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Summer Hotspots: 8 Cool Vacation Retreats
by Jan Gerner
 If you've been searching for a great vacation hot spot, we've got the low-down on where to go, where to stay, and what to do once you get there.
These eight popular destinations offer luxurious accommodations, natural beauty, wondrous sightseeing, endless outdoor activities, must-see museums, upscale shopping, kick-up-your-heels nightlife, delectable dining, and soothing spa sanctuaries.
Whatever you're searching for in a vacation—we've found a spot within easy flying distance to you.
The Island Hotel
Newport Beach, California 
The John Wayne Airport (KSNA) is about five miles from the resort and with advance notice and $20 the hotel will provide transportation—or, if you prefer, rent a car. There's something for everyone here–water sports, land sports, shopping, and the always-popular theme parks: Disneyland, LEGOLAND, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm.
If shopping is your favorite sport, don'
t miss Fashion Island just across the street from the hotel. Trendy shops, fountains, a Koi pond, Venetian Carousel, and a wide selection of restaurants make this a favorite spot for buying, browsing, and noshing.
The nautical crowd will enjoy cruising the waterways and bays in an electric Duffy, gondola, kayak, or luxury yacht. Or head for open water and Catalina Island, which, as most baby boomers know, is 26 miles across the sea. Stop by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum to learn about the area'
s fascinating maritime past, which includes surfing.
With six miles of wide, sandy beach, this is the ideal location for sun bathing and building sand castles. It's also an ideal location for body surfing. The Newport Wedge is a world-famous hot spot in body-surfing circles. If the sometimes-20-foot-plus waves are a bit extreme for you, there's the 3,000-square-foot pool surrounded by lush landscaping back at the Island Hotel.
After a day of soaking up the sun and sightseeing along the boardwalk, try one of the hotel's signature spa treatments. If traveling has left you a bit weary, the Travel Recovery Massage will get you into vacation mode.
The hotel's brand new Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge offers diners American-style cuisine in a tropical setting. Chef Bill Bracken's " small bites"menu is a unique, tasty dining experience. Top off the night in the lounge with entertainer Jimmy Hopper, who was voted Entertainer of the Year in Vegas.
If you happen to be a John Wayne fan, plan on celebrating the Duke's 100th birthday. A variety of activities will honor this Hollywood legend who called Newport Beach home.
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