• The Newport Beach Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in April.roter teppich image by Michael Homann from Fotolia.com
  
  Newport Beach, part of Southern California's beautiful coastline, is a small city that offers vacation appeal. Whether you're in bustling Los Angeles and want a quick weekend getaway, or you're traveling from afar, Newport Beach can offer you nature, culture, romance and family fun.
  
  

Whale Watching

• If you're vacationing to Newport Beach from December through April, you may be able to spot a California Gray Whale migration on the Orange County coastline on a tour with Newport Landing Whale Watching. Tours include scenic boat rides and romantic views, even if no whales are visible. The company offers tours year round, since other sea life (such as sea lions) also make interesting tours.
  
  Newport Landing Whale Watching
  
  400 Main St.
  
  Newport Beach CA 92661
  
  949-675-0551
  
  http://www.newportwhales.com
  
  http://www.newportwhales.com/
  
  

Gondola Ride

• Newport Beach has some of the only canals left in Southern California, lined with beautiful homes and restaurant views. The Gondola Company of Newport offers hour-long trips, complete with a singing gondolier, snacks, and sparkling cider.
  
  Gondola Co. of Newport
  
  Lido Marina Village
  
  3400 Via Oporto, Suite 103
  
  Newport Beach, CA 92663
  
  949-675-1212
  
  http://www.gondolas.com
  
  

Newport Dunes

• The Newport Dunes offers adventure for all ages. Inflatable playground equipment turns the ocean into a water park. Paddle boats, kayaks and jet skis are also available.
  
  If you visit during the summer months, you can enjoy a movie on the beach Friday and Saturday night.
  
  Newport Dunes
  
  1131 Back Bay Drive
  
  Newport Beach, Ca 92660
  
  949-729-3863
  
  http://www.newportdunes.com
  
  

Newport Film Festival

• You may want to plan around the Newport Beach Film Festival, an annual event in April, where Hollywood players present their movies to the media. The festival hosts movie and TV personalities, complete with a red carpet. Adam Sandler, Will Ferrel, Nicole Kidman and many others have all made an appearance.
  
  Newport beach Film Festival
  
  4540 Campus Dr.
  
  Newport Beach, CA 92660
  
  949-253-2880
  
  http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/
  
  

Fashion Island

• Fashion Island, the main outdoor shopping mall in Newport Beach, brims with upscale shops, making it the one-stop shop for rich housewives from Orange County.
  
  Fashion Island
  
  401 Newport Center Drive
  
  Newport Beach, CA 92660
  
  949-721-2000
  
  http://www.shopfashionisland.com