Where to stay

Newport Beach is a great destination for families. Consider a stay near Balboa Pier, where the aptly named Balboa Fun Zone amusement park provides all sorts of old-school rides and activities. Hotels on Newport Beach itself are the top choice for those planning days on the sand or traveling with older kids interested in learning how to surf. Book early for rooms with ocean views. Corona del Mar State Beach, across the channel, is also worth a visit, although there are fewer places to stay on this side of town and less variety and availability of facilities.

Visitors with an interest in art and culture should consider booking a room inland. Some great-value places to stay are located near the excellent Orange County Museum of Art, which shows works by a diverse range of contemporary artists. To the east, Corona del Mar's main attraction besides the beach is the Sherman Library and Gardens, a historical research library surrounded by a tranquil botanic garden. In Newport Beach, shopping can also be a cultural experience. Check out hotels near South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island to connect with like-minded shoppers and find great bargains or extravagant splurges.

Nature lovers in search of a get-away-from-it-all vacation should stay out of town near Crystal Cove State Park. As well as several miles of unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, the park has extensive protected woodlands and a historic group of coastal cottages. The park does not have any hotels, but several luxurious resorts are located nearby, ideal for those looking to disconnect from their normal world and be immersed in nature. Slightly less natural but nonetheless beautiful is Pelican Hill Golf Club, a 36-hole course overlooking the ocean, with an on-site resort. Reserve a bungalow or villa here for some of the most luxurious accommodations on this stretch of California coast.