LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND TOURIST INFORMATION:
Southern California, and Orange County in particular, is famous for its beaches, surfing, and natural beauty across the coastline (Highway 1), as well as for its upscale shopping destinations and fine dining. Disneyland Park, the classic Disneyland amusement park, and Disneyland California Adventure, a more modern thrill-ride amusement park, are located 23 miles from the Newport Beach Marriot. Driving times vary from 20 minutes to an hour based on traffic. Here is a link to Google Maps giving directions from the conference venue to Disneyland (where both the Park and California Adventure are located). Here is a link to the park's webpage with hours, admission costs, etc.
"The Best of the OC"
- Balboa Island and Peninsula
Balboa Island is located in the beautiful Newport Harbor. Enjoy the day, shopping, art galleries and restaurants. A frozen banana on a stick or our World Famous Balboa Bar is a must Newport Beach tradition. If you get the chance be sure to catch the Ferry and take it across the harbor to the Balboa Peninsula. There you can experience the fun zone, harbor cruises, Duffy boats or rent a bike and cruise down the esplanade.
Across the street from Fashion Island, Roger's Gardens sits on seven acres of the most beautiful Home and Garden Center. They offer an extensive variety of Plants, Home Décor, and Landscape and Holiday items. Open daily from 9am -6pm (Holiday hours starting Nov.13 9am - 8pm). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Shop South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island
South Coast Plaza is the shopping destination. Designer clothiers, world renowned jewelers, dining, salon and spas, also offers an entertainment complex, featuring two separate performing arts theatres. Fashion Island is Southern California's premier open-air retail center, offering Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Macy's. With more than 200 specialty shops and boutiques', Fashion Island all houses a wide variety of restaurants, a carousel, and a seven-screen movie theater. Fairmont is pleased to offer complimentary shuttle services to these destinations.
Laguna Beach is our "treasure" in Orange County. Home of three different art festivals each year, The Pageant of The Masters production, a school of art and design, Laguna Beach is a community rich in creativity. There is a great playhouse, excellent restaurants, local clubs, exquisite wine bars, quaint coffee houses and wonderful beaches. The heart of Laguna Beach is Forest Avenue. This main street holds Laguna Beach's signature shops, art galleries and eateries. Don't forget to bring your camera!
- Crystal Cove State Park and Dine at The Beach Comber
Swimming, surfing, bicycling,, jogging trails, picnic facilities, hiking, bird watching, tide pool exploration, diving, kite flying, fishing and more ! ! ! ! Treat yourself to a breakfast, lunch or dinner seaside at Crystal Coves Historical 1920 cottage known as The Beach Comber Café. Defiantly the locals most famous hidden treasure.
- Sherman Library and Gardens
Sherman Library & Gardens located in Corona del Mar is a horticultural retreat of gardens, patios and conservatories. The Library is a specialized center devoted to Pacific Southwest studies. Hours: 10:30am -4pm daily. Library hours: Tue. Wed. & Thur. 9am- 4:30pm.
Café Jardin Hours: Lunch - Mon-Fri. 11:30am- 2:30pm. Sunday Brunch Hours: 10:30am-2pm.
- Mariner's Village at Dana Wharf
Located just below the bluff is beautiful Dana Point Harbor. Home to some great shopping, dining and water sport activities. The harbor has some excellent walking/ jogging paths with scenic views of the harbor. Dana Point Harbor provides slips and moorings for more than 2,500 sailboats and power boats and offers over fifty specialties shops and restaurants as well as facilities for windsurfing, kayaking, sport fishing, and boat charters. It is no wonder why Dana Point Harbor is a very popular destination for our guests.
- Experience the Magic of The Disneyland Resort
Visit Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the crew at the happiest place on Earth. With two incredible theme parks, Disneyland Park® , Disney's California Adventure Park® and there recently added spectacular entertainment and dining district, there's more to explore than ever before! Please visit the concierge desk for tickets and further detailed information.
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
8:00am until 5:00 pm except for major holidays. After visiting the Mission why not walk over to the Los Rios Historical District. You will find thirty-one historic structures that include three adobes built in 1794. A favorite restaurant of mine is the Ramos House Café.
Located just 26 miles off the California shore, Catalina Island offers something for everyone, including horseback riding, bicycling, golf and excellent scuba diving. Daily boat service out of Newport Beach is available from the Balboa Pavilion on the Catalina Flyer as well as Helicopter service out of John Wayne Orange County Airport.