China Cove Kayak Adventures offers an easy, affordable way to see the Newport bay. This new kayak tour will get novices up and running in a few minutes and will guide you past the sights and sounds of this active pleasure craft harbor that includes a marina, beaches and film locations for many movies. Your tour guide offers a wealth of information about Newport Beach's celebrities. For instance, did you know that actor James Cagney once won Collins Island in a poker game. Shirley Temple, George Burns and Nicholas Cage have all lived along the Newport Beach harbor and your guide will point out their homes as you paddle by the same waterways the stars have enjoyed.

The Gillette home (of Gillette razor fame) was split in half by the feuding Gillette brothers with one getting the better bargain, staking claim to the portion sporting the finest views. When he built onto his half, he blocked his angry brother's views of the channel. Such is the drama of the rich and famous in Newport Beach, home to The OC.

As you sign up for your guided tour of Newport Harbor in brightly colored sit-on-top kayaks, with a stop for a swim at one of Newport’s best beaches, Pirates Cove, where Gilligan’s Island was filmed, you'll discover that kayaking is a lot of fun. An easy sport for those even a bit out of shape, it will help you burn off a few calories in a fun manner. The Newport Harbor features mild waters that allow you to learn the sport without too many challenges on your first trip out.

Launch locations can be customized to your needs, depending on how many are in your group and how energetic you're feeling. If you're new to kayaking, don't worry - the pace is as slow or fast as you like. There's no need for a wetsuit, but wearing a bathing suit under your T-shirt and shorts is a good idea. Also, you'll need to go barefoot to launch, so wear shoes or sandals that are easy on, easy off.

Not only are these kayak tours ideal for beginners, they can be catered to intermediate and advanced kayakers and even corporate events.  Cost: $39/approx. Call:  (949) 632-4694.   http://chinacovekayakadventures.com

While visiting Newport Beach, there are plenty of things to see and do after you've taken your kayak tour.

Things to see and do:

Take a day trip to Catalina Island, the island of romance. The cruise ships from Long Beach and San Pedro stop there for a day. But you can enjoy it for much less on a Catamaran boat ride departing Newport Beach next to the Balboa Pavilion. Catalina Flyer  ....> Tickets

Hornblower Luncheon or Dinner Cruise offers an affordable cruise around the bay, complete with a champagne buffet. On the dinner cruise there's usually dancing, too.

View the fantastic collection of art at a unique gallery museum, Orange County Museum of Art.  ....> Tickets

Shop at Fashion Island, Balboa Island and South Coast Plaza. These shopping centers bring new meaning to the saying, "Shop till you drop!"

Go Sportsfishing on a trip departing Davy's Locker.

Dine at one of the many restaurants along the bay. Delicious meals are served oceanside and nearby at Crab Cooker, Margaritaville and over 50 great cafes and restaurants.

Where to stay:

We love The Island Hotel  but not everyone can afford 4 diamond luxury at this property next to Fashion Island. You can stay at the beach for less at Balboa Inn, or more at  Balboa Bay Club & Resort or Portofino Beach Hotel. Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Regency, ExtendedStay America and Marriott are a few of the chain hotels in Newport Beach offering a variety of amenities and accommodations. A little further down the road is a stunning Marriott property at Newport Coast.

Newport Beach Hotel Reviews:
4 Seasons Newport Beach   Balboa Inn   Best Western Newport Beach Inn   Extended Stay America - Orange County   Holiday Inn Express  Hyatt Regency Newport Beach  Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Tennis   Marriott's  Newport Coast Villas  Marriott Suites  Portofino Beach Hotel   Radisson Hotel   Sutton Place - Fairmont Hotel