<p>Today we’re heading to the sun-soaked Southern California coast in the USA, arriving at Newport Beach.</p><br><p>Now, if you’re listening in the UK and thinking, <em>hang on, where exactly is Newport Beach?</em> - it’s just south of Los Angeles, in Orange County.&nbsp;</p><br><p>For a lot of you listening, that name might immediately conjure up <em>The O.C.</em>, or the <em>The Real Housewives of Orange County - </em>it’s one of those places that really captures that classic California coastal lifestyle: long sandy beaches, a beautiful harbour dotted with boats, waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood, surf culture, spectacular houses, and that sense that life is lived largely outdoors.</p><br><p>It’s glamorous, yes, but it’s also very accessible for all price points and surprisingly varied once you get to know it - and that’s what this episode is all about.</p><p>I’m joined today by Gary Sherwin, a Newport Beach local for the last 25 years, travel expert and CEO of Visit Newport Beach - he knows the area inside out. </p><br><p>He shares the places, experiences and little details that really give you a feel for the destination. Because this isn’t just somewhere to come for a quick beach stop. It’s a destination in its own right, and one that seems to offer a really lovely mix of things: that classic California coast feeling, yes, but also a lot of variety within it - from smart hotels and great food to beach days, boat days, family-friendly experiences, little pockets with their own personality, and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy being by the water.</p><br><p>So whether you’re plotting a wider California trip, looking for a different side of Southern California, or just in the mood for a little armchair travel to somewhere sunny and coastal, this should give you a very good feel for it.</p><br><p>Destination Recap:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Newport Harbor</li><li>Gulfstream Restaurant</li><li>Louie’s by the Bay</li><li>A Restaurant</li><li>21 Oceanfront Restaurant</li><li>Balboa Bay Resort</li><li>Pendry Newport Beach</li><li>VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort &amp; Spa</li><li>The Resort at Pelican Hill (becoming A St. Regis Estate in 2027)</li><li>Crystal Cove</li><li>Balboa Island</li><li>Inspiration Point, Corona del Mar</li><li>Mastro’s Ocean Club</li><li>Blackie’s by the Sea</li><li>Fashion Island</li><li>Back Bay (Upper Newport Bay)</li></ul><p><br></p><p>You can discover more about Newport Beach<a href="https://visitnewportbeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>.</p><br><p>As always, thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed it, do share it with someone who’s planning a California trip, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.</p><br><p>I’ll be back on Tuesday.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>