Southern California's coastal fantasyland of Newport Beach has been named among the top ten resort towns in the U.S. by AOL Travel, presented by AskMen.com http://information.travel.aol.com/across-america?ncid=AOLCOMMtravdynlprim0326. Fellow resort town of Palm Springs also made the list, making the duo the lone representatives of the state of California. Out of the ten towns cited, five were west of the Mississippi River.


The AOL Top Ten Resort Towns List describes Newport Beach in the following manner: "For decades, multigenerational stars from Lauren Bacall to Kobe Bryant have headed to this ocean-side city of 70,000 inhabitants. Visitors will definitely love the upscale activities it offers. Naturally, galleries, boutiques and nightlife hot spots are plentiful. Note the quaint Balboa Fun Zone amusement area on the Balboa Peninsula; it should not be missed. Once you have your fill of nostalgia, select from a variety of fine restaurants, golf courses and boating excursions. Each offers some of the best Pacific views you will ever witness."


Criteria for inclusion on the top ten list, according to AOL, includes easy access from major and regional airports (John Wayne Airport, Los Angeles International Airport or Ontario International Airport in the case of Newport Beach), plus each town had to offer "the upscale luxury you demand, the accessibility you need, and the ability to see and be seen while you're there."


"We are obviously delighted to be included on the AOL List of Top Ten Resort Towns," said Gary Sherwin, Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau President/CEO. "Considering the many outstanding resort destinations in California and throughout the western U.S. we are extremely pleased -- this designation speaks directly to Newport Beach as an upscale luxury brand."