Spring is in the air and that means longer, brighter, and more fragrant days. What better place to enjoy the beauty of spring than along the coast of Newport Beach, CA. This comfortable beachside oasis with its Mediterranean climate, miles of beaches, and yacht-lined harbor, provides the ideal destination to host group meetings and events. Conveniently located along a gorgeous stretch of the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is accessible from three major airports; John Wayne Orange County, Long Beach and Los Angeles. A destination filled with variety, Newport Beach is a bit of bohemia mixed with a whole lot of chic! With several hotel properties, harborside restaurants, museums and historical landmarks, the area offers meeting planners plenty of flexible meeting space and corporate event venues. We’ve complied a list of several options (excluding hotel properties), which highlight the beauty, history and culture of Newport Beach.

Wineries

Although 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, often with morning fog and warm afternoon temperature tend to provide an ideal condition for grapevines. As surprising as it may seem, Southern California wineries are able to produce fantastic varietals.

From a sprawling vineyard set on the bluffs above Newport Bay, to the casual elegance of the Winery Restaurant on the harbor, guests have distinct options perfect for any event – after all wine and events seem to go hand and hand!

Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery – With over twelve hundred vines, producing up to five tons of superior red wine grapes, Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery has made a name for itself with its award winning Meritage! Located on 3.5 acres of land, perched above the Newport Beach’s Upper Back Bay, the vineyard’s botanical and vegetable gardens, aviary, koi ponds and wine cave offer an environmentally conscious event space.

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar – This elegant two-story venue features a weekly changing wine list of over 600 selections. Not only can you wine and dine while overlooking dazzling Newport Beach harbor, but also get a glimpse into the climate-controlled cellars by taking a tour! This one of a kind dining experience matches chic California cuisine with sophisticated wine selections guaranteed to stimulate even the most discriminating palate!

Luxury Yachts

Private luxury yachts abound in Newport Beach, CA, which boasts the largest recreational harbor in the United States. While there are several yacht charter companies the two most recommended due to their service level and ability to accommodate corporate and social events are Hornblower Cruises and Events and Pacific Avalon Yacht Charters.

Hornblower – Hornblower can accommodate just about any group size on one of its seven private yachts. One of the most interesting vessels in the Hornblower fleet is the Wild Goose, John Wayne’s former yacht now managed by Hornblower.

Pacific Avalon – This private luxury yacht company has two vessels both of which cater to corporate events, private dinners, meetings and social gatherings. Pacific Avalon’s luxury yachts are privately owned and operated and can accommodate groups up to 150. Both yachts feature wide staircases, high ceilings, stylish leather lounge furniture, spacious decks, built in bars and stainless steel galleys.

Art Galleries and Museums

Groups craving a cultural atmosphere may enjoy an art inspired event. While Newport Beach has several galleries and gardens, we’ve included those venues with the ability to accommodate group events.

Galerie Moderne – Rather than bringing your group to a gallery, this gallery comes to you. Galerie Moderne will create a cultural ambiance at your next event by bringing a collection of art ranging from Rembrandt to Picasso directly to your function. This is a great option for groups wishing to stay on property, or with a need to meet an F&B minimum. Galerie Moderne’s mission is to promote the “education, appreciation and participation of the visual arts”. If your group desires a unique cultural experience along with the opportunity to add to, or begin an art collection, Galerie Moderne provides a creative option.

OC Museum of Art – With a mission statement centered on enriching the community, the Orange County Museum of Art builds relevant exhibits with both a modern and contemporary feel. The Museum offers a visually stunning indoor/outdoor event space that caters to over 100 guests. Three more exhibits are set to open just in time for spring and feature, “Marilyn Minter: Pretty/Dirty”, “We Were Here: Absence of the Figure” and “The Pacific Project: Yuki Kihara”.

Sherman Gardens – Sherman Library & Gardens sits on a rare 2-acre lot in the heart of Corona del Mar (a neighborhood within Newport Beach). Immaculate botanical gardens feature a range of foliage from desert cacti to tropical florals. Numerous brick patios connect to blooming flowerbeds and fountains, creating a tranquil backdrop for private events. In addition, Sherman Library & Gardens also has an onsite restaurant Café Jardin, offering California “coastal garden” cuisine along with a full view of the central gardens!

Historical

Although California is still relatively young, there is a bit of history to the area. Newport Beach has a few mainstays that are as much a part of its heritage as the coastline itself.

Harborside Grand Ballroom – Located in the historic Balboa Pavilion built in 1906, Harborside was the place to be, and be seen during Hollywood’s Golden Era. Wishing to escape the demands of the studios, Hollywood’s elite would take a quick trip south to Newport Beach. The landmark pavilion provided plenty of refuge during the roaring twenties and later the big band era. Harborside’s event space has floor to ceiling windows, providing a 180-degree view of Newport Harbor and can accommodate groups up to 500.

New Port Theater – With its elegant, modern decor, versatile layout and high-tech audio/visual capabilities, the Port Theater is the perfect place to host your next event. A venue rich with history, the Port Theater has been around longer than some of Newport’s famous attractions. Through the years, the Port Theater has undergone several changes but after reopening in 2007, the vibrant setting continues to excite local residents and the community in general. This historic venue can accommodate 300 guests and can provide private screenings.

Crystal Cove Historic District – Located just below the bluffs along a vast stretch of the Pacific coastline, Crystal Cove was once a secret spot for locals who either accessed it through a hole in the fence or from the stables that once sat along this portion of Pacific Coast Highway. The sleepy little beach cottages dotting the bluffs are now protected by the state of California and have become a recognized historic site. There are five distinct event spaces, all with ocean views, including the beach itself and the Beachcomber Cafe located right on the sand. Guests of this venue have fantastic front row ocean view with the likely chance of seeing a few dolphins or maybe even a whale or two!

Venues with Views and Space

Newport Dunes – Newport Dunes sits alongside a calm, crescent shaped bay perfect for a casual toes in the sand beach party, a sophisticated, Hamptons style beach event or even a concert under the stars! The area has plenty of outdoor space for larger groups along with a 14,000 square foot pavilion ideal for trade-shows, fashion shows, product unveilings and corporate gatherings.

Newport Beach Country Club – With a 4,000 sq.-ft. Ballroom that caters to over 300 guests, the newly renovated Newport Beach Country Club is an architectural delight! Featuring panoramic views of Newport Harbor, Newport Beach Country Club has spectacular space for group events. In addition to the Ballroom, the venue also offers a private dining room seating up to 150 people, private outdoor terraces for smaller events and an adaptable boardroom to fit your corporate meeting. *The only catch – you either must be a member or be affiliated with a member in order to utilize this venue. Not to worry though, Visit Newport Beach can help!

There you have it – several corporate event venues along the Newport Beach coast recommended by your destination experts, Visit Newport Beach. Most venues offer both indoor and outdoor function space. For additional information on the destination turn to Visit Newport Beach, the local DMO for Newport Beach, CA. As a destination partner, Visit Newport Beach has the knowledge and expertise that can streamline the meeting planning process. With several meeting planner incentives and resources that can extend the meeting budget, Visit Newport Beach makes it easy to plan your next meeting in this stylishly chic coastal haven.