No matter what type of family getaway you have in mind,
you’ll always find something for everyone throughout
Newport Beach.  From young to old and everyone in
between, Newport Beach easily combines the best of family
fun with activities to keep everyone entertained for
hours and hours.

One of the most popular family activities in Newport
Beach is going to the beach.  During the summer months,
the beach is a very popular resort and getaway spot for
the entire family.  You and your wife or your friends can
enjoy swimming, boat riding, or even hitting the waves on
a jet ski.  With temperatures in the summer hitting 75
degrees and above, nothing breaks the heat better than
the beach.

For the kids, the beach holds many different activities.
They can build sand castles in the sand, play around in
the water, or simply bask in the glorious sun.  If they
get tired of playing in the sand, you can simply go back
to your hotel room and enjoy the fun of the safe yet
confined swimming pool.

Another popular activity in Newport Beach for the family
is the Balboa Fun Zone.  There is something here for
everyone, with the Fun Zone keeping kids entertained the
entire time they are there!  If you’ve never experienced
the Fun Zone before, you’ll be in for the treat of a
lifetime!

The Balboa Fun Zone is comprised of many different areas,
including restaurants and beaches.  There is so much to
do here that you’ll probably have to come back over the
course of several days to see everything that the Fun Zone
has to offer.

Another activity that yields a lot of fun in Newport Beach
is rollerblading.  You can rent rollerblades from many
different providers, from kids sizes to adults.  There are
also many places to use your rollerblades, including the
sidewalks along the beach.  If you like rollerblading,
Newport Beach helps to set a new standard of fun.

When it comes to the kids enjoying themselves, nothing
will please them more than the Toy Boat.  Located at 3331
East Coast Highway, the Toy Boat is the best place in
Newport Beach to take the kids.  There are hundreds of
thousands of toys and activities here to keep your kids
and probably yourselves entertained for hours.

After you have a day of family fun in Newport Beach or
the surrounding areas, you can stop and have a relaxing
meal at one of the fabulous restaurants.  The food here is
to die for, giving everyone in your family a chance to
eat their favorite food.

With something for everyone, it’s hard to believe that
Newport Beach is actually an undiscovered vacation spot
for many.  The area has so much to offer, that it’s just
a matter of time before people start to discover
everything the area will provide them with.  When the time
comes for your getaway - make sure you give Newport Beach
a try - you’ll be glad you did!

The Fashion Island, located at the Newport Center
in Newport Beach is the ideal place to go if you
like adventure and shopping.  Proving to be one
of the premiere establishments in Newport Beach,
Fashion Island is one place you simply must go if
you crave a fun and exciting time during your trip
here or your stay here.

Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego,
stopping here won’t put you out of your way.  Offering
shopping, beaches, theme parks, museums, parks and
other events, this is an absolute treasure.  On
Fashion Island itself, there are more than 1,300 hotel
rooms within the Newport Center.

On Fashion Island kids love the carousel.  The carousel
is a custom made Venetian-themed ride with 32 antique
horses and other animals, perfect for riders of nearly
any age.  With animals such as the rabbit, tiger, bear
and fish, the carousel is a must see for anyone who
enjoys theme parks and amusement rides.

For younger children, Fashion Island offers the whimsical
Kiddie Train.  For younger children of the area, the
train has become a tradition.   If you are visiting here,
you can find the train between Bloomingdale’s and Marcus.

On the island, two of the most signature elements are
the splashing fountains and the well known sparkling koi
pond.  Located adjacent to Macy’s, you’ll find the Pop
Jet, and near Island Terrace you’ll find the also well
known Iris Fountain.  Both were created in 1989 and
custom made for Fashion Island.  The koi pond was also
custom made in 1968 and holds 15,000 gallons.

The entire area of Fashion Island is surrounded by top
class hotels, including the Hotel Newport Beach.  Minutes
away from the island is the Orange County airport and
several beaches.  During the summer, the sandy beaches
provide the ultimate relaxation from a day of shopping
and fun on Fashion Island.

Throughout the year, there are many events as well.  With
summer concerts, a project playhouse, and seasonal
activities for the children, Fashion Island proves to be
more than just shopping.

On the shopping side of things, as the name implies, you’ll
find hundreds of shopping stores and several fine restaurants
to dine in here.  Fashion Island on Newport Beach is the
place to be for anyone visiting the area looking to see
the best in shopping and entertainment.

If you’re looking to visit Newport Beach, make sure you pay
Fashion Island a visit.  You can find almost anything to
buy here along with plenty of activities to keep the kids
happy as well.  A visit to Newport Beach isn’t complete
without stopping here - making Fashion Island a very
important part of the entire beach experience.

All along Newport Beach there are several historic
sites that are worth checking out.  Many of them
were around back in the early 1900’s, which is
great to see for anyone who wants to see what the
past was like or to learn more about the history
behind Newport Beach.

Balboa Pavilion
Located at 400 Main Street, the Balboa Pavilion
is the first landmark for Newport Beach.  Built in
1905, the pavilion was the end of the line for the
Red Car of the Pacific Electric.  Now days, the
Balboa Pavilion hosts a variety of shops, a
chartering company, and even a restaurant.

McFadden’s Wharf
Completed in 1889, the wharf began the decade for
Newport as a shipping port.  Built by James and
Robert McFadden, the wharf was a great way to ship
lumber from Northern California to those who
settled here.

Old Landing
The Old Landing is located at Highway 101 & Dover
Drive.  Established in 1870, the Old Landing was
designated to be a new port by the McFaddens, who
went on to establish a shipping service in the area
of Newort.  Now, there’s a bridge and highway on
an area of teh site.  The remaining area of the
Old Landing is vacant.

The Little Inn by the bay in Newport Beach provides
the best hotel experience in the area.  They offer
unbeatable prices, still staying true to maintaining
quality service.  Offering many comfortable rooms
and packages, they do more than enough to ensure you
have a great stay in Newport Beach and save as much
money as you possibly can.

In the morning, the inn allows you to customize your
own continental breakfast from a variety of possibilities,
such as muffins, cereals, and juices - delivered to
your hotel room along with the morning paper!

Along with the morning paper and a continental
breakfast, the Little Inn by the bay also provides
beach cruisers.  There’s no sense in walking when you
can use the bikes they provide to explore the miles
and miles of beaches and boardwalk that Newport
Beach and peninsula has to offer.

Located very close to many restaurants and shops, the
Little Inn makes it easier than ever.  You can step
out of the Inn and enjoy many great tasting restaurants
and California shops.  Being relatively close to the
beach, you can go out at night and enjoy romantic
walks on the beach with the one you love.

The nearby restaurants to the Little Inn by the bay
include Blue Water Grill, Billy’s at the beach,
Rusty Pelican, Charthouse, and many more.  Offering
everything from seafood to Japanese food, the Little
Inn ensures that there is food in the area for many
different tastes.

Along with being a great location, the Little Inn also
offers you spacious rooms with cable television, nice
views, and even beach rentals.  During the day you can
see everything that Newport Beach has to offer then
at night you can enjoy winding down and relaxing in
one of the many excellent rooms.

When the time comes to take off to Newport Beach, you
should make sure you book your room in advance.  The
Little Inn by the bay is one of the best hotels in
Newport Beach, making it very crowded during the
summer months.  The last thing you want to do is wait
until the last minute then arrive in Newport Beach and
find that there are no rooms left!

Booking in advance can save you a lot of headache, and
provide you with a great place to stay once you arrive
in the area.  Once you have stayed a few nights at the
Little Inn by the bay you’ll know what true Newport
hospitality is all about.  Then, when you return to
Newport Beach - you’ll want to ensure that the Little
Inn is where you stay.

The Aquatic Center of Newport Beach is an ideal place
for anyone who loves the water or loves to work out
and stay in shape.  The over 18,000 square foot
facility offers a multi-purpose meeting room, both
weight and cardiovascular training facilities, locker
rooms for both men and women, and a storage area for
well over 400 canoes and kayaks!

North Star Beach is here as well, offering a launching
dock off the sandy shore.  The Aquatic Center offers
direct access to Newport Harbor and North Star Beach,
offering rowers and paddlers their choice of water
activities and sports.

During the year, the Aquatic Center offers many
different activities and events.  A majority of these
test team skills and individual skills, which is
perfect for anyone looking to get into the Olympics
or just learn more about water based activities.

Along with the many programs for members, the Aquatic
Center in Newport Beach is also open to the public.
Even though you don’t have to be a member here, there
are special discounts that members receive.  If you
happen to be on vacation in Newport Beach, it’s ideal
to stop by the Aquatic Center and check out everything
they offer.

Picture million dollar yachts, kayaks, electric boats
and other watercrafts gliding through the Newport
Harbor - and you have the Newport Beach Christmas
Boat Parade.  The parade features dazzling holiday
lights that light up the bay, amazing the nearly
one million visitors that crowd Newport Beach and
Newport Harbor.

From December 18 - 22, there are more than 200 vessels
participating in this holiday celebration.  Several
of these vessels will be decorated for the season,
playing music and displaying Christmas decorations
and costumed carolers.  In the past, some yacht
owners have spent as much as 50,000 dollars in
decorations for their yacht.

Over the course of 14 miles, the yachts and watercraft
will amaze the spectators.  For more than 90 years,
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled
spectators and locals.  All along the beach, the parade
provides views for restaurants, locals, private home
owners, and even those on public beaches.

Along with the private boats, many charter companies
offer the chance for parade goers to participate in
the parade and view the “Ring of Lights”, a group of
spectacular homes all around the harbor.  The “Ring of
Lights” is a popular addition to the parade, with
prizes given for those who have the best decorations
on their homes.

If you enjoy exotic yet superb food and great wine,
the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is where
you need to be.  Lasting a weekend long, the festival
is held annually at the Balboa Bay Club.  Normally
held the first week of May, this is the perfect time
to visit Newport Beach.

Although you won’t need martinis at the festival, you
can bet on some of the best wineries in California
being on hand to pour their distinctive wines.  You
should also come hungry as well, as the food is to
die for.

On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a
variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types
of seafood and exotic treats.  Along with the wine,
this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.

A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar
seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars.
During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while
learning all about them.  Also, you can learn all
about fine cigars as well.

During May, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival
is reason enough to visit the area.  There are plenty
of other things to do and see as well.  If you love
food, wine, and the water - Newport Beach is the place
to be in May.

Over 800 years old, the gondola is a regarded as a
symbol of romance.  Although thinking of a gondola
may bring thoughts of Venice Italy, the gondola
ride found in Newport Beach can be just as romantic
when it comes to the symbol of romance.

Once you sit in the black yet sleek gondola, you’ll
be steered into the fairy-tale setting of the
hidden canals beyond Newport Beach.  Most of the
time, the individual steering the gondola will
appear discreet yet mysterious, hearing nothing
and saying nothing.

With this sense, the boat will almost appear to
be moving by magic, gliding along with nothing to
disturb the soft music.  Occasionally, you can
hear the splashing of a fish breaking the surface
of the water, which actually adds to the music and
the tempo of the gondola ride.

With the gondola floating so close to the surface
of the water, you’ll feel as if every sense you have
is being tapped.  The warmth of the sun, the smell
of the water, and the lapping of the waves will set
your mind off like never before.

As you travel through the canals, you’ll find
yourself wondering if the houses are deserted and
just how romantic the atmosphere and setting make
you feel.  Even though you may have the urge to
dangle your fingers in the water, the relaxing feel
of the gandola will make you feel as if you are
too relaxed to move a muscle!

When the sun sets, you’ll pass other gandolas as
they travel through the canals.  On a couple ride,
the gandola can help to rekindle the flame or just
take you to a whole new world.  Once you return to
the docks, you’ll probably find yourself wishing
that the ride would never end.

If you’ve never experienced a gondola ride, it’s one
thing that you simply must try.  As a wedding ride,
honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of
friends, the gondola ride is something that will
make you feel as never before.

While there are a few providers of gondola rides in
Newport Beach, each one offers you the ride of a
lifetime. The gondola ride brings a touch of romance
to Newport Beach, which is something each and every
couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.

If you plan on visiting Newport Beach or if you
already live in the area, a gondola ride is something
you shouldn’t hesitate to try.  It brings a whole new
sense to the word romance and can easily make you
forget everything that has troubled you in life - if
even for a brief moment.

No matter what you go in California, you’ll quickly
discover that very few cities can capture the night
life quite like Newport Beach.  Although the area
is one of the most overlooked, it’s beaming with
water sports, activities, things to see, and one
heck of a nightlife.  When most areas are winding
down, Newport Beach is just getting started!

From dancing to the beats of Latin rhythms to high
energy rock and roll, Newport Beach provides cutting
edge entertainment for the lovers of the night.  With
hip restaurants and trendy oyster bars, the Little
Inn by the Bay provides its fair share of helping
you enjoy the night.

With plenty of things around the area, Newport Beach
has you covered year round.  There are plenty of bars
to visit at night as well, many of them offering several
big screen televisions, games, and even pool tables for
those who love playing.  Clubs are a great attraction
as well, especially those that are located along the
Newport Bay area.

For day and nightlife, Newport Beach has everything
you need for an excellent vacation.  You don’t have
to go to bed at a decent hour when you’re here - as
Newport Beach encourages you to get out there and
do what you want - when you want.

Although the area of Newport Beach is known for
the harbor and love of the water, it also contains
a hidden shoppers paradise.  With the infamous
Fashion Island and Balboa Island nearby, Newport
does wonders for those who like activities yet
enjoy shopping.

Fashion Island is one of the best areas of Newport
Beach, containing over 200 stores.  The Island
has everything you could ever want, from toys to
expensive clothes.  If you’ve ever tried Fashion
Island before, you’re probably aware of just how
great it can be.  With over 200 stores, it’ll take
hours and hours to explore everything here - and
possibly even days.

If you happen to be looking for an inexpensive, yet
excellent experience, Balboa Island is where you
should be going.  The Island is accessible from
Palm Street by ferry at the Balboa Peninsula, or
by car/foot from Jamboree Road at the Pacific Coast
Highway.

With its great location and environment, the
community is home to more than 80 galleries, gift
shops, and fine restaurants.  All along the streets
on the island, you can find locals selling great
merchandise, along with vendors selling superb
sweets and hot eats.

When walking on foot on the island, you’ll notice
that there are wonderful views of the extravagent
homes, harbor, and even the bay.  Passing the street
signs, you may notice that they are indeed named
after precious stones, which is quite different.

Once you pass Turquoise, Topax, Diamond, and Sapphire,
you’ll reach the popular Marine Avenue, which is
where shoppers will fall in love.  With unique and
attractive gift shops and sidewalk cafes, it’s easy
to spend hours here looking at everything you can
purchase.

The heart of the Balboa Island’s shopping and apparel
district, Marine Avenue has many unique boutiques
and galleries as well.  If hunger strikes, you can
lose yourself in the tastefully impressive Balboa Bar,
a bar made of vanilla ice cream that is dipped in
chocolate.

With restaurants on the Avenue as well, you can enjoy
everything from a simple meal to some of the best
Italian food in Newport Beach.  Offering you plenty of
things to see as well, Balboa Island gives you more
than just shopping - although the shopping here is
something you must experience.

If you enjoy shopping and seeing beautiful views,
Newport Beach is truly the shopping paradise you’ve
been longing for.  As a family vacation, Balboa Island
and the surrounding areas can provide everything you
need for fun and entertainment.  For shopping lovers
everywhere, Newport Beach provides the type of
shopping you won’t find anywhere else.