Imagine gorgeous swathes of Pacific coastline, vibrant sunsets, quaint islands, and sandy beaches begging you to go barefoot. Add to this mix great golfing, first-rate shopping, divine local eats, and world-class summer events. Welcome to Newport Beach where the scenery’s stunning and beach life is an art form!

Read on to learn more about the activities you won’t want to miss this summer in America’s favorite resort town.

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival, June 1st through June 3rd

What better way to launch into summer than with three days of music, food, and friends? If this sounds like a slice of heaven to you, then you’ve got to check out the most scenic jazz party in Southern California, the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Enjoy gorgeous weather, swinging music, and delicious drinks and food.

While you’re at it, prepare to dance on the lawn to a star-studded lineup of top jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. The festival opens Friday night with the cool vibes of Michael Lington with Kenny Lattimore at the Hyatt’s Back Bay Amphitheatre. On Saturday and Sunday, prepare to groove to your favorite smooth jazz, R&B, funk, and soul performers at the Back Bay Golf Course.

Location: Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660

The 25th Annual Balboa Island Parade, June 3rd

Balboa Island’s charms are many: palm-tree lined streets, quaint historic shops, and profusions of brightly colored blooms that perfume the air. There’s no better spot for a hometown parade, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of this Balboa Island staple.

The parade begins Sunday at 11:00 am on Marine Avenue in front of the fire station. This year’s theme is “Silver Bells, Sea Shells, and Sandy Beaches,” and the parade will include children on bikes, island dogs, decorated floats and golf carts, a variety of local marching bands, USC’s marching band, drill teams, Keystone cops, local officials, and more.

Don’t forget your lawn chairs and prepare to stay for the after party featuring West Coast surf music. The bridge closes at 10:45 am, so come early and plan to stay late. While you’re there, make a point of tasting the island’s native treat, the delectable Balboa Bar.

Location: Balboa Island, Marine Avenue in front of the fire station, Newport Beach, CA

Russo & Steele Automobile Auction, June 8th through 10th

If you love rare classic cars and the high-paced energy of an auction, then get in the fast lane with Russo and Steele’s upcoming Newport Beach event. From June 8th through 10th, the action of “the ultimate collector car beach party” happens live at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Enjoy the spectacle and energy of 400 collectible vehicles on the auction block including vintage Ferraris, Porsches, American muscle cars, resto mods, and pro-touring machines. Southern California has long been a mecca for collector car enthusiasts like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Jay Leno. Russo & Steele Auctions can put you in the driver’s seat, too.

Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Sunset Jazz at Newport, July 11th through September 19th (Wednesdays)

The only thing more beautiful than a sunny SoCal day is a vibrant coastal sunset. Add a hefty dose of groovy music, and you’ve got Sunset Jazz at Newport Beach. For 11 Wednesdays in July, August, and September, head out to the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa to see today’s jazz greats. The Rose Garden opens each Wednesday at 5:00 pm with performances from 6:00-8:30 pm. (The August 22nd performance will be at the Seaview Terrace.)

This year’s Grand Opening event gives attendees a taste of The Jazz Cruise, the world’s only full-ship charter cruise, with a performance by Shelly Berg (pianist and Musical Director of The Jazz Cruise), Ken Peplowski, Jeff Hamilton, Christopher Luty, Rickey Woodard, and special guest Chuck Redd (vibist). Then, stay tuned for weekly concerts sure to heat up your Wednesday evenings.

Location: Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series, July 13th through October 12th (Fridays)

Photo Credit: Will Carter

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite performers while enjoying fine wine and dining? Then, look no further than the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series, with appearances every Friday night through October.

Located at the Back Bay Amphitheater in the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, this intimate venue offers evenings filled with world-class music. This year’s performers include LeAnn Rimes, Peter Cetera, Chaka Khan, and more.

Location: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Pacific Wine & Food Classic, August 18th through 19th

More than 60 of the finest local chefs have come together to create the 2018 Pacific Wine & Food Classic’s mouthwatering California cuisine. Enjoy delectable pairings sure to please your palate and set your foodie heart on fire.

This incredible, world-class culinary adventure will feature summer-inspired recipes and more than 150 wines, cold beer, and eclectic crafted cocktails. What’s more, you’ll soak up endless amounts of surf and sun making this the ultimate epicurean experience.

Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Written By: Engrid Barnett