Once you sit in the black yet sleek gondola, you’ll be steered into the fairy-tale setting of the hidden canals beyond Newport Beach.  Most of the time, the individual steering the gondola will appear discreet yet mysterious, hearing nothing and saying nothing.

With this sense, the boat will almost appear to be moving by magic, gliding along with nothing to disturb the soft music.  Occasionally, you can hear the splashing of a fish breaking the surface of the water, which actually adds to the music and the tempo of the gondola ride.

With the gondola floating so close to the surface of the water, you’ll feel as if every sense you have is being tapped.  The warmth of the sun, the smell of the water, and the lapping of the waves will set your mind off like never before.

As you travel through the canals, you’ll find yourself wondering if the houses are deserted and just how romantic the atmosphere and setting make you feel.  Even though you may have the urge to dangle your fingers in the water, the relaxing feel of the gondola will make you feel as if you are too relaxed to move a muscle!

When the sun sets, you’ll pass other gondolas as they travel through the canals.  On a couple ride, the gondola can help to rekindle the flame or just take you to a whole new world.  Once you return to the docks, you’ll probably find yourself wishing that the ride would never end.

If you’ve never experienced a gondola ride, it’s one thing that you simply must try.  As a wedding ride, honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of friends, the gondola ride is something that will make you feel as never before.

While there are a few providers of gondola rides in Newport Beach, each one offers you the ride of a lifetime. The gondola ride brings a touch of romance to Newport Beach, which is something each and every couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.

If you plan on visiting Newport Beach or if you already live in the area, a gondola ride is something you shouldn’t hesitate to try.  It brings a whole new sense to the word romance and can easily make you forget everything that has troubled you in life – if even for a brief moment.

(This post has been included in the Carnival of Cities.)

Although you won’t need martinis at the festival, you can bet on some of the best wineries in California being on hand to pour their distinctive wines. You should also come hungry as well, as the food is to die for.

On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types of seafood and exotic treats. Along with the wine, this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.

A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars. During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while learning all about them. Also, you can learn all
about fine cigars as well.

During May, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is reason enough to visit the area. There are plenty of other things to do and see as well. If you love food, wine, and the water – Newport Beach is the place to be in May. Even if you’re going to travel to San Diego, you don’t want to miss it.

Amusement parks have always been a place to go to take the family and spend a day having a blast. In Newport Beach there a place that will fill your senses and excite the mind. Balboa Fun Zone is a great place for the entire family. With so much to do, you might have to make a second day trip out of it to get to all that there is to do.

Located on the Balboa Peninsula along Newport Beach, Balboa Fun Zone has always been a fierce competitor to other amusement park giant like Disneyland, Sea World and Belmont Park in San Diego.

For over fifty years, Balboa Fun Zone has been available in the area for residents and tourist alike with something to do either day or night. The famous Rendezvous Ballroom has been the host to many big name bands over the years.

One of the attractions at Balboa Fun Zone is the well known Fun Zone Ferris Wheel. Built in 1936, the Ferris Wheel has become a landmark to the area providing a fantastic view of the bay as you ride it.
In 1986, the Fun Zone was rebuilt completely from the ground up, adding to the already fun and exciting environment here. The ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcades, and everything else here make the Fun Zone a great experience for all that come through it’s gate.

After a long day of rides and games, you can head over and get some food from one of the many vendors and restaurants. No mater how old or young you are, Balboa Fun Zone will give you memories that will last a lifetime. So if you’re planning to vacation in California, make sure you stop by Balboa Fun Zone.

Of course one of the popular activities for the family is to go to the beach. throughout the summer months, the beach is very popular and a great getaway spot for the entire family. You and your loved ones can enjoy a slew of activities like boat riding, swimming,or even hitting the waves on either a surfboard or a jet ski. During the summer the temperature hits 75 degrees and above and being by the beach is a great way to stay cool.

Kids can build sand castles, play around in the water or just catch some rays in the sun. If they get bored, they can head back to the hotel to enjoy the safe yet confined swimming pool.

If you don’t want to go to the beach, that’s OK. Head over to Balboa Fun Zone where your kids will be entertain for hours. If you’re still a kid at heart, then you most likely will enjoy it as much as them. The Balboa Fun Zone consist of many different areas to explore, with restaurants and so much more.

Need to get out and get some exercise? There are so many places to rent rollerblades. Go rollerblading along the beach on the sidewalks or just roll around to any of the many areas where rollerblading is quite common.

Newport Beach has so many fabulous restaurants for you to try. The food in most of these establishment are to die for. No matter what your taste are, you will find something to tickle your taste buds.

With something for everyone, a Newport Beach Vacation is something that you and your family need to experience. You’ll be glad you did!