Harboring A Crush On Newport Beach

Known for its overwhelmingly large number of well-heeled, white Republicans and infamous as the home of the Cohen family on that TV classic - The OC, Newport Beach has a definite rep. But even if you're not a Republican or an OC fan (I'm neither!), this laid-back beach town still makes a great day-trip.



Life revolves around the water in Newport Beach, 50 miles south of LA. On sunny days, beach-goers fan out across the golden sand to soak up rays and swim in the aquamarine water. Boogie boarders and body surfers glide along the rolling waves. The beach here may evoke picturesque Baywatch scenes, but it’s not so different from Huntington to the north or Laguna to the south.



What really makes Newport special is its 4-mile harbor filled with seven man-made islands and over 9,000 vessels, from rowboats to luxury yachts.



Lining the harbor is the historic Balboa Fun Zone. Built in 1936, the Fun Zone lives up to its name with a small ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and an arcade. Sailboats or kayaks can be rented here if you want to take a spin around the harbor.



Across from the Fun Zone is Balboa Island – the biggest of the seven small islands and a Newport must-see. An auto ferry floats pedestrians and up to three cars across the harbor for $1 a pop per pedestrian.



To enjoy this mile-long slice of Americana, take a stroll around Balboa island. The cottage-like houses boast small, carefully-tended gardens. Boat slips line the shoreline. In between these slips, families take advantage of small beach plots to sunbathe, while their kids play in the calm harbor water. A glimpse down the narrow streets shows most houses flying a U.S. or USC flag or both.



Balboa island may seem as unassuming as Mayberry, but this is some of the most expensive real estate outside Manhattan. Besides the golf carts and bikes residents use to get around, there are plenty of pricier rides. Newport is said to have the highest per-capita number of Mercedes-Benzes in the world.



Like a 50s flashback, Marine Ave - the island's main drag - seems like it hasn't changed much over the years. Dad’s and Sugar n’ Spice, a couple doors down from each other, continue their decades-long battle over who rightly lays claim to the original Balboa Bar – a vanilla ice cream bar coated in chocolate and the topping of your choice. So for fairness sake, that means you need to give both a try. Save room for Balboa Candy, also on Marine, which specializes in old-time candies and offers barrels of saltwater taffy in every imaginable flavor.

As for parking, all I can say is good luck. Your best bet is trying to snag a spot in the lot by the Balboa Pier, which is within easy walking distance of the Fun Zone and the auto ferry to Balboa Island.

Directions:
- From the 405 freeway, take Hwy 55
- Hwy 55 will cross Pacific Coast Hwy and change names to Balboa Blvd
- Turn right onto Main St. to the Balboa Beach parking lots

Main Street Ventura: City of Good Fortune

Promoted as the ‘City of Good Fortune,’ Ventura is aptly named. This small seaside town, with its backdrop of rolling hills, enjoys sunny days (an average of 258 a year to be exact) and gorgeous surfing beaches. What really sets Ventura apart, though, is its vibrant Main Street - a rarity in SoCal where mall culture has sucked the life out of most small city downtowns.



Just a one-hour drive north of LA, Ventura is typically used as a takeoff point for the nearby Channel Islands or bypassed altogether en route to Santa Barbara – its swankier neighbor to the north. But this small city is definitely stop-worthy.



Where else could you find a tapas bar serving Kobe beef burgers a couple doors down from a thrift store with a window display of neon-colored umbrellas? Like surrounding cities, Ventura has its fair share of cookie-cutter chain stores. But on palm tree-lined Main Street, these are a rare breed. Everyone from thrift store mavens to hip trendsetters should feel at home here.



Anchored by the San Buenaventura Mission to the west, the area offers thrift shops, trendy boutiques, jewelry stores, upscale wine bars, a taqueria, a cookbook store, a 50s style diner, and a funky coffee shop all in eight blocks. And for architectural buffs, don’t miss the beaux-arts style City Hall. Built in 1912, this historical landmark overlooks the city from Poli St., a block up from Main.

Here are a few highlights:



San Buenaventura Mission
211 East Main Street

Get an up close view of California’s mission history at founder Father Junipero Serra’s reputed favorite. The donation for a self-guided tour of this mission, founded in 1782, runs $1 for adults and 50¢ for children.

Coalition Thrift Store
270 East Main Street

A treasure trove of games, clothes, appliances, and other bits and bobs. This is my favorite thrift store of the three in the area. And besides the great prices, you get the benefit of knowing the money from your purchases is going to a good cause.

Palermo Coffee
321 East Main Street

More than just a coffee shop, this anti-Starbucks also sells chocolates and gelato (try the honey lavender!). Enjoy your treats on the patio or inside amid the charming clutter of gifts for sale (teapots, clocks, dried flowers, etc.) Adding to Palermo’s character is the high ceiling and exposed brick wall.



Busy Bee Café
478 East Main Street

Playful red-and-white décor and boothside jukeboxes draw patrons into this 50s-themed diner. Waitresses in bobby sox and cheerleader outfits complement the ambiance. A white board out front advertises daily specials, like fried chicken and pot pie. The burger-and-milkshake fare may not outdo In-N-Out’s, but the décor sure does.

The Calico Cat Bookshop
495 East Main Street

Established in 1975, this bookshop buys and sells used and rare books. Its random collection – from cookbooks to local history – will keep bookworms busy for hours.

Please let me know if there are any additional highlights that should be added.

Directions:

- Take the 101 Freeway North
- Turn right onto California St. and travel 3 blocks to Main St.
- Parking is abundant