L.A. Times Travel Show honors Newport Beach

Newport Beach residents don’t have to travel far for the Los Angeles Times Travel Show’s top-rated domestic destination.

In fact, they don’t have to travel at all.

With more than 10 miles of beaches and a population of about 85,000, Newport was recognized as the Best Domestic Destination during the Jan. 27 to 29 travel show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“As residents, I think we often forget about how many wonderful things there are in this town,” Mayor Nancy Gardner said.

In addition to the well-known great weather and beautiful harbor, the city also boasts ample shopping, an active arts and cultural scene, recreational activities and gardens, she said.

“I think that we’re a pretty complete package, and this is simply a recognition of that,” Gardner said.

The event, which was in its 14th year, looked at more than 20 destinations nationwide.

“We are honored to receive this award in a field of so many other beautiful destinations, and thank the L.A. Times Travel Show for bestowing this great distinction on Newport Beach,” Vicki Higgins, senior vice president of Marketing at Visit Newport Beach Inc., said in a prepared statement.

The Los Angeles Times owns the Daily Pilot.

— Sarah Peters

Twitter: @speters01