Located on Southern California's sunny coast, the resort town of Newport Beach is famous for its warm ocean breezes and golden sand beaches. Newport Beach reflects the true essence of Southern California coastal living, making it a terrific place to visit. Pleasant temperatures year-round, scenic settings, a wide variety of hotels, lush golf courses, oceanfront restaurants, cultural sites and activities, and boating and ocean sports are just a few reasons your family will find it hard to leave Newport Beach. Family activities abound. Take a bay cruise, visit the Fun Zone, eat at Ruby’s on the Balboa Pier, shop at Fashion Island, bicycle along the boardwalk, walk Balboa Island, visit the Newport Beach Nautical Museum, and walk Balboa Island. These are just a few things that make Newport Beach an ideal visitors destination.

With nine miles of sandy beaches, the opportunities are nearly endless for beach lovers looking to surf, sunbathe, body board, sail, snorkel and more on the shores of one of California’s most picturesque playgrounds. But the fun doesn’t stop on the sand! Newport Beach and the surrounding areas are also home to many museums, world-class shopping, delicious dining, challenging golf courses, renowned attractions, performing art venues and spas.

Special events and festivals are another way to experience the unique character of Newport Beach. A year-round schedule of sporting events, food and wine tastings, film and music festivals, boat parades and more ensures your stay is full of new ways to play. Visit www.visitnewportbeach.com and see a complete lineup of special events.

By land, Newport Beach is impressive, but by sea it's simply magical! Chartered boats, romantic gondolas, luxurious yachts and electric "Duffy" boats are available to help visitors explore the waterways of this beautiful beachside city. Whether captaining your own vessel or leaving the maneuvering to someone else, either way it will be a nautical experience you'll never forget. Visit hornblower.com for bay, dining, and private cruises in Newport Harbor.  

Once familiarized with the many inlets and bays, consider venturing into the open waters for a daytrip to beautiful Catalina Island, located 26 miles (or a smooth 75-minute cruise) across the Pacific Ocean. A variety of passenger services are available for both individuals and groups at catalinaexpress.com.

You just haven't eaten out until you've eaten out in Newport Beach, where more than 300 restaurants exist solely to satisfy diners' every culinary craving. Whether you're looking for the freshest seafood, exotic delicacies from far-off lands, or just a good old-fashioned hamburger in an unforgettable setting, Newport Beach has a restaurant to fit your taste and budget. Local favorites include Crab Cooker, an informal spot perfect for family dining that boasts the freshest fish in town; Roy’s in Fashion Island, which offers a more sophisticated atmosphere, along with excellent seafood. If you’re looking for Italian, try Sapori or Francoli, and for American fare, check out The Village Inn on Balboa Island. For a complete listing of Newport Beach restaurants, that includes American, Asian, coffee houses, continental, fine dining, French, Irish, Italian, seafood, steak, sushi, and more, visit www.newportbeach-cvb.com/dining.asp.

Destination Newport Beach

Newport Beach reflects California life – casual but sophisticated, elegant but affordable, breathtakingly beautiful but delightfully within reach. And no element of the Newport Beach experience makes that ideal more accessible than the area's wide array of visitor accommodations – from beachfront camping and bed-and-breakfast hideaways to luxury hotels and resorts. Some accommodations include:

BALBOA BAY CLUB & RESORT
Situated on 15 lush acres, the Balboa Bay Club & Resort is the only full-service waterfront hotel in Newport Beach.
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach 92663
(888) 445-7153 or (949) 645-5000
www.balboabayclub.com
 
BALBOA INN
Located along the sand in Newport Beach, the Balboa Inn is a historic landmark that offers travelers modern conveniences in a setting full of old-world charm.
105 Main Street
Balboa, CA 92661
(877) BALBOA-9 or (949) 675-3412
www.balboainn.com

 
BAYSHORES ON THE PENINSULA
Located less than 50 yards from both ocean and bay beaches, the Bay Shores on the Peninsula is an ideal hub for an unforgettable family vacation or couples getaway. 
1800 W. Balboa Blvd.
Newport Beach 92663
(800) 222-6675 or (949) 675-3463
www.thebestinn.com

 
BEST WESTERN NEWPORT BEACH INN
The Best Western Newport Beach Inn is located across the street from the beach and only minutes from many of Orange County's most popular attractions.
6208 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach 92663
(949) 642-8252
www.bwnewportbeachinn.com

 
DORYMAN’S INN
With its luxurious Victorian décor and prime oceanfront setting, this historic bed-and-breakfast, opened in 1880, evokes all of the romance and chivalry of a bygone era, a time when dapper gentlemen escorted elegant ladies along wood-slatted beach boardwalks.
2102 W. Oceanfront
Newport Beach 92663
(949) 675-7300
www.dorymansinn.com

 
FAIRMONT NEWPORT BEACH
Despite being the newest brand in Newport Beach’s luxury hotel scene, Fairmont Newport Beach has quickly established its own character combining European traditions with California flair
4500 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach 92660

(800) 810-9249 or (949) 476-2001
www.fairmont.com/newportbeach

THE ISLAND HOTEL NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach’s only AAA Five Diamond city resort, celebrating ten consecutive years with this proud distinction, combines gracious hospitality with unparalleled service.
690 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach 92660
(800) 332-3442 or (949) 759-0808
www.theislandhotel.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS NEWPORT BEACH
Situated along Mariner's Mile on scenic Pacific Coast Highway, Holiday Inn Express offers guests an ideal base for experiencing all Newport Beach has to offer.

2300 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach 92663
(800) 633-3199 or (949) 722-2999
www.hiexpress.com/newportbeachca

Course for Every Player

Golf enthusiasts can select from a wide variety of nearby courses.

Tustin Ranch Golf Club
12442 Tustin Ranch Road
Tustin 92782
Phone: (714) 730-1611

Monarch Beach Golf Links
22 Monarch Beach Resort Dr.
Dana Point 92629
Phone: (949) 240-8247

Oak Creek Golf Club
One Golf Club Drive
Irvine 92618
Phone: (949) 653-5300

Orange County: California's Golf Coast
14 Crestview
Aliso Viejo 92656-1818
Toll free: (800) 555-1982
Phone: (949) 581-6098

Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farms Road
Irvine 92612
Phone: (949) 551-1811

Summer Concert Series Returns to Fashion Island

One of Orange County’s most popular summer pastimes returns on Wednesday,

July 12 for the 39th Annual Summer Concert Series.  Held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through August 16, the Summer Concert Series is held in the beautiful outdoor setting of Fashion Island in Newport Beach.  Whether you’re a fan of pop or classic rock n’ roll, each week of entertainment provides enjoyable music in Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at the center. 

Concerts are complimentary and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.  Preferred seating, available for $20, is on sale at the Fashion Island Concierge.  To purchase tickets or for more concert information, call the Concierge at 949.721.2000. Select Fashion Island restaurants will also host food booths in Bloomingdale’s Courtyard for convenient dining.  

Fashion Island’s 39th annual Summer Concert Series will help celebrate the Newport Beach Centennial, when Newport Beach resident and Righteous Brother Bill Medley kicks off the six-week series on July 12. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, the Grammy-award winner’s chart-topping hits include “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration”, “Just Once in My Life” and “Unchained Melody.”

On July 19, The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie, will entertain the crowd with their hits from the 60s and 70s such as “Happy Together,” “Elenore” and “It Ain’t Me Babe.”  Southern California natives Mark Volman (“Flo”) and Howard Kaylan (“Eddie”) were founding members of The Turtles, who sold 60 million records worldwide with nine Top 40 hits.

On July 26, Eddie Money will perform his popular songs from the 70s and 80s, including “Two Tickets to Paradise”, “Baby Hold On”, “Walk on Water” and “Think I’m In Love.”  Money has enjoyed success in the business for over 25 years, including more than 10 Top 40 singles and a Grammy nomination for “Take Me Home Tonight,” a duet with Ronnie Spector.

On August 2, The Jan and Dean Show featuring Dean Torrence will perform surf-inspired rock and roll hits from the 50s and 60s, including “Surf City,” “Deadman’s Curve,” and “Little Old Lady from Pasadena.”  Born and raised in Southern California, Jan and Dean had 13 Top Ten singles and sold over 10 million records worldwide.

On August 9, Colin Hay of Men at Work will entertain with the group’s pop hits from the 80s including “Who Can it Be Now,” “Down Under” and “Be Good Johnny.”  Hay is also known for his more recent solo hit, “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You,” from the Grammy-winning Garden State soundtrack.  The Australian band had Number One singles and albums in both Australia and America when they won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1982.

On August 16, Grammy winner Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band will close out the Concert Series, as this favorite performer has become tradition.  Sanchez, who has been performing and recording Latin jazz for more than three decades, will play his legendary conga drums alongside his band on percussion, brass and piano.  The Southern California resident’s hit songs include “Yumbambe” and “Papa Gato.”

Exclusive Boutiques Open at Fashion Island

Fashion Island is Southern California’s premier open-air retail center, offering a unique experience for shopping, dining and entertainment.  Reminiscent of a Mediterranean village, Fashion Island has more than 200 specialty shops, prestigious department stores, a wide variety of restaurants, a seven-screen movie theater and signature events throughout the year.

Fashion Island features Orange County’s only Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Bloomingdale’s Home Store, along with Macy’s Women’s Store. Known as having one of the best selections of exclusive boutiques in Southern California, several renowned retailers will have joined the Newport Beach shopping center this year. Kate Spade, G-Star, Original Penguin, Ligne Roset, Lola Rouge Kids and Muttropolis opened in the spring. Juicy Couture and American Rag will open by the holidays.

Kate Spade opened its first Southern California boutique at Fashion Island this spring.  The store carries the entire Kate Spade collection, including handbags, shoes, accessories, home, beauty and more.

G-Star, the Dutch denim and fashion brand, also opened its first Orange County store at Fashion Island this spring.  G-Star carries an extensive selection of men’s and women’s denim, in various designs, fittings and attractive washings.  The store has an industrial-look interior combining natural materials such as wood and leather with concrete and steel.

The classic American sportswear brand Original Penguin opened its second store in the United States, following a first location in New York City.  The fashionable brand worn by Brad Pitt and once favored by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and other Hollywood style makers, Original Penguin has evolved to become one of today’s hottest sportswear brands for a fashion-conscious consumer. Designed for the suburban chic lifestyle, Original Penguin offers men’s and women’s apparel, a denim collection, footwear, and a line of unisex eyewear.  Original Penguin showcases its fashions in a stylish atmosphere with a vintage feel.

Ligne Roset is an international contemporary furnishings company that opened its first Orange County store at Fashion Island this spring.  Based in France, Ligne Roset features an exclusive line of sofas, cabinetry, lighting and accessories geared to the modern lifestyle by an internationally acclaimed team of designers.  Ligne Roset is located in Atrium Court at Fashion Island.

Lola Rouge Kids, an offspring to the popular boutique Lola Rouge, has debuted at Fashion Island.  The first store of its kind in Orange County, Lola Rouge Kids offers designer fashions and accessories for girls, sizes 6 to 16. The boutique features the hottest brands for fashion savvy girls who want to enjoy wearing the same designer lines as their mothers.  Lola Rouge Kids features Seven for All Mankind, Stitch’s, Rock & Republic, Robin’s Jeans, J & Co, Joe’s Jeans, Da-Nang, Juicy, Calypso, Junk Food and more.

Orange County pet lovers have a unique new store they can go to pamper their four-footed family members.  Muttropolis Dog & Cat Boutique, an upscale, high-end destination for discriminating ‘pets and their parents’ has opened its first Orange County location at Fashion Island.

Muttropolis does not sell pets, but instead features exclusive pet accessories, supplies, home furnishings, gifts and the like for dogs and cat lovers.  Their exclusive collection of luxe pet products includes canine couture, designer pet carriers, creative dog and cat toys, luxury pet bedding, unique bowls, chic collars and leads, gourmet all-natural treats and every other luxury pet gift imaginable. In addition, Muttropolis offers quarterly pet health and wellness workshops, anesthesia-free teeth cleaning, micro-chip clinics, pet massage therapy clinics, in-store pet portraits and more.  The store will also host fun events such as Yappy Hour, Doggie Trunk Shows and Spaw Days.

American Rag will open a 12,500 square foot flagship store at Fashion Island.  This will be the first Orange County location for American Rag, which will feature a wide selection of its vintage collection, World Denim Bar, shoes and accessories, Maison Midi housewares, hand-selected music and books, and more. Trend-conscious and well-traveled shoppers are loyal to American Rag because of the unique mix of products, from lifestyle to apparel, including the latest emerging designers.  American Rag will also feature Café Midi with outdoor patio seating.

“Fashion Island has a sophisticated, trend-conscious shopper, so we strive to bring the best brands and exclusive boutiques here,” said Keith Eyrich, President of The Irvine Company Retail Properties, which owns Fashion Island.  “Orange County is one of the hottest retail markets in the country and we are thrilled to debut these retailers at Fashion Island.”

For more information about Fashion Island, visit www.ShopFashion Island.com.

Surfing – A Rich History

Surfing has long been synonymous with Southern California. And Newport Beach is one of the top spots for waves. Surfers come from miles around to surf these beautiful beaches.

For surf wear, gear and equipment, Newport offers Jack’s Surfboards (949.673.2300), Surfside Sports (949.673.3087), and The Froghouse (949.642.5690). If surfing lessons are on your agenda, Newport Surf School offers a one day lesson or a four lesson curriculum. Both teach the basics of surfing as well as ocean safety, and equipment is included. Call 949.760.1430 or visit www.newportsurftschool.com.

Although no one knows for sure exactly where and when stand-up surfing began, there is no doubt that over the centuries the ancient sport of "he'e nalu" (wave-sliding) was perfected by the Kings and Queens, along with the men and women, of the Sandwich Isles. The Islands’ geographical position brought the great waves of the Pacific in all shapes and sizes.

He'enalu is a Hawaiian term adopted by ancient poets to describe their spectacular sport of surfing. This popular form of recreation is rich in what Hawaiians call kaona, or hidden meaning. The first half, "he'e," can mean for instance, "to change from a solid to a liquid form,” or “to run as a liquid.” The second part, "nalu" can refer to the surfing motion of a wave or the foaming of a wave, hence he'enalu, wave-sliding. 

At certain times of the year, the sport is an irresistible temptation to the surfer, invoking a state of what Hawaiians refer to as Hopupu (hoe-poo-poo), the state of being “stoked,” surf lingo for totally happy. Surf history tells us that November was a month of rough seas and high surf that lured men to the sea coast. For expert surfers going upland to farm, if part way up, they looked back and saw rollers combing the beach, they left their work, hurried home, picked up their board and went to the beach. All thought of work was gone, only that of surfing was left. The wife may go hungry, the children, the whole family, but the head of the house did not care. He is all for sport, that is his food. All day there is nothing but surfing. Many go out surfing as early as four a.m. - men, women, and children. This custom remains popular today. Just ask any employer or contractor who has surfers for employees.

Quick and Easy Access – Freeways, Metrolink & Airports

Newport Beach is located on the coast of California in Orange County, just 14 miles from Disneyland (Anaheim), 20 miles south of Long Beach, 50 miles south of Los Angeles, 64 miles west of Palm Springs and 85 miles north of San Diego. Easy access to and from other Southern California destinations is made possible by the nearby San Joaquin Transportation Corridor, also know as the 73 Tollroad, which will connect visitors to other Orange County freeways. For specific routes, turn to the map section of Welcome Magazine.

Don’t feel like driving? Visitors can ride the rails of Metrolink. Traveling at an average speed of 50 miles per hour, Metrolink's Orange County train service runs from Oceanside through Orange County to Los Angeles' Union Station, and stops at ten train stations along the way, including Irvine, just 10 minutes from Newport Beach. Rail service also takes visitors to local amusement parks, museums, shopping centers and more. How much easier can it get?! For schedules and fares, visit www.metrolinktrains.com. You can even download the schedule to your PDA.

Flying into Newport Beach couldn’t be easier thanks to Newport’s own John Wayne Airport. International travelers can take advantage of Los Angeles or San Diego International Airports, both approximately an hour north and south respectively of Newport Beach. Just a ten-minute drive to the neighboring city of Costa Mesa are the well-known Orange County Performing Arts Center and the popular South Coast Plaza, known for its diverse collection of upscale department stores, novelty shops, restaurants and theaters.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our visit to the beautiful town of Newport Beach. For more information, visit newportbeach-cvb.com where you’ll find a wealth of information. The Newport Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a complimentary Visitors Guide to further acquaint you with this magnificent resort destination.