Hotel at a Glance: Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

California’s Orange County gets more than 250 days of sunshine a year, and this 4-star boutique hotel helps travelers enjoy each of them. At Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, sports enthusiasts can practice their backhand on the outdoor tennis court or swim around the heated Palms Pool. For those who prefer to stay in the shade, the relaxing cabanas are within arm’s reach.

• Grab a bite at the hotel’s American-style restaurant, where you can also sip craft cocktails. (temporarily closed)
• Room with a view: From your hotel’s window, you’ll be able to see the pool or the mountains.
• Make a splash in the hotel’s outdoor heated pool, which is open year-round. (temporarily closed)
• Get a workout using the fitness center’s cardio machines and free weights.

Newport Beach, California: Beachside Town with Harbor in Orange County

Newport Beach is a popular Orange County destination whose 10-mile stretch of Pacific coastline is a haven for surfers and swimmers. At Newport Harbor, you’ll see rowboats and sailboats moored alongside luxury yachts. If you don’t have a boat of your own, catch a ferry to manmade Balboa Island, which boasts small boutiques, ice-cream parlors, and amusement-park rides. Keep your eyes peeled for familiar sights while you’re there; the beach was prominently featured in the television series Arrested Development.

Nature lovers will want to explore the area’s tide pools and forests, such as those found at Little Corona at Corona del Mar State Beach. At Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, you might spot brown pelicans and peregrine falcons wading through wetlands. Hikers and scuba divers flock to Crystal Cove State Park for woodland trails and offshore dive sites.