Travel Tips

Although the area of Newport Beach is known for the harbor and love of the water, it also contains a hidden shoppers paradise. With the infamous Fashion Island and Balboa Island nearby, Newport does wonders for those who like activities yet enjoy shopping.

Fashion Island is one of the best areas of Newport Beach, containing over 200 stores. The Island has everything you could ever want, from toys to expensive clothes. If you’ve ever tried Fashion Island before, you’re probably aware of just how great it can be. With over 200 stores, it’ll take hours and hours to explore everything here – and possibly even days.

If you happen to be looking for an inexpensive, yet excellent experience, Balboa Island is where you should be going. The Island is accessible from Palm Street by ferry at the Balboa Peninsula, or by car/foot from Jamboree Road at the Pacific Coast Highway.

With its great location and environment, the community is home to more than 80 galleries, gift shops, and fine restaurants. All along the streets on the island, you can find locals selling great merchandise, along with vendors selling superb sweets and hot eats.

When walking on foot on the island, you’ll notice that there are wonderful views of the extravagent homes, harbor, and even the bay. Passing the street signs, you may notice that they are indeed named after precious stones, which is quite different.

Once you pass Turquoise, Topax, Diamond, and Sapphire, you’ll reach the popular Marine Avenue, which is where shoppers will fall in love. With unique and attractive gift shops and sidewalk cafes, it’s easy to spend hours here looking at everything you can purchase.

The heart of the Balboa Island’s shopping and apparel district, Marine Avenue has many unique boutiques and galleries as well. If hunger strikes, you can lose yourself in the tastefully impressive Balboa Bar, a bar made of vanilla ice cream that is dipped in chocolate.

With restaurants on the Avenue as well, you can enjoy everything from a simple meal to some of the best Italian food in Newport Beach. Offering you plenty of things to see as well, Balboa Island gives you more than just shopping – although the shopping here is something you must experience.

If you enjoy shopping and seeing beautiful views, Newport Beach is truly the shopping paradise you’ve been longing for. As a family vacation, Balboa Island and the surrounding areas can provide everything you need for fun and entertainment. For shopping lovers everywhere, Newport Beach provides the type of shopping you won’t find anywhere else.

The Fashion Island, located at the Newport Center
in Newport Beach is the ideal place to go if you
like adventure and shopping. Proving to be one
of the premiere establishments in Newport Beach,
Fashion Island is one place you simply must go if
you crave a fun and exciting time during your trip
here or your stay here.

Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego,
stopping here won’t put you out of your way. Offering
shopping, beaches, theme parks, museums, parks and
other events, this is an absolute treasure. On
Fashion Island itself, there are more than 1,300 hotel
rooms within the Newport Center.

On Fashion Island kids love the carousel. The carousel
is a custom made Venetian-themed ride with 32 antique
horses and other animals, perfect for riders of nearly
any age. With animals such as the rabbit, tiger, bear
and fish, the carousel is a must see for anyone who
enjoys theme parks and amusement rides.

For younger children, Fashion Island offers the whimsical
Kiddie Train. For younger children of the area, the
train has become a tradition. If you are visiting here,
you can find the train between Bloomingdale’s and Marcus.

On the island, two of the most signature elements are
the splashing fountains and the well known sparkling koi
pond. Located adjacent to Macy’s, you’ll find the Pop
Jet, and near Island Terrace you’ll find the also well
known Iris Fountain. Both were created in 1989 and
custom made for Fashion Island. The koi pond was also
custom made in 1968 and holds 15,000 gallons.

The entire area of Fashion Island is surrounded by top
class hotels, including the Hotel Newport Beach. Minutes
away from the island is the Orange County airport and
several beaches. During the summer, the sandy beaches
provide the ultimate relaxation from a day of shopping
and fun on Fashion Island.

Throughout the year, there are many events as well. With
summer concerts, a project playhouse, and seasonal
activities for the children, Fashion Island proves to be
more than just shopping.

On the shopping side of things, as the name implies, you’ll
find hundreds of shopping stores and several fine restaurants
to dine in here. Fashion Island on Newport Beach is the
place to be for anyone visiting the area looking to see
the best in shopping and entertainment.

If you’re looking to visit Newport Beach, make sure you pay
Fashion Island a visit. You can find almost anything to
buy here along with plenty of activities to keep the kids
happy as well. A visit to Newport Beach isn’t complete
without stopping here – making Fashion Island a very
important part of the entire beach experience.

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.