water quality protection, and long-term environmental resilience oversight from state coastal and parks authorities.
Set Sail From Newport Dunes Marina
For boating enthusiasts, Newport Dunes features a 442-slip marina and 6-lane public boat launch ramp with access to Newport Harbor and the open ocean, making it ideal for day trips to Catalina Island or coastal cruises. On-site amenities include a clubhouse, wash rack, dry storage, and full launch services.
Beyond boating, the marina adds a strong nautical character to the resort, reinforcing its identity as a full waterfront destination designed for every type of water activity.
Plan Your Memorial Day Weekend at Newport Dunes — Book Now
Memorial Day weekend at Newport Dunes is a popular Southern California tradition, with accommodations and day visits booking up quickly. Guests can reserve RV sites, beach cottages, or plan a day trip in advance to ensure availability. The resort also offers waterfront event spaces for private gatherings, including weddings, corporate events, and team-building experiences with full catering services.
- Address: 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Phone: 949-729-3863
- Email: info@newportdunes.com
- Website: www.newportdunes.com
FAQs
What is Tunes at the Dunes at Newport Dunes?
Tunes at the Dunes is a free beachfront live music series hosted at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina during select summer holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Live entertainment runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with food trucks and a full bar available from 2 p.m. Admission is free; standard and holiday parking rates apply.
Is the Newport Dunes beach free to visit?
Yes — as with all California beaches, the public beach at Newport Dunes is free to visit. Parking fees apply. On holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th weekend (excluding July 4 itself), and Labor Day, the flat parking rate is $35 per car. Standard weekday and non-holiday rates are tiered by time.
What are the accommodations available at Newport Dunes?
Newport Dunes offers three ways to stay: full-hookup waterfront RV sites, tent camping, and charming beach cottages. For guests without an RV, the resort works with local rental companies that deliver and set up vehicles directly on-site. All accommodations fill up quickly around major holidays, so advance reservations are essential.
Can kids use the Inflatable Aquatic Park at Newport Dunes?
Yes! The Inflatable Aquatic Park is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a fee. It is recommended for guests ages 5 and up. Life jackets are included in all sessions. With over 20 floating inflatables including slides, trampolines, and jungle gyms, it is a highlight for families. Advance reservations are encouraged, especially on holiday weekends.
What water sports can I rent at Newport Dunes?
Moe B’s Watersports offers stand-up paddleboards, 2-person kayaks, pedal boats (up to 4 riders), and electric Duffy boats (up to 8 riders). Rentals are available daily throughout summer from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For an after-dark adventure, the Radiant Rides illuminated paddleboard tour is available for groups of 6 to 15. Reservations can be made online on the website.
How do I get to Newport Dunes from Los Angeles?
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, approximately 50 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Take the 405 South to the 73 Toll Road or the 55 Freeway South toward Newport Beach, then follow signs to Back Bay Drive. Paid parking is available on-site, with holiday weekend flat rates and standard tiered weekday rates.
Can I host a private event or wedding at Newport Dunes?
Absolutely. Newport Dunes offers stunning waterfront venues for private events of all sizes, including weddings, corporate parties, team-building events, awards ceremonies, and social gatherings. The resort provides elegant catering and event coordination services. To inquire or begin planning, call (949) 729-3800 or visit the Private Events section at newportdunes.com.
