Newport Beach is a city famous for its lavish lifestyle and beautiful surroundings. Television enthusiasts will recognize the resemblance to "The O.C." television show, and not just by virtue of its location in Orange County, California. The American city has its share of "beautiful people" often with wealth to spare. Yet it's very possible to enjoy life in Newport Beach amongst the millionaires on a low, low budget.

Activities

 • Newport Beach Film Festival  - The 10 day festival features over 300 short and feature length films. 253-2880; Starting at $10; April
 • Balboa Island Art Walk  - Over 100 artists showing and selling their work, ranging from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. Along South Bayfront Drive on Balboa Island. Free. May
 • Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series  - Summer long Jazz music festival on two stages. Held at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Recorded Information: 729-6400; $40-$175. May-October.
 • Newport Dunes 4^th of July Celebration  - A day long celebration with carnival games, crafts, face painting, music by a DJ, hula-hoop and limbo contests, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments and drawings by a caricaturist. A fireworks show occurs over the lagoon after dark. Held at the Newport Dunes Resort. 1131 Back Bay Drive. $25. Fireworks show can be seen for free from outside the Resort. July 4; 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM with fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
 • Lido Yacht Expo  - Exhibit of the latest and greatest in yachts. The event takes place at the Lido Marina Village. 757-5959, Adults - $10; 12 and under - free. September.
 • Taste of Newport  - Annual food, wine and music festival featuring selections from Newport Beach restaurants. The festival is held on Newport Center Drive at Fashion Island. 729-4400, Presale - $17; at the gate - $20; Under 8 - Free. September.
 • Sandcastle Contest - Sand sculptures from novice to expert. The contest is held at Corona del Mar State Beach. Free admission for spectators. Fee for entrants. 729-4400. October.
 • Christmas Boat Parade  - Annual water parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights. The boats take a nightly tour of Newport Harbour on five consecutive evenings. 729-4400. Free viewing from most locations. Some restaurants and organizations have premium seating for a fee. See the website for more information and map of parade route. December.

Attractions

True to its name, any visit to Newport is incomplete without a trip to the beach. The city is nestled on the Pacific Ocean and is a favorite amongst surfers.
 • Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Drive, 949-759-1122, fax: 949-759-5623, . Tues - Sun: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Specializes in contemporary art and houses rotating special exhibitions. Adults $10, Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+) $8, Children under 12- free.

Lodging

 • Holiday Inn Express, 2300 W. Coast Highway; 722-2999, fax: 631-5659, Located on the Mariner's Mile area of Pacific Coast Highway. $79-$99.
 • Little Inn By The Bay, 2627 Newport Blvd.; Reservations: 800-438-4466; local phone:673-8800, fax: 673-4943, Located on Balboa Island. $99-$199.
 • Newport Channel Inn, 6030 W. Coast Highway; Reservations: 800 255-8614, local phone: 642-3030, fax: 650-2666, Located on Pacific Coast Highway in the north-east part of Newport Beach near the border with Huntington Beach. $59-$199.
 • Radisson Hotel, 4545 MacArthur Blvd.; 833-0570, fax: 833-3927, 1/2 mile from the John Wayne Airport, near the business districts of Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach. $99-$189, Suites $350.
 • Balboa Inn, 105 Main Street, 675-3412, Toll-free: 877-BAL-BOA9, Fax: 673-4587, On the Peninsula. $139-$269; Suites: $299-$599.
 • Best Western Newport Beach Inn, 6208 W Coast Highway, 642-8252, Fax: 642-2538. Across Coast Highway from the beach. $119-$259.
 • Best Western Bay Shores Inn, 1800 W Balboa Boulevard, 675-3463, Toll-free: (800) 222-6675, Fax: 675-4977. Near the Newport Pier on the Peninsula. $199-$269. Suites: $219-$499
 • Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive, 640-4000, Fax: 640-5055.
 • Newport Beach Marriott Suites, 500 Bayview Circle; 854-4500, Fax: 854-3937. $159-$289.
 • The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, 1221 Coast Highway; 645-5000,, Toll-free:888-445-7153. Located on Mariners Mile. Special features: Barber/Beauty Shop on site, Bar/Lounge on site, Restaurant on site, Shops on site, Hot Tub on site, Sauna on site, Fitness Center on site, Bayfront Property, Full Service Spa. $245-$475. Suites: $800-$3000.
 • Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive; 759-0808, Fax: 759-0568. Across from the Fashion Island shopping center and within walking distance of the Orange County Museum of Art. $259-$495. Suites: $475-$495.