It’s an open secret among RVers that not every Christmas is white. If you’re looking for a magical RV family getaway this December (without having to worry about shoveling snow), I have just the place. In fact, few campgrounds hold as special a spot in my heart as Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Back in November of 2018, my then fiancé Rocio and I, along with our dog Wilson, found ourselves parked in San Diego in our 40-foot home on wheels — a Keystone Montana fifth wheel — enjoying all the California coast had to offer.
We had spent the previous seven months traveling the Lower 48, exploring as many of the wonders that this beautiful country has to offer. Then Rocio received a surprise offer to work as an events manager at an RV park that we didn’t know a whole lot about at the time. So, we packed up our Montana and headed up the coast from San Diego to sunny Newport Beach, to start our next chapter and spend our first holiday season at Newport Dunes. Little did we know we were about to experience one of the most magical and memorable times of our lives.
Our time at Newport Dunes lasted nearly two years, but that first impression we made in the holiday season really set the tone for what was to come. Between the Lighting of the Bay, the lifelong friends we made, and the breathtaking charm of Newport Beach, our time there was nothing short of unforgettable.
So, grab a cup of cocoa. Settle in. And let me take you on a little trip down memory lane and tell you about one of the best holiday seasons we’ve ever had.
The Enchantment of the Bay Lights
One of the first things that struck us about Newport Dunes during the holidays was how festive and vibrant the entire resort felt. There was a constant buzz around the property. Everyone was having a blast and sharing in the excitement and cheer that the season is known for. It started every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, with the Lighting of the Bay, which transformed the water into a glowing lightshow. With over 50 floating decorations, the lights created the backdrop that felt like something out of a holiday movie.
Rocio and I regularly found ourselves bundled up, with some hot chocolate or coffee, strolling along the property with Wilson trotting happily beside us. This wasn’t just about the lights, though. It was about the feeling they brought. Rocio had just started working at Newport Dunes, and the team there quickly welcomed us as part of their extended family. Walking through the resort, we’d exchange waves and holiday cheer with neighbors and staff, and it felt like we were part of something bigger — a holiday community that celebrated together.
And like usual, Wilson stole the show wherever we went. He stopped for pats and treats all over the property. He made friends wherever he went, becoming something of a four-legged celebrity at the resort. Whether it was other RVers, guests staying at a cabin, or other staff on property, everyone always stopped to say hi to Wilson and spread a little holiday spirit.
Dancing in the New Year
Just as we began settling into the swing of life at The Dunes, Rocio’s first big event came around, and boy did it set the stage for the next year+ of our lives. While the Lighting of the Bay was a fun, laid back celebration, then the New Year’s Eve concert was the polar opposite — in the best way possible. The energy was electric, with music, dancing, and an incredible lineup of performers kept the crowd going late into the night. Rocio worked the event throughout the night, and I volunteered to help out. But before the night was over, we had met all the performers, danced with guests who made their way in from the campground, and started losing our voices as we sang along with everyone.
What made it even more special was that we could enjoy all the festivities knowing our RV was parked just a short stroll away. After a night of music and laughter, we returned to our cozy Montana, where we stayed up a bit longer, talking about our dreams for the new year while Wilson snored away, wrapped in a blanket at our feet. It was the perfect blend of work, fun, and life that reminded us why we love RV living so much — it’s a lifestyle that adapts to every moment.
A Boat Parade Like Nothing Else
While we arrived too late for the boat parade in 2018, the following year we were invited by a friend on property to join him on his boat for the 2019 parade, and I can’t recommend it enough. Watching the parade from the water adds that extra magic to the season around the Newport Beach area, because all the boats are decked out in lights, music is blasting, there’s crazy decorations, and of course, there’s always dancing Santas rocking along with the music and the waves.
Seeing the creativity and effort that went into each boat was so fun. Some were funny, others were over-the-top festive, but it we felt so lucky to be part of something so uniquely Southern Californian. It’s a tradition I’d recommend to anyone looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season.
Food, Fun, and Festivities
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays in Newport without getting out into the city itself. Newport Beach is a great destination all year round, but during the holidays, it transforms into a festive playground. We used to love strolling along the waterfront, popping into boutiques, meeting the locals and tourists, and there are more amazing restaurants around than you can count. Throw in the beach in December, and there’s something special for anyone planning a trip to Newport Dunes. I also recommend taking time to explore the laid-back vibes of Balboa Island, where you get that quintessential coastal town feel.
Why Newport Dunes Will Always Be Special to Us
What made our time at Newport Dunes so special wasn’t just the events or the beautiful setting — it was the people and the memories we created together. The staff, our fellow RVers, and even the locals we met around Newport Beach all contributed to an experience that felt warm, welcoming, and uniquely festive.
We went into that holiday season looking for a place to park our RV while Rocio worked, but we left with so much more — a sense of community, a collection of incredible memories, and a reminder of why the holidays are such a magical time of year.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the holiday season, I can’t recommend Newport Dunes enough. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the mix of festive activities, gorgeous scenery, and friendly people will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. And the weather will leave all the snowbirds happy!
So, hook up your RV, pack your holiday cheer, and get ready to create your own unforgettable story at Newport Dunes.
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