Newport Beach Travel Guide | California Travel Tips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill shares her Newport Beach Travel Guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips."

A people watcher's paradise, Newport Beach attracts every walk of life to its shores: wealthy millionaires in imported cars, dreadlocked surfers in VW hatchbacks, and salty old sea dogs at Dory Fleet Market.

The Ocean Front promenade is a flat pedestrian and bike path that spans most of the beach. You can stroll along the boardwalk, play a game of volleyball on the beach, or body surf The Wedge, a world-famous surfing spot at the end of Balboa Peninsula.

Restaurants range from Mutt Lynch's, a fun sports bar that serves up pizza, sandwiches and beer, to the historic Crab Cooker, known for its legendary cracked crab served with cheesy potatoes and fisherman's bread. Muldoon's Irish Pub, located in the Fashion Island shopping center, serves up hearty fare straight from Dublin. Lakers fans might catch a glimpse of local resident Kobe Bryant inside Javier's, a popular Mexican cantina on PCH.

Be sure to treat yourself to the city's famous Balboa Bars — a chocolate-dipped ice cream sold at Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Island, or head over to Sprinkles and Gelato Paradiso in Fashion Island.

Lodging in Newport ranges from upscale resorts like Pelican Hill, to comfortable inns like the Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel. For a unique overnight, book a stay in the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, which date back to the 1930s. If you want to camp, Newport Dunes — located on the bay beside posh Fashion Island — is one of the nicest RV resorts in California.

Tip: During Christmas time, don't miss the city's magical Newport Beach Boat Parade. Newport Beach Restaurant Week is held each January.

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