Newport Beach

Newport Beach

45mi south of Los Angeles via I-405 to Fwy. 55 South (which becomes Newport Blvd.). Newport Blvd. leads to Balboa Blvd., which runs the length of Balboa Peninsula.

When you enter Newport Beach from the highway, it looks like any sprawling suburban community in California. Never fear. Just head to Balboa Peninsula, the city's sun-bleached soul. This thin spit of land runs east-west along the mainland, cupping what is now the largest small-boat harbor in the world. Along the peninsula's southern (ocean) side is a 6mi sandy beach bracketed by historic piers on either end. Extending along the bayfront next to the 1904 Balboa Pavilion (400 Main St.), the midway-style amusement park has a 1936 Ferris wheel, a carousel, bumper cars and arcade games.

Orange County Museum of Art

850 San Clemente Dr. Newport Beach. Open year-round Tue-Sun llam-5pm. $7.

Formerly called the Newport Harbor Art Museum, OCMA sits on a grassy slope overlooking the water, and complements its large collection of California art with traveling shows from around the world. Opening onto a sculpture garden, the Gypsy Den serves sandwiches and salads that are fresh and cheap.

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