A rare combination of upscale and affordable, Newport Beach is a city comprised of appealing opposites. Its wide selection of stylish properties, unique venues and airport proximity offer one of the most diverse and well-situated destinations along the Southern California coast for meetings and groups. Here are ten reasons meeting planners deem Newport Beach, CA a top group destination.

The Destination: Newport Beach, CA offers a unique experience thanks to its stunning location along the Pacific coast. Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach brings together the best of Southern California: sunshine, beaches, upscale resorts, celebrated golf courses, acclaimed dining and shopping. An area so beautiful, it has served as the backdrop for numerous television shows and movies over the years and provided the perfect haven for many of Hollywood’s elite.

Convenient Access: A top consideration for the destination is its convenient access. Newport Beach is serviced by three major airports, LAX, Long Beach, and Orange County’s John Wayne airport, which is just 10 minutes from Newport Beach hotels and offers direct flights from most major US cities and Canada.

Meeting Space: Newport Beach offers a variety of exciting locations ideal for corporate meetings and events. Leading hotel brands such as Marriott, Hyatt and Carlton, team with the stylishly chic properties, Balboa Bay Resort and Island Hotel to provide plenty of options for groups. Add to this Newport Beach’s impressive line up of venues and you have over 200,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space. Private yachts, local vineyards, historical sites, waterfront ballrooms and even the beach itself, make a terrific showing for group meetings and events.

Activities key for meeting planners considering Newport Beach a top group destination

Active Harbor: As home to one of the largest recreational harbors in the United States, on-the-water activities are a natural for this destination. Newport Harbor’s estate-lined waterways along with the serene upper Back Bay estuary provide a spectacular setting for group activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and outrigger canoeing. The most popular group adventure involves the quietly comfortable, Duffy boats. Voted the top teambuilding activity by California Meetings + Events, a Duffy scavenger hunt through Newport Harbor gives groups a close up look at Newport Beach’s history and beauty while providing an afternoon of team bonding fun! These boats seat up to 10 passengers and easily glide through the harbor.

Private Luxury Yachts: Winding three miles to the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor is lined by stunning estates and historic venues making it ideal for a private yacht excursion. Whether you simply want to get your group out of the boardroom and into fresh ocean air for some inspired brainstorming or prefer a floating ballroom for your annual meeting, you’ll have several gorgeous yachts to choose from.

Group Activities: Groups preferring land-based activities can choose from biking, hiking, segwaying and golfing. Scenic hiking and biking trails run for miles along the coast, as well as on ocean bluff-tops and deep into lush canyons. For a twist on traditional biking, try the wildly popular Pedegos. These electric bikes offer a leisurely way to enjoy Newport Beach’s scenic spots.

Options help make Newport Beach, CA a top group destination

Dining: Newport Beach takes dining to a whole new level with several dock and dine options located along the harbor. Your group can begin the evening with a sunset cocktail cruise, then dock at one of the many group friendly restaurants lining the harbor. In addition to waterfront restaurants there are several acclaimed dining options throughout Newport Beach, so many in fact, that meeting planners may have a hard time choosing where their group should dine.

Shopping/Browsing: From the sophisticated, open-air, and ocean view luxury shopping of Fashion Island, to the charming boutiques lining Balboa Island and Lido Marina Village, shopping in Newport Beach is as relaxing as the destination.

Iconic: During the 1920’s and ‘30’s Newport Beach became a favorite haven for Hollywood’s elite. The historic Balboa Pavilion was the place to be and be seen. Sounds of the Big Bands filled the harbor and pavilion dances were frequented by Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and of course legendary actor and longtime Newport Beach resident, John Wayne. Wayne often entertained his Rat Pack buddies aboard his private yacht, the Wild Goose, which is still docked in Newport Harbor today and available for private events.

Rewarding Destination Partner: Newport Beach’s unsurpassed beauty and mild year-round climate make it a perfect destination for meetings and events. When you’re ready to begin organizing your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this Pacific paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships with valuable resources.