A Great Escape – Newport Beach, California

Information courtesy of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau

Quietly tucked away between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is a laid-back community of southern Californians.  Known for its picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and one of the world’s largest small yacht harbors as well as being acclaimed for it’s beaches, outdoor recreation, sophisticated atmosphere, international film festival, three annual epicurean festivals and the oldest holiday boat parade in the nation, visitors can get a little taste of heaven when they visit.  Newport is also booming with championship golf courses, countless spas, a recreational yacht harbor, world-class shopping, whale-watching opportunities and over 350 dining choices.  Newport Beach offers something for everyone.  With an extensive calendar of events featured in Newport, April highlights three of the more than 17 activities southern Californians can take part in.
Each Spring, cinema meets the surf as Newport Beach rolls out the red carpet for its acclaimed annual film festival showcasing hundreds of features, short films, documentaries and animated films from around the world.  The Newport Beach Film Festival has been showcasing memorable independent and studio films from around the globe for over a decade, bringing Hollywood fun, glamour and excitement to the sand and surf of Newport Beach.  From premieres of contemporary cinema to live fashion shows to samplings of Newport Beach’s finest culinary creations, the Festival offers filmmakers and fans alike the ultimate movie going experience.  In 2010, the festival will once again be the late springtime hot ticket event in the city, April 22 to 29, 2010.  Visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com for more information.
Another spectacular show featured in April is the Newport Boat Show, April 15 to 18, 2010.  The Newport Boat Show is the premier in-water big-yacht show in the western U.S.  In 2009 the Newport Boat Show at the Lido Marina Village is celebrating its 36th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever!  More than 300 boats will be on display plus a host of exhibitors will be on hand to showcase innovative products and services that make owning and operating a big boat more enjoyable.  This is the one show serious buyers don’t miss!  Visit www.newportinwaterboatshow.com for more information.  
Finishing up the month of April will be the Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race, April 23, 2010.  As the largest international yacht race in the world the emphasis is on teamwork and friendly competition during the Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race. Attracting thousands of celebrities, well-known racers, and fun-seeking novices to Newport Harbor each year the race was established in 1947 to provide a fun diversion for soldiers coming out of World War II.  The race now attracts more entries than any other international yacht race.  For more information, please visit www.nosa.org.
May brings two more exciting events with the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival up first, May 14 to 16, 2010.  Southern California’s most famous Jazz Festival takes place in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater and golf course of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach featuring a line-up of jazz musicians which include Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Wayman Tisdale, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub and many more.  This relaxing three-day, outdoor event features world-class live jazz entertainment, great food, drinks and various vendors throughout the Festival grounds.  Ticket prices range from $55 to $195 and can be purchased on line at www.summerjazzseries.com or at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Box Office.  For a complete artist line up and for more information, please visit www.summerjazzseries.com.
May 16 is the Balboa Island Art Walk, an annual summer tradition.  Now in its 15th year, the Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists and informally marks the beginning of the island’s summer celebrations.  Admission is free and the event takes place on the South Bayfront Promenade of Balboa Island.  Please visit www.balboaislandartwalk.com for more information.
With year round temperatures averaging around 75 degrees and known for the affluent, sophisticated lifestyle that its residents lead, Newport Beach is a great escape with unique culture, charm, natural beauty and history.
For more information, please visit www.visitnewportbeach.com.