California - Newport Beach Area Attractions & Activities
Located on the coast in the center of Orange County, the city of Newport Beach has exceptional shopping facilities and a vibrant business community. It is home to Newport Bay which houses more than 9,000 boats of all types within the 21-square-mile harbor area. Between the bay area and the city’s eight miles of beach, Newport Beach offers outstanding fishing, swimming, surfing, and a multitude of aquatic sports activities. Newport Beach is approximately 35 miles southeast of the Portofino, just a scenic 45 minute drive away.
Orange County Museum of Art
The Orange County Museum of Art enriches lives through modern and contemporary art. It is the premier visual arts organization in Orange County, California, serving a population of nearly three million residents in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Critically acclaimed exhibitions such as Picasso to Pollock: Modern Masterpieces from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Mary Heilmann: To Be Someone, and Birth of the Cool: Art Design, and Culture at Midcentury, draw more than 60,000 visitors annually. Some 15,000 children and adults participate in award winning education programs. The museum's collection comprises nearly 2,500 objects, with a concentration on the art of California from the early 20th century to present. Take a 35 mile scenic drive from the Portofino Hotel down the coast towards the art museum located in Newport Beach. www.ocma.net
Balboa Beach
Balboa Peninsula's beach was named one of the top ten urban beaches in the United States by Surfrider Magazine in 2001. Ocean side or harbor side? It could be the most difficult decision of your day. At around 40 miles away from the Portofino, Balboa Beach is well worth the drive. The Wedge, at the ocean-side tip of Balboa Peninsula, is famous for bodysurfing. Nearby, Corona del Mar State Beach sits below protective cliffs, the sand littered with beachgoers.
Balboa Island Ferry
Although Balboa Island is accessed by bridges from the mainland, why miss the opportunity to cross on the ferry! Balboa Island Ferry has provided continuous service between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula since 1919. This scenic crossing is about a quarter mile long and is open daily. Hours vary. Balboa Island has more than 70 gift shops, galleries and restaurants, many of which are on Marine Avenue, the village’s main artery. www.balboaislandferry.com
Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone is one of Southern California's oldest and last great coastal amusement areas. Attractions include the old horse carousel built in 1938, a 14-foot trampoline, laser tag, arcade and boat tours. Located on the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach, around 40 miles down the coast from the Portofino Hotel. www.thebalboafunzone.com
The O.C. Cruiser
Ride the O.C. Cruiser to experience the best of Newport Beach! Providing frequent service with three routes which allow for easy and convenient connections between hotels, the Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, Corona Del Mar, shopping areas such as Fashion Island, dining and evening entertainment. Visitors can count on The O.C. Cruiser to get them to Newport Beach's landmarks and hot spots, just 40 miles southeast from the Portofino. Cruisers are also available for charter. www.occruiser.com
Fashion Island
Fashion Island is Orange County's premier coastal luxury shopping destination, offering specialty boutiques, prestigious department stores, and a vast array of fine and al fresco dining. Overlooking the ocean, Fashion Island offers distinctive shopping and dining in a coastal resort setting. Outdoor shopping experience that includes Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus along with 200 specialty stores, restaurants and movie theater. www.shopfashionisland.com
Gulfstream
Gulfstream was inspired by the classic seafood houses from America’s culinary history. In Newport Beach, an elegant building awaits where Pacific oysters are shucked to order and the enhibition kitchen opens to the dining room to excite the senses. All our fish is served within 24 hours of being caught. The fresh-caught seafood, of course, is Gulfstream's strong suit, and Pacific oysters, cedar plank salmon, and tuna copia are perennial faves. www.hillstone.com
The Cannery
Located on the waterfront just around 40 miles down the coast from the Portofino, The Cannery is one of those colorful places where customers arrive by both land and sea. The main lobby is adorned with rare baseball memorabilia, and in the sophisticated, water-level Grill Room, the specialty is corn-fed certified Angus beef and seafood. On the top floor, sushi and cocktails go hand-in-hand in the trendy Asian lounge. For a truly great experience, request a patio table and enjoy Jack's bouillabaisse or wood-broiled Pacific swordfish along with lovely views of the Rhine Channel. www.cannerynewport.com
Boardwalk Shops at Newport Pier
Take a walk down the historic Boardwalk at the Newport Beach Pier. Here, you'll find a collection of unique shops for everything you need at the beach! PJ's Surfrider has authentic surfwear, sandals, and sunglasses with brands like Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, and O'Neill. At The Beach Store, remember your Newport Beach experience with souvenir sportswear, beach towels, blankets, and kids toys! Thirsty? Duck into Henry's Grocery for cool drinks, snacks and the boardwalk exclusive, "Newport Beach Lifeguard" apparel. Girl's fashion thrives at Gal's boutique and Newport Bikini Boutique with surf's finest brands. At the base of the Pier, Boardwalk Sports is where you can buy sports gear, bait & tackle as well as RENT bikes, body boards, etc. Last stop, the Pier Shop for Newport Beach & OC gifts! www.shopnewportpier.com
Gondola Adventures Inc. on Newport Beach
Romantic, relaxing, exclusive... Cruise through spectacular Newport Harbor in one of the World's most beautiful gondolas. Create a memory with that special someone as you glide silently through quaint canals guided by a charming gondolier. This is romance at its finest. Tradition dictates that couples kiss under every bridge. Greeting others in Italian as they pass by is encouraged and enjoying life to its fullest is a requirement. www.gondola.com
Movies on the Beach
Join us on Friday and Saturdays from May through August for free Movies on the Beach at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Bring the kids, lounge chairs and treats to see movies for the whole family on a giant screen. Movies begin at dusk. For movie schedule and dates, visit the www.newportdunes.com