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2012 Newport Beach Boat Parade - Insider Tips

By December 19, 2012Orange County

Are you going? Yahoo Travel named it the #2 holiday lights event in the country (just behind NYC), and The New York Times has deemed the Newport Beach Boat Parade “one of the top holiday happenings in the nation.”  The Christmas Boat Parade, is on Dec 19-23 and celebrates its 104th year in Newport Beach. This year’s theme is “Surf, Sand & Santa.” Residents and businesses of Newport Beach will gather to decorate nearly 100 boats in lights and holiday decor—ranging from kayaks to yachts.

The Christmas Boat Parade winds its way around 14 miles of the Newport Harbor. The beautiful sight can be viewed from restaurants, yacht clubs, public beaches, and in private homes. Where’s the best spot, and what you should know before you go, below. Take a read on these Insider Tips.

Newport Beach Boat Parade Insider Tips:
-Be sure to allow an extra hour to find parking around the Peninsula and surrounding areas like Lido Isle, Bayshores, and Balboa Island.

-Pack a picnic. Great pre-made options can be found at A Market and Promelis. A cheese platter and wine goes great when watching the Boat Parade with friends and family.

-All the parks around Lido Isle offer grassy spots and beach for you to watch the Parade. Parks are located along Via Lido Nord and Via Antibes, Via Genoa, Via Orvielo, Via San Remo, and Via Waziers. Parks are also located along Via Lido Soud and Via Koron, Via Orvielo, Via San Remo, and Via Waziers.

-If you are coming by boat, the beach on Channel Road at Peninsula Point is the perfect spot – you can dock your boat and head out to the beach.

-Another great spot is the Jetty View Park down by the Wedge at Channel Road and East Ocean Front. There is plenty of grass for seating options.

-If you are in Corona del Mar, Sea View Park on Ocean Blvd overlooks the Newport Channel and provides a great angle to view the Boat Parade in CDM.

-A favorite of locals is Balboa Island – there really isn’t a bad spot to watch from the Big and Little Islands. Our favorite is the corner of South Bay Front and Jade Ave on the Little Island.

-Be sure to get to your secret spot early, bring blankets, snacks, and sweaters – and enjoy.

Another great spot to see the parade is from Balboa Bay Club & Resort, which is all decked out for the holidays. Click for my story on the Resort and its prime viewing location for the Boat Parade on CBS Los Angeles.

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