You probably won't find Paris Hilton here, but if you ask around, you can probably see the spot where rocker Sammy Hagar (Van Halen) stayed. You might even be able to park your rig in the same site that American Idol's Bo Bice once reserved for his RV.

The Beach Boys were here not long ago. But that was either before or after Roseanne Barr showed up with her entourage and RV. While this could be anywhere from Malibu to Miami, we're actually referring to a gem in the lap of luxury called Newport Dunes.

Just 60 miles south of Hollywood in Southern California, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has been entertaining families and the famous for the past 50 years. With million-dollar views and a pristine private beachfront, Newport Dunes ranks on our list as one of the best RV resorts in California if you're looking for a special getaway more reminiscent of a five-star hotel than an RV park.

The first thing you notice about Newport Dunes is that no one enters without reservations, because it's a gated environment.

Newport Dunes also has its own security staff and offers 100 acres of high-end RV living so close to the ocean that you can smell saltwater with a slight breeze. For the sportsman, there's a 450-slip marina, a six-lane boat launch ramp and dry boat storage. It's about a 30-minute trip by boat through the harbor to open water, and the views are absolutely incredible along the way.

There are 386 RV sites featuring cable, electrical and Wi-Fi services, and double-wide spaces that are individually fenced for maximum privacy are available. Unique to the whole RV resort business is that Newport Dunes offers 24 cottages for those vacationers who don't own an RV or are just visiting with friends and family who do.

Our visit over the July 4th weekend gave us an appreciation of a family resort like this one, where yearly fireworks displays draw a huge crowd.

While there are plenty of other places to visit outside of the resort itself, you might not ever want to leave considering the choices of things to do.

The park also features a private swimming pool, spa, fully stocked grocery store, rec room and laundry facilities. There are pavilions, cabanas, barbecues and 10 acres of private beach nestled up against calm bay waters. Swimming is incredible. And dogs are allowed on leash, although there are some restrictions.

The rates for RV hookups vary, but standard sites start at $68 per night. The cottages begin at $185 per night. A visit to this remarkable resort is very memorable, and even if you aren't rich or famous, you will certainly feel like a celebrity once you arrive.

Enjoy a Picnic
To enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and private beach at the Dunes, we looked for a local restaurant that catered to people who liked to picnic. We found the nearby Daily Grill. The Dunes does offer a fabulous menu at Back Bay Bistro, but we opted for the more laid-back approach with a blanket on the table just outside our trailer.

Daily Grill (with national locations) serves up complete picnic boxes to go featuring a variety of gourmet fare. The restaurant prepares all food fresh to order and packs everything for transport in sturdy, easy-to-carry boxes. It's within 10 minutes of the Dunes, and orders can be placed by phone and then picked up curbside at the restaurant.

Their selections include sliced New York steak served with Caesar salad, jumbo shrimp cocktail, grilled vegetables and classic cheesecake; charbroiled herb chicken served with an iceberg "wedge" salad, seared ahi sashimi and key lime pie; poached Atlantic salmon served with cucumber dill salad, grilled vegetables, fresh strawberries and whipped cream; a wrap sandwich combo made with either Santa Fe chicken or ahi tuna, gazpacho soup, endive salad and a jumbo serving of carrot cake; and a "picnic your way" created with items of your choice from Daily Grill's expansive takeout menu.

The to-go packages include fresh sourdough bread and homemade garlic chips as well as all necessary accoutrements such as utensils, napkins, tablecloths and condiments. Beverages may be ordered separately at either the Daily Grill or the Dunes' on-site marketplace.

The Daily Grill in Newport Beach is located at the upscale Fashion Island Shopping Center at 957 Newport Center Drive. For more information or to order a picnic to go, call Daily Grill at (949) 644-2223 or visit www.dailygrill.com.

Other Things to Do
Two of the very best shopping opportunities can be found within a short drive of Newport Dunes. If Chanel and Armani are your thing, you have to check out Fashion Island, perhaps one of the most unique open-air shopping opportunities anywhere.

Nearby South Coast Plaza offers some of the best dining in all of Orange County, not to mention every major clothing label imaginable. Plan to spend the afternoon visiting the many unique shops and designer boutiques at both attractions.

For something more artsy, in the summer months visit the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival. The Sawdust Festival showcases art from the Laguna Beach artistic community. Everything from handblown glass to fine watercolors are on display. Musicians stroll the grounds, and the food is reasonably priced.

Obviously Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are always a hit with the kids and within 30 minutes of Newport Dunes, but if you're really looking for adventure, book a boat ride to Catalina via the Catalina Flyer that leaves nearby Newport Harbor each day.

Surf's Up
Surfing is a must-do if you are staying at Newport Dunes, and there's no place better to catch a wave than off of Newport or Huntington Beach. The waves in the summer are typically head-high or smaller, although an offshore storm can pump up the wave action beyond most skill levels.

If you are inclined, try a day trip to Trestles, about 45 minutes south of Newport Dunes in San Clemente. Trestles offers world-class breaks and is best suited to long-board riding. When the waves are small, Trestles can be a good place to learn to surf. Because of its popularity, Trestles can get crowded on the weekends, so hit the surf early mornings during the week for optimum wave action. Can't surf? There are plenty of surf shops in the area that offer beginner classes.