Newport Day Trip｜Whales🐋 Sunset🌅 Ferris Wheel🎡

Last year, my first whale-watching trip in Newport Beach got cut short due to strong winds 🌬️🚢—the boat turned back after just 30 minutes. The company kindly gave us a rain check, which I held onto until now. A year later, I finally used it (surprised it was still valid, lol)! 🎫✨ Though we still didn’t spot whales, we were greeted by playful dolphins 🐬 swimming alongside the boat and sea lions 🦭 sunbathing on buoys—an unexpectedly magical moment! I spent the whole day exploring Balboa Island—here’s my full itinerary (check the last pages for details 📖): 🕘 Morning｜Seaside Brunch 📍 Lighthouse Cafe (Balboa Island) • Great harbor views—try to get a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows! • Avg: $20–30 per person • Must-tries: Eggs Benedict 🥚, Seafood Salad, Pancakes 👉 After eating, take a stroll along Balboa Pier. 🕐 Afternoon｜Whale Watching 📍 Davey’s Locker Whale Watching (Balboa Island Pier) • Duration: ~2 hours, ~$80 per person • Arrive at least 1 hour early (parking + ticketing takes time) • Bring a jacket—it gets windy on the water! 🕔 Late Afternoon｜Ferris Wheel + Island Wandering 📍 Balboa Ferris Wheel • A charming retro wheel—tickets ~$10 • Views from the top overlook the harbor and island • Explore nearby cafés, shops, and bike paths 🚲 🕖 Evening｜Sunset at the Pier 📍 Balboa Pier • Sunset around 6 PM (varies by season) • Best spot: the end of the pier—watch the Pacific sky turn gold and orange 🌅 Whales may require luck, but the dolphins and a full day in Balboa made this trip truly special! 🥰 From brunch to whale watching, the Ferris wheel, and a pier sunset—this Newport Beach day trip was perfectly rounded out. #CaliforniaTravel #NewportBeach #WhaleWatching #Dolphins #Irvine #LA #CaliforniaLife #LosAngeles #SeasideVibes #BalboaIsland #DayTripGoals