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With its stretches of white sand, beautiful people and great outdoor water sports, this Orange County beach community makes a great California vacation. Whether you’re into sunbathing or shopping, cycling or surfing — this town has it, and more.

I grew up about 7 miles from Newport Beach, so I guess you could say this was my high school hangout. Back then, I spent most of my time at 32nd street and Balboa Fun Zone, but today, let’s explore the city.

Veronica Hill of CaliforniaTravelExpert.com packs her beach bags and hits the boardwalk in search of good food and fun in Newport Beach.

For a vacation just steps from the sand, check into Newport Beach hotels like Doryman’s Inn, Newport Beachwalk Hotel or Balboa Inn, where you can almost taste the saltwater. From here, you can walk to most Newport Beach attractions and restaurants, which makes them handy for tourists.

Many Newport Beach homes are also available as vacation rentals, and some have ocean views! One of the most popular companies for Newport Beach rentals is Burr White, located on Newport Boulevard.

Newport Beach travel is great any time of the year, but the best time to visit is during the summer. 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.

For kinder, gentler water, check out Newport Dunes, where you can go paddle surfing or rent a pedal boat. This is a great place to stay if you have an RV, and cottages are also available overnight.

Nearby, Fashion Island is a great place to go shopping or dining.

On the weekends, you can watch fisherman bring in the catch of the day at Dory Fleet Market along Newport Pier. It’s been here since 1891!

The boats usually arrive between 7 and 9 a.m., when the buying frenzy begins. Seafood lovers line up early to get their hands on fresh fish like sea trout, urchin and live stone crab.

Though seafood is hot, it’s not the only kind of cuisine in town. Newport Beach restaurants range from the elegant 21 Oceanfront, known for its great filet mignon, to the casual Charlie’s Chili, which is famous for its all-day breakfasts and Mexican food.

The historic Crab Cooker is known for its amazing cracked crab served with cheesy potatoes and fisherman’s bread. They’re also famous for their Manhattan clam chowder, passed down through generations. Get here early, as this has been a local’s favorite since 1951.

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