Newport Beach’s year-round mild climate, proximity to three major airports and variety of hotel properties combine to make it an appealing destination for group meetings and events. Additionally, it’s active lifestyle; creative restaurants and upscale amenities enable planners to easily create unique itineraries for group travel.

One of the destination’s main attributes is Newport Harbor. Dotted by seven islands (many boasting celebrity residences), thousands of private yachts and several acclaimed restaurants, Newport Harbor offers groups a taste of the good life! As the largest small craft harbor in the US, Newport Harbor has numerous adventures for groups such as, private yacht events, and activity options like paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and, for those more adventurous souls, jet packing!

Group adventures add to unique itineraries in Newport Beach

Yacht Yoga, Meeting or Dinner Cruise
Holding an event aboard a luxury yacht is a perfect opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy one of the many features that make Newport Beach so inviting. Rather than holding your meeting in a ballroom and saving a private yacht charter for evening, why not reverse the event. Breakout of the boardroom and hold the meeting onboard the yacht. Kick off the day with sunrise yoga followed by breakfast on the deck. Your group will be invigorated and flowing with ideas just in time for a creative brainstorming session!

Finding the ideal yacht for corporate meetings and events is certainly not an issue here, there are a couple of yacht companies catering to corporate clientele.

Hornblower Cruises and Events offer a full line of luxury yachts and can handle just about any group size. The Hornblower fleet consists of six ships, including Newport Beach’s most famous vessel, Wild Goose. Once the private luxury yacht of actor John Wayne, the ship was frequented by Wayne’s Rat Pack buddies including Joey Bishop, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra – a true historic treasure!

Pacific Avalon Yacht Charters also offers private luxury yacht charters catering to a corporate clientele. The Ambassador is a sleek, sophisticated yacht accommodating up to 150 guests and is the newest in the Pacific Avalon luxury fleet with three decks, contemporary white leather lounge clusters, a dance floor and baby grand piano making it ideal for small to mid-size corporate events. The second yacht in Pacific Avalon’s fleet, Royal Princess, is ideal for groups up to 125. Royal Princess has a traditional interior with a piano, wooden staircase and panoramic windows.

Group Paddleboarding/Kayaking
Numerous estate-lined waterways along with the serene upper Back Bay estuary provide a spectacular setting for group activities. Meeting planners may want to consider adding paddleboarding or kayaking to the itinerary, as either activity will give groups an intimate look at the destination and a sense of the local lifestyle.

Sailing
Get out of the meeting room and into the salty ocean air on a luxurious sailing charter! Guests can appreciate Newport Beach from every angle while relaxing aboard a tranquil sailing vessel. Those wishing to become more actively involved may enjoy hoisting the sails and taking the wheel. Excursions can be customized to fit your group’s unique itinerary. Whether soaking up rays or manning the deck, sailing along the Newport Beach coast provides a stunning view one can only get from the water.

Hiking
Located within 12.3 acres of gorgeous Pacific coastline, Crystal Cove State Park gives a glimpse into the California of yesteryear. The beach, along with 2,400 acres of undeveloped and conserved woodland, is part of California’s ongoing preservation program. This protected land is home to El Moro Canyon; a popular hiking area that offers sweeping coastal views from it’s many trails. El Moro offers routes ranging from easy to difficult and half a mile to eight miles. Aside from hiking, the trails within Crystal Cove are also ideal for mountain biking. The area is easily accessible, popular for all physical levels and sure to make every group’s itinerary distinct!

Newport Beach dining options perfect for unique itineraries

Dinner on the Beach
Crystal Cove State Beach spans three miles of uninterrupted coastline. In the 1930’s Crystal Cove State Beach was filled with colorful beachside cottages, which eventually grew to become a hallmark of the city. Newport Beach recently restored the cottages and today they dot one of the most picturesque beaches in the area, Crystal Cove. One of these historic landmarks is The Beachcomber, a locally praised seaside eatery that has served Southern California for several years. Kick off the day with yoga on the beach followed by breakfast served oceanside. Or gather your group for an after meeting martini, and take part in Crystal Cove’s longstanding tradition of raising the martini flag. For a truly memorable treat, keep the martinis flowing with a private group dinner right on the beach. The Beachcomber and Crystal Cove are local favorites and true Newport Beach treasures!

Dock and Dine
Newport Beach puts a twist on the traditional dining experience with several dock and dine options lining its harbor. Your group can begin the evening with a sunset cocktail cruise aboard a private yacht or get a bit closer to the water in comfortably quiet, electric boats. Next, dock at one of the many group friendly restaurants along the harbor. With a vast selection of acclaimed restaurants throughout the destination, meeting planners may have a hard time choosing just which location to include on the itinerary.

Need some help creating unique itineraries for your corporate group travel? Connect with Visit Newport Beach, the destination experts of Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this unique destination with knowledge and resources that simplify the planning process and offers incentives that can extend the meeting budget.