The O.C. (Orange Coast), California Famous worldwide for its picturesque sandy beaches, majestic coastline,
infinite recreational activities, award-winning dining and world-class shopping,
Newport Beach is more than a sophisticated beach town - it's a way of life.
Newport Beach is so rich in wonderful things to see and do that you could
spend weeks here and still not manage to do and see them all. That said,
however, it's also true that the area immediately surrounding the city is full
of attractions well worth exploring - and that Newport Beach is centrally
located near every major visitor attraction in Southern California, making this
a singularly convenient spot from which to experience all of the attractions
that the entire region has to offer.
It's not only the proximity to all of these activity and recreational options
that makes this city such an ideal jumping-off point. It's also the fact that
returning to Newport Beach at the end of the day feels so relaxing, so
rewarding, so... right that it's like taking a vacation from your vacation.
DAY I: SHOPPING ALONG THE COAST
Begin an exciting area tour of the “Colorful Coast” by shopping or just
browsing down Marine Avenue and enjoy the unique shopping, art galleries and
culinary delights in a casual setting that characterizes Balboa Island. Stroll
down south bayfront walkway and view the wonderful architectural mix of Cape Cod
and beautiful modern homes. Catch the Balboa ferry at Palm Street for a
memorable ride across the Newport Bay to the Balboa Peninsula.
Home to the Balboa Pavilion, Newport most famous landmark dating back to 1905,
is the Fun Zone where you can ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round or enjoy
numerous outdoor activities; rent an electric boat, sailboat, kayak, waterbike,
or a personal watercraft or embark on a narrated harbor cruise, viewing many of
the historic homes of famous movie stars and community leaders that line
America’s largest small yacht harbor.
Window shop down Via Oporto, a tree-lined cobblestoned street in Lido Marina
Village, or stroll through Cannery Village’s galleries, unique shops and
shipbuilding establishments. You can find everything nautical down Mariner’s
Mile! Then just escape to the “Crown of the Sea” Corona Del Mar, down the
picturesque narrow streets, each named after the flowers of the town, to Lookout
Point where you can take breathtaking photographs of the ocean and harbor.
End the day as you shop until you drop at Fashion Island. Newport Beach’s
finest shopping can be found at this shopper’s paradise. Fashion Island is a
Mediterranean style outdoor center encompassing 200 stores, including
Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus as well as dozens of specialty boutiques. Choose
from more than 40 restaurants including Cheesecake Factory, Roy’s, PF Chang,
Thaifoon, Tutto Mare and more!
DAY II: ECOTOURISM
Birdwatching in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, Southern
California’s largest estuary, a saltwater marsh ecosystem nearly
three-and-a-half miles long and a half mile wide. Explore 752-acre coastal
wetland where thousands of birds (the brown pelican, California least tern,
Belding’s savannah sparrow, light-footed clapper rail, blackrail, peregrine
falcon, salt marsh bird’s beak) find refuge in the estuary habitats
Search for nature’s treasures of the sea at the tide pools of Crystal Cove
Beach. Schedule a docent tour for an educational afternoon.
Whale Watching! … See the goliaths of the deep! The California gray whale
migrates every year within a few miles of the Pacific coastline. Passing Orange
County during late December and January on their southward migration, they head
for their breeding and calving grounds off the coast of Baja California in
Mexico. Beginning in January and continuing through late March, you’ll see
whales on their northward migration, returning to their feeding grounds in the
Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas.
Enjoy the beauty on a guided tour of Sherman Library & Gardens, a 2.2 acre
Corona del Mar horticultural retreat. The Gardens provide a museum of living
plants, displayed amidst a setting of immaculate gardens, patios and
conservatories linked together by wide brick walkways, beds blooming with
seasonal flowers and bubbling tile fountains. The Library is a specialized
research center devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.
OR:
Experience an island getaway aboard the Catalina Flyer catamaran to Catalina
Island. The 75 minute water transfer departs at 9:00am and returns to Balboa at
5:45pm. Giving you a full day to enjoy the island by joining an Avalon scenic
tour or ride in a semi-submersible undersea tour viewing Catalina’s majestic
kelp forest and unique marine life.
AND:
Return to Newport Beach, freshen up and indulge in waterfront dining along the
bay at the Back Bay Café at the Newport Dunes Resort.
DAY III: ARTS AND CULTURE/GOLF OR SPA
Discover the arts and culture of Orange County! Begin the day at the Orange
County Museum of Art, exhibiting an exciting and ever-changing schedule of
exhibitions featuring California’s rich artistic heritage as well as
provocative contemporary art. The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum houses the
historical evolution of the Newport Harbor.
AFTERNOON:
For the golf enthusiast...Why not challenge your skills at Pelican Hill Golf
Club. Pelican Hill is the home of a complete golf shop, a dynamic teaching
center, and two awe inspiring golf courses. The most difficult decision to make
at Pelican Hill Golf Club is which course to play first.
For those who want to be pampered... Why not indulge in a tranquil experience at
Spa Gregories, a modern day oasis designed to replenish the mind, body and
spirit. It offers a full range of body and skin treatments including massage,
facials, complete hair salon services, body treatments and aromatherapy.
Complete your stay in Newport Beach, as you catch a breathtaking golden
California sunset along the beach.
Visit The REAL OC in Newport Beach!
Aerial helicopter shots
1. Pelican Hill - Newport Coast
2. Crystal Cove
3. Newport Pier
4. Balboa Pier
5. Overview of Newport Harbor
Exteriors
1. 54-56th Street jetties (the party house portrayed on show is at this
location)
2. 15th Street – Ocean side -stuff Surfer, shops etc.
3. Roof of Ruby’s Diner at Balboa Pier – shot towards Main Street
4. Balboa Ferry
5. Balboa Fun Zone - Balboa Peninsula
6. The Wedge - Balboa Peninsula
7. Newport Pier
8. 21 Oceanfront Restaurant
9. Blackies Beach - Newport Pier
10.Crab Cooker Restauraurant-Newport Pier
11.Look Out Point - Corona del Mar
12.Inspiration Point - Corona del Mar
13."N" Street Dock on Peninsula – Harbor side (last public dock)
14.Castaways Park – back bay
15.Lido Marina Village
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