Newport Beach: Balboa Island, Fashion Island, Diva of the OC Coast
Newport Beach in Orange County, California, wins the title of "Diva of California's Riviera."
It has its share of beaches and surfing spots. But tourists come for the shopping at glitzyFashion Island, the million-dollar views of multi-million dollar homes and the I-wish-I-lived-here photo ops on Balboa and other islands cradled in Newport's harbor.
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE
The city covers 50 square miles, half of which are liquid. It's a boater's paradise, home to the largest yacht harbor in the country.
Kayakers love it here, and Upper Newport Bay, also called the Back Bay, offers activities ranging from sailing lessons to swimming to bird watching.
The city offers more than 350 restaurants. The Arches Restaurant in the harbor, onetime hangout of Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and Marilyn Monroe, recalls Hollywood’s golden era, while Charlie's Chili near Newport Pier serves downscale eats.
On Balboa Island, try the local treat, Newport's famous Balboa Bar chocolate-dipped ice cream on a stick.
Staying overnight?
Hotels
lean toward the Lincoln Navigator set, but there's still accomodations for every budget, even beach camping at Crystal Cove and RV camping, in the Back Bay at Newport Dunes WateRfront Resort & Marina.
GETTING THERE
The city lies about 50 miles south of Los Angeles, at the western terminus of State Highway 55. You'll find John Wayne International Airport nearby off the 405 freeway, and U.S. Highway 1 runs through the city.
CAMPING IN NEWPORT BEACH
Besides the camping available at Crystal Cove State Park, visitors can go RV camping in Upper Newport Bay, at
Newport Dunes Watefront Resort & Marina.
This extensive facility also offers a marketplace, marina and movies on the beach Friday and Saturday nights from May through September.
Come back soon: We'll be adding more dining, activities and accommodation news.
