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Picture million dollar yachts, kayaks, electric boats
and other watercrafts gliding through the Newport
Harbor – and you have the Newport Beach Christmas
Boat Parade. The parade features dazzling holiday
lights that light up the bay, amazing the nearly
one million visitors that crowd Newport Beach and
Newport Harbor.

From December 18 – 22, there are more than 200 vessels
participating in this holiday celebration. Several
of these vessels will be decorated for the season,
playing music and displaying Christmas decorations
and costumed carolers. In the past, some yacht
owners have spent as much as 50,000 dollars in
decorations for their yacht.

Over the course of 14 miles, the yachts and watercraft
will amaze the spectators. For more than 90 years,
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled
spectators and locals. All along the beach, the parade
provides views for restaurants, locals, private home
owners, and even those on public beaches.

Along with the private boats, many charter companies
offer the chance for parade goers to participate in
the parade and view the “Ring of Lights”, a group of
spectacular homes all around the harbor. The “Ring of
Lights” is a popular addition to the parade, with
prizes given for those who have the best decorations
on their homes.

The Aquatic Center of Newport Beach is an ideal place
for anyone who loves the water or loves to work out
and stay in shape. The over 18,000 square foot
facility offers a multi-purpose meeting room, both
weight and cardiovascular training facilities, locker
rooms for both men and women, and a storage area for
well over 400 canoes and kayaks!

North Star Beach is here as well, offering a launching
dock off the sandy shore. The Aquatic Center offers
direct access to Newport Harbor and North Star Beach,
offering rowers and paddlers their choice of water
activities and sports.

During the year, the Aquatic Center offers many
different activities and events. A majority of these
test team skills and individual skills, which is
perfect for anyone looking to get into the Olympics
or just learn more about water based activities.

Along with the many programs for members, the Aquatic
Center in Newport Beach is also open to the public.
Even though you don’t have to be a member here, there
are special discounts that members receive. If you
happen to be on vacation in Newport Beach, it’s ideal
to stop by the Aquatic Center and check out everything
they offer.

If you happen to miss the big Wine Festival in May,
you shouldn’t worry as the area has a lot of fine
restaurants to keep you coming back for more. One
of the local favorites here, and a favorite for many
visitors is the Chimayo Grill.

The Chimayo Grill is located on Fashion Island, in
the chic shopping oasis. After a long day of
shopping, nothing beats going to the grill for lunch
or dinner. Starting with the legendary tequila
infusion is great, as it consists of fresh fruit
marinated in tequila. Although they taste light
and fruity, they are full of tequila and pack quite
a punch!

The grill is decorated in a Sante Fe style, being
casual, but yet unique. You simply can’t go wrong
here, as all of the food they serve is great. With
so much to choose from here, you may find that it
takes quite a few trips to sample everything they
have to offer.

Being on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the
Chimayo Grill is in a perfect setting. You can
take the kids here as well, as the grill has a nice
setting. For a night out as a family or a night out
to have fun – the Chimayo Grill adds a bit of spice
to Fashion Island – as well as Newport Beach.

All along Newport Beach there are several historic
sites that are worth checking out. Many of them
were around back in the early 1900’s, which is
great to see for anyone who wants to see what the
past was like or to learn more about the history
behind Newport Beach.

Balboa Pavilion
Located at 400 Main Street, the Balboa Pavilion
is the first landmark for Newport Beach. Built in
1905, the pavilion was the end of the line for the
Red Car of the Pacific Electric. Now days, the
Balboa Pavilion hosts a variety of shops, a
chartering company, and even a restaurant.

McFadden’s Wharf
Completed in 1889, the wharf began the decade for
Newport as a shipping port. Built by James and
Robert McFadden, the wharf was a great way to ship
lumber from Northern California to those who
settled here.

Old Landing
The Old Landing is located at Highway 101 & Dover
Drive. Established in 1870, the Old Landing was
designated to be a new port by the McFaddens, who
went on to establish a shipping service in the area
of Newort. Now, there’s a bridge and highway on
an area of teh site. The remaining area of the
Old Landing is vacant.