Originally Posted by XFed2001
Two of our party of 4 bought a 1- week timeshare last year in Newport Beach and have already spent a week there. So, for 2 of us, it'll be new. They had already been to Catalina. Is Balboa Island similar to Catalina? Lunch at Ruby's sounds like a must do. We expect to really leisurely enjoy the area and "cool out". Thanks for any suggestions that you and others might offer.
Is the timeshare at the Newport Coast Marriott? If yes, Crystal Cove State beach is straight down from there (the resort is not on the beach - way across PCH) & a very pretty loong usually uncrowded beach with tidepools, sea creatures - I really like this beach. Driving a little further south is Crystal Cove Plaza with a Williams Sonoma, Trader Joe's & a bunch of other shops, but the big attraction is to go there early Sat morning, grab a coffee at Starbuck's or Pacific Whey & watch the antique car rally - everyone brings their dogs & it's quite the hangout. After that, drive back north on PCH to Marguarite, turn left & park whereever for the Sat. Farmer's Market.
Going back south, Laguna Beach is wonderful - the Pageant of the Masters is about to start - try to get your concierge to get you tickets if you haven't seen this absolutely amazing once in a lifetime must-see. Go very early to park & stroll around the grounds & try not to buy any art! ;-) Laguna is well worth a day walking around - one of the most charming towns around.
Balboa Island is nothing like Catalina - for starts, you just drive over the bridge (left on Jamboree from PCH N) & you are right on Marine Avenue, the main street. Park whereever you can - may need to be a side street & walk Marine, then walk up to the bay & along the boardwalk to the ferry, take the ferry over to the peninsula & from here you walk thru the Fun Zone to the Pavilion & up that street (Main) to the Balboa pier & Ruby's. Another full day...
The Lido Village area is charming - check out a movie at the Lido Theater - totally old-style charming place, Lid Village & along the waterfront has litle restaurants & shops (Mardo Jelewlers - look out!) & you can hire a gondola or bigger boat to cruise the (few) canals & harbor.
One of my absolute fav things to do is to pack a picnic & a couple of bottles of wine & rent a Duffy 'Cocktail Cruiser) from Duffy boats on PCH (you can also rent them from Newport Dunes). Cruise the incredible harbor & enjoy your yummies & just don't let the driver have too much wine! You can moor at several restaurants/bars if you like, but since you're paying for the boat per hour..
Back in Corona del Mar, the store on PCH are fun to window shop & we're getting a lot more fun bouiques here. Go all the way down Marguerite to Oceanfront, turn right & then veer left down into the Big Corona parking lot ($6) , or try to find parking on one of the flower streets above. Walk down to Pirate's Cove & Little & Big Corona - these beaches get very crowded, but still spectacular & the homes around here are charming.
Also in CdM are the Sherman Gardens (free entrance on Mon or Tues - I can't remember) - beautiful gardens right on PCH & a lovely restaurant to have lunch at while admiring them.
If you want any food or shopping or culture rec's, let me know specifics & I'll try to help. If you can get tkts to a performance at the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mes, it really is a spectacular building with world-class performances. Enjoy!