Newport Beach

About

Beginning as a cattle ranch, Newport Beach evolved into a commercial shipping port before becoming a destination for the rich & famous (it’s the wealthiest city in America per capita). Sure, there are oceanfront mansions and a yacht-lined harbor, but you’ll also find historic cottages, dive bars, and a laid-back surfer vibe courtesy of its world-class waves and 8 miles of coast. The harbor area is the place to be for some fun in the sun, be it sand, sea, one of the two piers, or the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park. While you’re down there, you can weigh in on perhaps the city’s most hotly-contested debate: ice cream. Sugar ’n Spice and Dad’s, both on Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue, make a mean chocolate-dipped frozen banana, but it’s the battle of the Balboa Bars (ice-cream, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in sweet or salty toppings), that needs your tastebuds’ attention - so be sure try both!