Info: Newport Beach is about 15 miles southwest of Anaheim, at the western end of State 55. 800/942-6278.
It'd be difficult to find a more fitting salute to summer than a day along the water in Newport Beach, California, which celebrates its centennial this year.
Stroll the boardwalk to the ferry and hop aboard for a ride to nearby Balboa Island. Kids squeal on the Ferris wheel and beg their parents to buy them Balboa Bars ― slabs of vanilla ice cream dipped in warm chocolate and rolled in sprinkles and nuts ― while hawkers promote hourly harbor cruises to spot sea lions, grand yachts, and bayside mansions.
Across the way, the ornate 100-year-old Victorian cupola of the Balboa Pavilion, the grande dame of Newport Harbor, towers over the water.- Loading comments...
