Romance In Newport Beach

It's no secret that finding a honeymoon location or
a place to take your sweetheart is important.  With 
many places to choose from, you may be surprised to
hear that Newport Beach is actually one of the most
romantic - yet also one of the most overlooked areas
in the entire United States.


For honeymooners or those in love looking to re-kindle
the flame, Newport Beach has a lot to offer when it 
comes to romance.  The entire environment and setting
around the Beach is romantic, with romance budding at 
each and every turn.


On a hot day, walking hand in hand down Marine Avenue
on Balboa Island is enriching.  You and your mate can
check out the sites and talk about things.  Then, you 
can head over to Balboa Fun Zone and play games together,
enjoying the best life has to offer.  To show her that
you care, you can even win her a stuffed animal - one
thing that all females seem to love!


On the harbor of Newport Beach, a romantic gondola ride
remains one of the most romantic things to do.  A gondola
ride is great to relax, sitting back with one and another
and enjoying the best of the beach.  Sometimes, nothing
beats just enjoying the presence of one another and
taking in some of the best sites that vision has to offer.


Once night begins to set in, nothing is more romantic 
than a trip to the Bayside Restaurant or the Aubergine,
two of the most romantic restaurants in Orange County.  
Both you and your partner will enjoy the setting here, as
well as the food.


After you have enjoyed a romantic dinner, you can watch
the sun rise on the beach.  Both sunrise and sunset is
breathtaking at Newport Beach, something each and every 
couple should experience at least once in a lifetime.


Before you call it a trip, you should also make sure to
get pampered at a local spa.  The spa's around Newport
Beach are exhiarating, something your whole body will 
find superb.  As a couple or a separate trip, a relaxing
day at the spa is very hard to rival.


When it comes to a honeymoon or a trip as a couple, 
Newport Beach is one location you'll remember the rest of
your lives.  There is so much to do here as a couple, 
you'll probably want to come back again and again.  As 
time goes by and you get older, you'll find that Newport
Beach is the perfect place to come back to - no matter
where the road of life takes you.




Create your own Romantic Story this Valentine’s Day by celebrating with a romantic vacation package at a posh resort or by having an intimate dinner at sunset. 

If you’re looking for a little Italian influenced “amore” look no further than the gondoliers of Newport Harbor. It’s the romance of Venice without the jet lag. Hire your own gondola for a sunset cruise on Newport Harbor. Pack a picnic and share a champagne toast as your private gondolier serenades you around the bay. And just like in Venice, it’s good luck to kiss under any bridge under which you pass.

	Since the days of Romeo and Juliet, balconies have always been havens of romance where sunrise, sunset or midnight kisses occur. With inspiring views of the blue Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island in the distance, plus the invigorating sea breezes, the many hotel and resort suites in Newport Beach that afford such a scene, are ideal romantic settings.

	Voted the most romantic restaurant in Orange County by the 2007 and 2008 Zagat Guide, this elegant dining destination just off the boardwalk is a year-round favorite for couples. Featuring fine dining by candlelight, the menu of luscious Continental selections and acclaimed ambience is the perfect setting for memorable Valentine’s Day-like dining every day of the year.

A custom-made Venetian-themed carousel with 32 antique horses and a menagerie of animals with views of the blue Pacific Ocean in the distance is an ideal location for romantic fun. The carousel is located at Fashion Island, Orange County’s premier open-air retail center that boasts nearly 200 specialty shops, world-class department stores and a vast array of restaurants and cafes, in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that is distinctively Southern California.

At The Resort at Pelican Hill, the newest luxury getaway destination in Newport Beach, lovebirds can tie the knot at the resort’s classically romantic wedding rotunda and great lawn. The majesty of the natural surroundings, gentle ocean breezes and the feeling that the whole world has taken pause for this special moment culminates in the all-important wedding kiss. A meticulously manicured oval lawn spills out to the end of the ridge, where an iconic Italian rotunda is perched 300 feet above the blue sea below.

Relaxation for Valentine’s Day

The Wedge

If you like to surf or hit the waves, the infamous
"Wedge" in Newport Beach is something you have to 
experience at least once in your lifetime.  Although
The Wedge isn't classified as a wave, it's actually
a 20 foot plus battering ram that was created by
sheer intelligence.


The way it heaves, throws, and bends behaves in ways
other waves can't begin to comprehend.  If you look
at it up close, you'll notice that The Wedge is a 
combination of two waves that join together, resulting
in a massive slingshot that is capable of sending 
anyone flying.


The Wedge takes a swell, but only for a few moments,
retracting the swell energy from the jetty then 
smashing on the beach.  Though it may look like a 
"humping effect", as the locals call it, the feel 
and look of it must be seen to be believed.


For many years, The Wedge in Newport Beach has proven
to be the best place in the world for surfing.  Over
the years, professional body boarders have headed
here as well, to test their skill and experience
with the one thing that's very hard to top.


Deadly at all tides, the best time to show up at
The Wedge is in the morning or late afternoon, as
this is when the tide is at it's best.  With sizes
reaching between 6 and 20+ feet, you have to be on
your toes before you even attempt to tame it.


If you plan to go surfing or body boarding here, you
should also bring your camera, beach chair, swim fins,
goggles, and insurance card!  It's always best to be
prepared, which makes the insurance card great to 
have - especially when you consider just how powerful
The Wedge truly is.


The best time to visit The Wedge is the summer, as 
winter may be a bit cold.  As a beginner, The Wedge 
may be a bit too difficult.  If you have experience,
you may even find it to be a bit psychotic.  At any
rate, it's a challenge you won't soon forget.


Nearby, you have many places to eat, such as the 
Quick Fix and Worth The Wait.  There are also several
places to stay as well, along with places to shop and
enjoy yourself.


From surfing to sheer fun watching The Wedge pummel
surfers, Newport Beach offers you everything you need
to have an excellent stay.  If you enjoy surfing, you
simply must visit The Wedge at least once and see
if you have what it takes.

Newport Beach Family Fun

NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE! Get ready for some Southern California Christmas fun!The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade makes a 5-night run in Mid-December, 2008. This year, this popular boat parade marks its 100-year anniversary--a whole century of family Christmas fun!

Newport Beach, California is world-famous for its beautiful yacht harbors and wide, sandy beaches.Despite Newport's good beaches and other fun attractions, Newport Beach, California can be a daunting place for a first-time tourist who's just out for an ocean swim. Visitors can encounter traffic problems close to the beach, and the parking situation can be difficult---there are often many more beach-goers than there are parking spots. (Huntington Beach in Orange County, and the Santa Monica beaches in Los Angeles county can offer you the same sand and ocean...while also providing you with a place to park so you can get in and out with a minimum of hassle.)

On the other hand, if you've enjoyed the surf 'n' sand at other beaches & are ready to move on to new adventures, Newport Beach can offer you some new and distinct fun. You'll be able to take an enjoyablecruise in Newport Harbor. You and the kids can have some fun at the Balboa Fun Zone boardwalk area.You can catch a boat for Catalina Island, arrange for a sport fishing expedition, or buy fish so fresh that it just came off the fishing boat.

The geography of Newport Beach is unique---most of the beach area is on a peninsula which juts off of the mainland like a finger. You'll want to study a map of Newport Beach before you head there...so you'll understand the peculiar lay of the land and won't get lost. Note how the Balboa Peninsula veers away from Pacific Coast Highway; if you'll be heading for beaches near either the Newport Pier or the Balboa Pier, you'll be heading out onto that peninsula! You may use the following link to view a Google map of Newport Beach, California and the areas which surround it. 

The Balboa Fun Zone of Newport Beach

The Balboa Fun Zone is a traditional-style "beach boardwalk" amusement area where you can have some fun with the kids. Your toddlers and preschoolers will love taking a ride on the beautiful carousel...and you'll enjoy the stunning view of Newport Harbor as you ride along with them!
You'll also be able to ride a waterfront Ferris wheel, which has great views of Newport Bay.








There are shops where you can hunt for souvenirs, and places to grab some fast food. You'll find a sidewalk lining the harbor's edge where you can take a stroll. It's a beautiful walk along the harbor. You'll see numerous sailboats and yachts plying the harbor's stunning blue water.
Parking? The Balboa Fun Zone has several private lots across the street, plus a limited amount of metered on-street parking is available (if you're lucky!)
For further information on planning your visit to the Balboa Fun Zone of Newport Beach, you may use the following link to visit the Balboa Fun Zone official website.









In the picture to your left, you can see the now-defunct bumper car ride which was at the Balboa Fun Zone. Though it's gone now, the photo is here on this page for the nostalgia of the many people who have enjoyed this fun attraction in the past.

Newport Beach Fun -- Newport Harbor Tours

Perhaps the very best reason to visit the Balboa Fun Zone area is to take a tour of beautiful Newport Harbor. In all of Los Angeles and Orange counties, I would recommend the Newport Harbor tour as the ONE boat tour to take if that's all your time allows. The Newport Harbor tours simply offer you the best views.Actually, the Newport Harbor tour is broken into 2 segments, and you can take one or both of these segments. The "inner harbor" tour stays within the calm waters of the harbor. You'll float past yachts and homes...while hearing an interesting narrative about harbor facts and famous residents of the area.



If you take the "outer harbor" tour, you'll actually leave the shelter of the harbor for a short while, and visit a sea lion colony in the waters of the Pacific. This tour plies through rougher waters than the inner harbor tour. It's even possible to feel a bit sea-sick....at least, I did.
During the winter months, it's even possible to take a"whale watching" tour. California's Pacific Coast is right on the migration path of whales heading south for the winter. You'll get out into rougher waters yet, however.



1.) You'll find the Newport Harbor tours available no matter what time of the year you visit, and they're quite reasonably priced. Several companies offer the harbor tours. Use the following link to view the Fun Zone Boat Company tour list and price sheet.


2.) Another boat offering Newport Harbor Tours is the Pavilion Paddy. Use the next link if you'd like to view thePavilion Paddy harbor tour website.




3.) Kayak Tours of Newport Harbor: If you're looking for a unique experience, taking a kayak tour of Newport Harbor is something you'll probably remember long after your vacation has ended! To learn more about this interesting tour, given by China Cove Kayak Tours, you may visit theChina Cove Kayak Tours official website. Just looking at the pictures will show you what fun the guests have! Or, contact the China Cove Kayak Tours (phone number 949/632-4694) and talk to owner Mike Hogan about arranging a personal tour for your family or group.

Newport Beach Fun -- Balboa Pavilion

You'll notice the stately, historic Balboa Pavilion when you're in the Balboa Fun Zone area. The Balboa Pavilion holds a fine-dining restaurant, where you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner while enjoying beautiful harbor views as you eat.
Also, the Balboa Pavilion is the place you'll want to head if you'd like to catch a boat bound for Catalina Isle, or if you'd like torange for a sport fishing tour out in the waters of the Pacific.
On the streets surrounding the Balboa Pavilion, you'll find a"cutesy strolling area," where you can saunter along looking at stores selling swimwear and souvenirs.
Another interesting activity in this same area is taking a ferry boat! Unlike Seattle or San Francisco, greater Los Angeles is not noted for its ferry boat system. On the little jaunt you can make to Balboa Island, you'll barely have time to settle in before you arrive at your destination. The trip is short, and Balboa Island can easily be reached by car. Still...for residents of this area, and visitors with no opportunity to ride a ferry boat "back home," it's an activity that can provide some variety to your day. (What's over at Balboa Island? A cutesy strolling area, snack shops, and fine dining restaurants.)
To learn more about the Balboa Pavilion and the attractions it has to offer you, please use the following link to see the Balboa Pavilion official website. 

Newport Beach Fun -- Newport Pier

Get your fresh fish here!

Newport Beach actually has 2 piers---the Balboa Pier, which we've already discussed, and the Newport Pier.The Newport Pier is difficult to enjoy. The parking is inadequate...and without parking, there's no way to enjoy the pier.
There is a small lot with meters by the Newport Pier. The city of Newport Beach installed a special metering system here. When one car pulls out of a spot, the meter resets to 0. That is, if the guy ahead of you paid for time on his meter, but didn't use it all...that time simply vanishes when he leaves the parking spot. When you pull in to take his place, the meter will be empty again, and you'll have to feed it. The city of Newport Beach was so darned proud of itself when it installed this special system; just another reason to avoid the Newport Pier area.

On the other hand, there's one irreplaceable delight at the Newport Pier---the freshest-of-the-fresh fish market. You'll have to be an early bird to catch this attraction, because the fish market winds up around noon. But, the story is this...every day before dawn, theDoryman's Fishing Fleet goes out to haul in a catch. When it returns, the day's catch fills this outdoor market at the base of the pier...the fish sitting on beds of ice. It's quite unique for city dwellers (used to seeing their fish sitting in a grocery case) to behold!
For more information about the daily fish market beside the Newport Pier, use the following link to visit the official website of the Dory Fleet of fishermen.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade!

To your left, you're viewing a picture of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
The Newport Beach Boat Parade is an annual Christmas tradition. It features colorful, beautifully-lit "floats"...which are actually decorated yachts!
Why not make plans to view the Newport Beach boat parade in person during the upcoming Christmas season?
To discover details about this fun family activity...and see more pictures of the decorated boats, too...please visit the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade page of this website.