Throughout the vast state of California, Newport Beach remains one of the most overlooked cities. The city of Newport Beach is actually a very charming island, with great beaches and a peninsula. With all of it's charms, it remains overlooked by tourists and those looking for an ideal vacation spot.

Lying cradled within the Balboa Peninsula, the seven islands that make up Newport Beach happen to have some of the most expensive real estate in California. Many of the homes here are 1.5 million and up! When you consider that many are surrounded by small yacht harbors and a peaceful yet tranquil environment, you know the price of the homes are more than well worth it.

If you live in California, you can find Newport Beach just off Pacific Coast Highway in beautiful Orange County. Simply take CA 55 south from I-5 to Newport Blvd. Or, you canalso take CA 1 at Newport Blvd. After a short travel, the Newport Blvd. will turn into Balboa Blvd. and eventually take you down the middle of the island.

Whether you live in California or just outside of it, Newport Beach is one place you should visit. Once you visit this overlooked treasure, you'll probably find yourself wondering why you didn't visit sooner. Take our word for it - Newport Beach is simply "that good".

If you enjoy exotic yet superb food and great wine, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is where you need to be. Lasting a weekend long, the festival is held annually at the Balboa Bay Club. Normally held the first week of May, this is the perfect time to visit Newport Beach.

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.

A pier can be one of the most romantic places to go in the world. If you doubt that, take a trip to the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach and you'll see first hand just how great a pier can be. On any given summer night, this pier is enveloped in darkness by 10 PM.

While the average fisherman heads home when the pier is dark, life continues. All along the pier, darkness does nothing but add to the atmosphere. Towards the end of the pier, you can see the neon lights of Ruby's Diner lighting up the sky, calling out to those on the pier.

Walking along the pier you can see many different lights illuminating the sky. The Balboa Pavilion can be seen as well, adding to the already magical time that the lights help to add to the pier.

In many ways, the Balboa Pavilion is a sister attraction to the pier. They were both built in 1906 and designed to attract people to the Newport area. Even in those times, the pier and the pavilion helped to bring travelers to the area.

Down the peninsula from the pier, the area has a feeling that rivals days gone by. For fishermen and those that enjoy fishing, the Balboa Pier is simply heaven on earth. Looking to the south of the pier, you'll see the Newport Jetty and the bay entrance. Main Street is right around the corner, adding a wealth of things to do to the pier.

Even though some consider fishing to be secondary on the pier, it gives fisherman that are there more room to fish. For many residents of the area, the pier is where they began their life of fishing. When standing on at the end looking down the Balboa Pier you'll probably be amazed. The 920 foot pier is simply incredible to look at. Walking down it is great any time of year, especially at night when taking a moonlit stroll. For honeymooners or married couples, the pier beckons out for romance. The Balboa Pier is open from 5 AM until midnight. There are restrooms located near the entrance, with lights and fish cleaning stations located on the pier. At the end of the pier, there is even a small restaurant.

Located in the city of Newport Beach, the Balboa Pier is a must visit for anyone who loves fishing. Even if you don't like fishing, the pier is great to walk at night or during the day. If you want to see what piers are all about, make sure you check out the beauty and splendor that the Balboa Pier will provide you with.

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