Newport Beach, CA

How the bustling city of Newport came to be. Almost two decades later, the port was laid out and developed around yachting, tour boats, fishing (both sport and commercial), and beach activities. A residential community was also built catering to visitors from Los Angeles and Long Beach. The area soon became lively with residents and tourists enjoying the long stretches of beaches as surfers braved The Wedge, shoppers ventured to the stores at Fashion Island Mall, and food lovers began to explore the culinary delights of Balboa Island.

Newport was not always a picturesque coastal city. The state of California sold parts of the Lido Islands, Balboa Island, and Harbor Island for a dollar per acre, calling it a swamp and overflow land sometime in the mid-1800s. The Newport Beach of today is a far cry from being an undesirable place to live.

How Newport Beach became an incorporated town. Residents of the thriving coastal town voted to incorporate in 1906. At the time, its population had less than 400 residents. The industries that thrived during that period included salt mining, canning, and fishing. In later decades, yacht building and brokering became more popular.

Newport Beach at the turn of the century. Significant efforts were made to develop the harbor even further. Harbor dredging and jetty construction began and were halted because of World War I and the economic depression. In the 1920s, there was a renewed focus on improving the harbor.

How Newport Beach became a sought-after destination. After World War II, the city became a must-visit tourist destination with luxury hotels and motels dotting the area. Permanent residents started moving into the city, turning modest beach cottages into elegant beachfront homes.

Newport Beach today. The city has come a long way from its humble beginnings over a century ago. Newport Beach is now a lively city with one of the busiest small-boat harbors in the world. Marine industries have flourished in the area with an array of marina facilities, making it a premier yacht rendezvous. Other thriving industries include aerospace electronics, financial services, research, medicine and development, science, electronics, and communications.

BALBOA PENINSULA

Found between Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Peninsula is the best place to enjoy the seaside. Properties in the area are a mix of single-family homes with architectural styles like Contemporary, New England, and Cape Cod. This community is also a great place to buy Newport Beach condos for sale. Because of its location, many of the properties in the area are by the waterfront. Residents enjoy exciting water activities and quiet coastal living at the same time.

BALBOA ISLAND

This village is said to be the best among the Newport Beach neighborhoods because of its idyllic and relaxed atmosphere. It is filled with interesting boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and nightlife spots. The waterfront homes in the area come in a range of styles from the classic beach house to newer houses adopting a more modern aesthetic.

LIDO MARINA VILLAGE

This quaint village has an eclectic mix of waterfront shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Art lovers will adore the Lido Theater and the thriving film and art scene. Most of the properties in the area are single-family homes by the waterfront.

CORONA DEL MAR

Corona Del Mar lives up to its name as the Crown of the Sea. This village is perfect for those who want to be closer to nature. Visit breathtaking nature destinations such as Corona del Mar State Beach and the Robert E. Badham Marine Conservation Area. This high-end neighborhood has some of the most elegant waterfront properties in various architectural styles.

THE ISLANDS OF NEWPORT HARBOR

This village is home to some of the most desirable neighborhoods in California. The eight strictly residential islands found in this area are Lido Isle, Linda Isle, Harbor Island, Collins Island, Newport Island, Balboa Island, Bay Island, and Little Balboa Island.

LINDA ISLE

This is the most sought-after gated community in Newport Harbor. Located in the Lower Bay, Linda Isle is the pinnacle of opulent coastal living with most homes having private docks right on the property. This prestigious neighborhood is restricted to residents and their guests only, which makes it appealing to those who put a premium on their privacy.

LIDO ISLE

Found just northwest of Newport Harbor is another luxury neighborhood: Lido Isle. One of the oldest master-planned communities in the state, it has a mix of European, Mediterranean, and traditional architectural styles. Just like Linda Isle, Lido Isle is only accessible to residents.

HARBOR ISLAND

This is an exceptionally exclusive gated community with only a few dozen homes built atop a semi-artificial island. It has some of the most expensive waterfront properties in the city. Each property has a private dock that may accommodate several yachts.

NEWPORT COAST

This community features the Newport Ridge Community Park, Pelican Hill Golf Course, Pelican Hill Resort & Spa, and the historic Crystal Cove State Park. It is also home to the exclusive hilltop neighborhood of Pelican Crest which is near the Catalina Islands and the Pacific Ocean. A lot of the luxury properties in this neighborhood are impressive custom estates sitting on large swaths of land with perfect panoramic views of the ocean.

Countless nature destinations and outdoor activities
From picturesque beaches to great hiking trails, Newport Beach offers beautiful nature destinations both on land and in the water. If you want to go surfing, swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, or any other water activity that tickles your fancy, check out Corona del Mar State Beach, Pirate Cove’s Beach, Marina Park, and – the most popular beach in the city – The Wedge,

Newport Beach is not just about the water and sand. If hiking is more your speed, there are plenty of trails and loops in the city. For an easy hike with a scenic route, the Back Bay Loop offers views of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve. In the nearby Crystal Cove State Park, you will find more challenging hiking trails like the El Moro Canyon, Pacific Ridge Trail Loop, and the Rattlesnake Trail.

Fun family-friendly attractions
Newport Beach has something for all ages. Spend a day at the Balboa Fun Zone, Southern California’s oldest coastal amusement park. Take in the views from the Ferris Wheel, go on the many boardwalk rides, and treat yourselves to classic carnival treats.

For an educational weekend with the kids, take them to the historic Balboa Pavilion, the most famous landmark in Newport and one of the last surviving waterfront recreational pavilions. You may also go to the Sherman Library & Gardens, a beautiful horticultural retreat where you could walk around a museum of living plants and see interesting art exhibits. The library also offers events, classes, and guided tours.

Amazing shopping and dining experiences
This city is a veritable shopping and dining mecca with upscale stores, boutiques, and restaurants as far as the eye can see.

Head over to Fashion Island, known as the “vibrant social epicenter” of the city. As the name suggests, it is the perfect place to shop with over a hundred stores and world-class brands such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Urban Decay, Balenciaga, Chanel, and many more. Another great shopping destination is the Crystal Cove Shopping Center which offers a mix of upscale retailers and signature dining options.

The culinary scene in Newport Beach is just as diverse and top-tier as the shopping. Find incredible dining options in the city, whether you are looking for fine dining or casual brunch spots. Get a mix of classic and modern at the French bistro-style restaurant, Marché Moderne, nestled close to the water for impeccable oceanfront dining. Have a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine from one of the most famous restaurants in the world, Nobu. And, of course, you cannot live so close to the water without having great seafood, and the best place for that in Newport Beach is Lido Bottle Works.

Vibrant art and culture community
Newport Beach is home to several galleries and theaters that are sure to excite lovers of art and theater. For those who adore historical art, the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach has beautifully preserved photographs of the island and historical artifacts. If you appreciate more modern and contemporary art, the must-see places are the Newport Harbor Art Museum and the Orange County Museum of Art.

If you are interested in smaller art showcases, you have to visit galleries like the Gong Gallery and the Ethos Contemporary Art Gallery.

The City Arts Commission offers great live performances such as Concerts in the Parks and Shakespeare by the Sea. The commission also promotes the overall cultural enrichment of the community by staging various performances and shows.

Never a dull moment with exciting events all year round
There is always something happening in Newport Beach with plenty of events, activities, and festivals. Go to the annual Artwalk at Balboa Island to see artists from all over the country showcasing their paintings, crafts, sculptures, photography, and more.

During summer, there is the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival and the Sunset Jazz Series where residents and visitors can enjoy an evening filled with music. In the latter half of the year, there is the Winter Boat Parade, Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Pacific Wine & Food Classic. There is also the Christmas Boat Parade where homeowners decorate their properties with lights and ornaments.

Top school district and universities
Newport Beach is part of the nationally recognized Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Families moving to the coastal city can rest assured that the school system is among the top-rated in Orange County.

Some of the highest-ranking elementary schools in NMUSD are Roy O. Andersen Elementary, Maude B. Davis Elementary, and Mariners Elementary. These schools are known for their great programs and facilities.

NMUSD has seven high schools: Corona Del Mar High School, Newport Harbor High School, Costa Mesa High School, Estancia High School, Monte Vista High School, Back Bay High School, and Early College High School. In addition to academic programs, these schools also offer excellent extracurriculars.