Enticing Opposites in Newport Beach

Situated near Huntington Beach along the Southern California coast, Newport Beach is a vibrant seaside community that blends luxury comforts with casual ambiance. Home to abundant outdoor sites, myriad guest rooms and event spaces, and delectable culinary destinations, the coastal city makes for a versatile haven for any gathering.

VIBE: With a mild, year-round Mediterranean climate, the city offers a sunny setting for meeting attendees. “Newport Beach delivers experiences of refinement without pretension,” says Amanda Kliem, director of sales for Visit Newport Beach. Comprised of appealing opposites, Kliem says the area juxtaposes a cozy beach town atmosphere with an eclectic, upscale downtown home to boutique shops and renowned eateries.

TRANSPORTATION: Serviced by three major airports—Orange County/John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport—Newport Beach is reachable to both local and long-distance visitors. “Newport Beach is [also] easily accessible by car due to its strategic proximity to the grid of local freeways,” she says.

HOTELS: “Newport Beach has eight distinctive group-centric properties in our portfolio, representing a combined total of [about] 2,400 rooms,” Kliem says. Some of the latest editions, including VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort and Spa, which was reimagined last spring and offers 68,000 square feet of flexible event space; and Pendry Newport Beach, slated to open in late 2023, will offer additional streetscape opulence.

VENUES: Wow your attendees at the Harborside Ballroom, located in the historic Balboa Pavilion with endless bay and skyline views, or give guests the feeling of luxury at the Newport Beach Country Club, which “allows group clients of Visit Newport Beach to enjoy the exclusivity of a private club with acclaimed service and amenities,” Kliem says. With a full buyout, the venue can host up to 1,000 people. Other venues include the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina and The Resort at Pelican Hill.

RESTAURANTS: Dining in Newport Beach ranges from tasty Japanese fare at Nobu Newport Beach to authentic Mexican cuisine at Red O Restaurant. “For a taste of a classic old Irish bar replete with live bands, pub games, [and] the best lamb chops around these parts, groups can rent a section of Muldoon’s for a great party,” Kliem says.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Home to renowned designer stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques, Fashion Island is an open-air retail mecca with outdoor cafes for alfresco dining. If groups want to get out on the water, rent an easy-to-cruise electric boat to tour Newport Harbor. “[Guests can] float past gorgeous scenery including waterfront mansions, private beaches, and mega-yachts, followed by delicious food by docking and dining at any number of bayfront establishments,” Kliem says. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the 9 miles of coastline at Corona del Mar State Beach or Crystal Cove State Park, both nearby. –Amanda Christensen visitnewportbeach.com