O.K. guys...it's going to be my first time in the LA area for a early December convention at the Marriot Newport Beach. I'll have 1 or 2 days of free time. What is nearby to see and do? What shouldn't I miss? Do I need a car? What good shopping is nearby? What will the weather be like? Thanks for any help!

Just spent this afternoon down there. NB Marriott is right at Fashion Island, a great and fairly unique outdoor shopping area. (Bring your BIG bucks.) Nation's tallest Christmas tree is up and being decorated today. They have a Hard Rock Cafe if you're into that, but one of the best restaurants there is Tutto de Mare, Italian, rather expensive. Just across Pacific Coast Highway is Balboa Island, fun to walk around, check out the decorated houses and yachts. They really go big on this, it's a contest. You can take a bay tour from the Balboa Fun Zone across the bay. Take the little ferry. You should get a car at John Wayne (Orange County airport). Short drive to the Marriott. You can visit Laguna Beach and enjoy the art galleries and more wonderful restaurants. Recommend the Sorrento Grill, need reservations. Also, if you like to visit Disneyland, the first 2 weeks of December are their slowest of the year. That means no lines, but all the Christmas decorations and special events are happening. It's the only time of year I venture to the place. Let me know if you have any other questions. Oops, just remembered, there are two NB Marriotts. One right at Fashion Island, the other on the back bay closer to the airport.

Fashion Island is my favorite, too. However, a few miles north is the South Coast Plaza -- also a great place for upscale browsing and shopping. It's right off the 405 freeway.

Time permitting, do try to get down to Laguna. Prettier and better walking/shopping/art galleries.

Agree with the suggestion to go down to Laguna Beach. It's what you think of when you think southern California. This said, all of this is the South Bay and not really LA, so if you really want to see LA I think you need to visit Bev. Hills and Santa Monica. Enjoy---there's lots to do.

If you are at the Marriott by Fashion Island, their upstairs lounge has a great sushi bar with a fabulous view. I went on Tues in August & they had a salsa band. Some of the dancers were really instructors, so my sister & I had a blast just watching the action. Balboa Island at Christmas is great to walk around. The ferry across the bay to Balboa Peninsula is <$1, and you can walk out on the Balboa Pier to the Ruby's Diner (fun 50's style - food is OK)- very SoCal. Have f

The suggestions sound great. Looks like I'm at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club. How long will it take to drive to Laguna Beach? Also, what streets or area should I be heading to for all the great shopping in Laguna?

Definitely get down to Laguna Bch, it is the next beach south of Newport. I would suggest going straight to the beach then drive along PCH to Laguna. Balboa Island and The Newport Penisula area and ferry are nice also. I'm from that area and always get down there when home, any time of yr is great. Be prepared for a real cooling down in the evening. The beach will be noticeable cooler than where you are staying, I know it's a short distance however, the ocean breeze can be considerate.

How far is Disney from Newport Beach? Do I need to rent a car to get there or is there fairly good public transportation? Thanks!

Ellie,
Disneyland can be 20 minutes or 1 hour and 20 minutes from Newport - depends on when you go. Freeway traffic during rush hour can be a killer. Try going very early or later in the evening.
Can't imagine being in L.A. without a car. Distances are too great for Public Transportation.
Also, a great restaurant near your hotel is Chimayo (in Fashion Island). Excellent food. Also P.F. Changs in the same area is great for Chinese Food.
Enjoy,
Roy

Go to Henry and Harry's Goat Hill Tavern in Costa Mesa, great bar (sawdust floor)
Dana Point is nice too.