Balboa Bay Resort

Sitting along 15 acres of natural wonder, the classic proportions and terracotta tiles of the Balboa Bay Resort bring a faintly Mediterranean ambiance to this Southern California hotel. Inside, the look and feel are pure Orange County — sleek, nautical, and friendly. The only Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond waterfront resort in Newport Beach, it has hosted everyone from Bogart and Bacall to Jerry Seinfeld, and when you stay in the spacious guestrooms, dine in the sea-view restaurants, and relax around the expansive pool, you’ll see why.

• Choose from 159 luxurious guestrooms, all with private balconies
• Soak up the sun on the elegant, harborside pool deck
• Dine by the water on locally-caught fish and Californian wine
• Plan an event in one of six stylish spaces — or on board a sleek 128 ft yacht
• Treat yourself to a relaxing massage using heated seashells at the spa
• Explore the yacht-filled harbor on one of the hotel’s electric Duffy boats

With its gorgeous harbor views and a tagline — one of many — that says it measures its backyard in nautical miles, you’re going to want to head out onto the water. The hotel can provide you with kayaks and stand up paddleboards, and for the full California dream, surf lessons, too. Boat rentals are also available.