With an upcoming business trip to this destination and not having been to California, would it be a good idea to bring the Mrs along if some free time is available?

I would appreciate any and all info. Thanks!

Just bumping this topic back up to the top in hope of some replies.

We lived in Newport Beach many yrs. ago, but if my husband came home tomorrow and said he had a business trip there, I'd kill him if he didn't arrange for me to join him! (Don't want to live there again...but do love to visit!).

Between Orange County attractions, San Diego area, the beaches (Balboa Island, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach), the shopping, etc. there is MUCH to do!

ENJOY!!!

I live in Tustin, which is basically next to Newport Beach. There is so much to do here that your wife would have a very hard time choosing. If your business is in Newport, chances are you are staying near Fashion Island which is great shopping. Balboa Island is right across Pacific Coast Hwy. (PCH to locals). It has many lovely homes and views and the walk around the perimeter is only about 1.5 miles. Make sure you try a Balboa Bar. Take the ferry across to the Fun Zone on the penninsula and check out Newport Pier. On the weekend you can catch the "Parrot Man" and the "Bubble Man", they are famous. You can also go for a harbor cruise and see the sights. The Hyatt Newporter has headliner jazz concerts on Friday nights. Check the schedule, it's getting a little late in the season for outdoor concerts. Pelican Hill Golf Course is supposed to be one of the best and definitely most expensive. It's surrounded by the massive homes of the Rich and Famous (really). Recommend a very good, relaxed Italian restaurant near the Newport Pier called Il Faro. A fancier one is Tuto de Mare at Fashion Island. Also try out the Cheesecake Factory at Fashion Island if you don't have one where you live. Bike riding around the Newport back bay is very popular and fun! Enough?

Lee, I tried and tried yesterday to post this, I hope I'll get through today. Balboa Island is great fun. There's a wonderful mall in Newport called "Fashion Island" if your wife is a shopper. If you rent a car (and I am assuming you will) she can amuse herself one whole day by driving south through Corona del Mar to Laguna Beach to browse in the art galleries and window shop in the little boutiques. I am a former So. Californian, but not from Newport, although been there many times, so please, one of the above posters---is it the Doryman's Inn that's so nice on the water? If Lee has the weekend free they might want to check into that. And, I agree with whomever said they would kill their husband if not asked to come! You'll have a great time and better because there'll be two of you to enjoy it. Just don't ever go to Newport over Spring break when it's packed with college/high school kids--literally difficult to move around!

STAY AWAY FROM THE BALBOA INN!!! It's run by two brothers that are compelete crooks. Believe nothing that you read on their website or hear from the reservation clerk. THEY ARE CROOKS!!!

Frank, I beleieve you have some problem with the Balboa Inn, am I right? Tell us about it.

How did you even find this post. It is from 1998!!! Eight years ago. Who cares...