Step outside of Newport Bay and you are stepping into one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California. Forward thinkers wanted to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations of marine life.
April is wrapping up the most spectacular of the sights along this 15-mile stretch of marine sanctuary. This area allows whales and dolphins to migrate freely, and it means spectacular views for the mammals on two legs who want to see them.
The most spectacular is the Gray Whale, which makes the longest migration of any marine mammal. Literally tens of thousands of gray whale are migrating right now along the Newport Beach coastline. During the summer they are feeding up north in the Bering Sea, but as the weather turns colder there, they begin their long journey and delightfully pass through Newport Beach on their way to the lagoons of Baja California. If you are out on the water, you can sometimes glimpse 4 or 5 whales cruising their way south. But it’s not only the gray whales making a traveling statement: other whales take part of the journey along with them, including finback whales, humpback whales, minke whales, along with several species of dolphin. So it’s the perfect time to see one of nature’s most spectacular sights in the water, and enjoy the most beautiful coastline in southern California.
There are a number of companies who will take you out on the water to watch the whales, or enjoy a magnificent Pacific sunset, and April is a great month to get out on the water. Here’s a thought: no one enjoys Tax Day, April 15th, so the Royal Princess Yacht is offering two Caribbean Party cruises that day to make you forget your troubles. There is a daytime and evening cruise with a Caribbean theme, including buffet and dancing. The rum may make you forget all about those pesky tax returns!
The next Saturday, April 21st, just a daffodil’s throw away in Corona del Mar is the 22nd annual Private Gardens Tour. You can mingle with artists and musicians as you make your way through several glorious private gardens. The tour includes a light lunch at the Sherman Library and Gardens. All the proceeds from the tour are going toward the PCH Frontage and Entrance Redesign Project. Plans for the conceptual design have been drawn up, in keeping with the history and style of the Library and Gardens. Once the official fundraising campaign is launched the plans will be unveiled. The private garden tours start on April 21st start at 11:00am and end at 4:00pm.
4/26/2018–5/3/2018
The ending of April will signal the beginning of the Newport Beach Film Festival. It is one of the leading film festivals in the United States, and bring to Orange County the finest classic and contemporary films from around the world. The film festival spans 8 days, and will show a variety of studio and independent films, as well as a Family Film Series suitable for all. You might even get the chance to see what may become next year’s Oscar contenders and tomorrow’s classic films before anyone else has had the chance to see them.
“A Sailor is an Artist Whose Medium is the Wind” — Webb Chiles
Also at the end of April: the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. This 125 mile overnight race is a perfect mix of good times, fun and adventure. Everyone is looking to take home the silver! Some racers may head offshore for stronger winds; others will sail the rhumb line to finish first. There are more than 50 trophy categories and numerous classes. If you sail a monohull, multihull or cruiser, this race is for you! You will find first time racers and those experiences sailors who don’t mind teaching you a thing or two. It starts Friday morning at 11:00am.
“May your anchor be tight,
Your cork be loose,
Your rum be spiced,
And your compass be true!”
As you can tell, The Stavros Group loves this part of the world, and we want to share it with you! There is so much to do here in Orange County, and we’ll love to call you neighbor! Contact us if we can connect you with the home of your dreams.!
