One of the highlights of a destination meeting is the fantastic opportunity for attendees to experience the culture and vibe of an area. Yet, organizing activities that not only showcase the destination but also appeal to men and women as well as a variety of skill levels can often be a challenge. We get it, which is why we’ve complied several activities your attendees will get excited about!

Activities that tap local lifestyle 

Yoga

While yoga has grown in popularity in recent years, coastal destinations have taken yoga to the beach for a heightened mind, body experience. Newport Beach, CA is fortunate in that it has several stunning beaches on which to enjoy an inspiring beach-based yoga session.

For an added twist, bridge the gap between land and sea by moving your yoga practice to stand up paddleboards (SUPs). This innovative activity blends traditional flow yoga, with the sights and sounds of the coastline, offering endless relaxation and tips for exuding mindfulness all day long! Paddleboard yoga Newport Beach style is held on the calm waters of the Back Bay Ecological Preserve, a protected marine habitat within coastal wetlands, or within small coves along Newport Harbor.

If yoga isn’t suited for your particular group, opt for basic SUPs with a guided tour around Newport Harbor’s seven islands each of which are lined with magnificent estates.  Or journey along the peninsula where historic landmarks and modern luxury coexist.

Cooking Classes

Let your attendees display their culinary skills by setting up a local cooking class! This is a great way to introduce the flavors of Newport Beach, not to mention that your group will have a blast! Located just off of California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway, Sur La Table offers a variety of private cooking classes that will excite both budding and seasoned chefs as well as foodies!

Destination specific activities 

Wine & Dine

Entice palates further by introducing your attendees to the area’s local cuisine through fine restaurant experiences and local wine tasting! Farmhouse Restaurant, located in the areas most extensive garden, Rogers Gardens, offers guests the chance to pick their own ingredients from an abundant fresh herb and vegetable garden.

Wine enthusiasts in your group may be surprised to learn that while Northern California is typically known as the wine region of California, there are plenty of delicious wines served (some even produced) right here in Newport Beach. The Mediterranean climate tends to provide an ideal condition for grapevines. As surprising as it may seem, Southern California wineries are able to produce fantastic varietals.

One such winery, Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery has over twelve hundred vines, producing up to five tons of superior red wine grapes. This vineyard’s botanical and vegetable gardens, aviary, koi ponds and wine cave offer an environmentally conscious space for group wine tasting or even wine blending activities.

Duffy Boats

One of the first things people tend to notice about Newport Harbor are the numerous yachts lining its perimeter, that is until they see the sleek little Duffy Boat gliding quietly along. These boats may seem insignificant compared to full-sized yachts, yet the variety of experiences they offer are anything but! Seating up to 10 people, these comfortable electric boats effortlessly move through the water, allowing your group to enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise or as a unique mode of transportation to harborside restaurants.

Looking for something more exciting? Utilize the Duffy’s for a memorable teambuilding activity that will leave your attendees motivated! 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! Voted the top teambuilding activity by California Meetings + Events.

Weaving destination specific activities into your program can elevate the attendee experience and open up a variety of options. 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.