Newport Beach is a playground for e-bikes. As a dad I've discovered the best way to balance family bonding with coastal class: hop on the e-bikes, pack the kids, and roll Newport like the locals with slip-on loafers. Here’s how we do it.

1. Balboa Peninsula Boardwalk + Dad’s First Coffee Stop

We start on the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk. It’s flat, safe for the kids, and packed with energy — joggers, surfers, and the occasional golden retriever who looks better groomed than me. First stop? Blue Bottle Coffee (because dad needs rocket fuel before he starts racing the 10-year-old).

2. Ferry to Balboa Island + Frozen Bananas

Every kid in Newport grows up thinking the Balboa Island Ferry is magical. Bikes roll on, the ride takes all of three minutes, but the kids treat it like we’re crossing into Narnia. Once there, we hit the original frozen banana stands (yes, plural). Pro tip: let the kids load theirs with toppings while you keep it “classic” — wealth is about restraint, after all.

3. Back Bay Loop + Birdwatching Cred

Next up is the Back Bay Loop Trail, 10+ miles of calm water views and wildlife. Nothing says “responsible father” like pointing out an egret mid-ride and pretending you always knew the difference between a heron and a stork. The loop is e-bike friendly, and the assist makes it easy for the kids to keep pace without complaints.

4. Fashion Island Detour + Lunch That Counts

Because no Newport dad guide would be complete without a retail stop, we detour up to Fashion Island. Park the bikes, reward yourself with lunch at True Food Kitchen — kale salad for appearances, grass-fed burger because you earned it. The kids? Pizza. Always pizza.

5. Sunset Spin + Dad’s Approval Rating

We close out with a sunset cruise along Oceanfront Walk. The kids race each other, I set the pedal assist to “eco” and pretend it’s a workout, and the whole thing looks like an ad for “California family life.” We lock up the bikes, grab gelato, and watch the sun drop behind Catalina. Dad points for the win.

Final Word from Dad

Newport Beach by e-bike is part cardio, part culinary tour, and part family flex. The kids think it’s pure fun, I think it’s stress management, and my wife thinks it’s cheaper than another boat. Everyone’s happy.

So charge the batteries, pack the helmets, and remember: the true measure of wealth is riding home with kids who are too tired to argue about bedtime.