CELEBRATING WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT LIFE IN THE CITY
In the summer of 1906, a quiet seaside settlement of just over 200 residents officially incorporated as Newport Beach. Over the subsequent decades, a unique partnership of visionary master planning and community stewardship transformed tidal islands and sweeping bluffs into one of the world’s most coveted coastal enclaves.
Newport Beach reflects the best of coastal California — natural beauty, timeless design and architecture, abundant open space and connection to what matters most.
To celebrate the city’s 120th birthday, here are 120 things to love
about life in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Icons
Whether you are on the sun-baked sand of the peninsula or looking out from the master-planned bluffs of the historic Irvine Ranch, these experiences set the city apart.
Balboa Island Ferry
Operating continuously since 1919, this iconic three-car ferry ride offers a charming, nostalgic five-minute commute across the active harbor channel.
The Wedge
Stand on the sand to watch brave bodyboarders and surfers take on the physics-defying 20-foot waves created by the unique angles of the harbor jetty.
Koi Pond at Fashion Island
Children love to watch the colorful koi swim languidly around the pond that is the heart of the city’s retail destination.
Oceanfront Golf Courses at Pelican Hill
Tee off on Tom Fazio-designed championship courses, where perfectly manicured greens drape over rolling coastal bluffs with sweeping views of the Pacific.
Big Corona Beach
Framed by dramatic cliffs and the rock jetty at the entrance of Newport Harbor, this iconic half-mile sandy stretch — formally known as Corona del Mar State Beach Park — was part of the historic Irvine Ranch.
Newport Harbor
When Newport Beach was founded in 1906, this world-famous harbor was a shallow, marshy estuary, and Balboa Island was little more than a tidal sandbar. Today, it is at the heart of the city.
The art of Tom Van Sant
California artist Tom Van Sant helped shape the city’s aesthetic with midcentury masterpieces like the textured concrete intaglios at Newport Center, the Fashion Island wind chimes and the dolphin and sandpiper walls at Hoag hospital.
Views at Inspiration Point
Stand atop the oceanfront bluffs in Corona del Mar to watch the sunset over the harbor entrance and the distant silhouette of Catalina.
Crystal Cove State Park
Walk the wide, sandy beach, grab a legendary shake from the Shake Shack on the bluff and explore the preserved 1930s-era coastal cottage district nestled within this spectacular Irvine Ranch open-space jewel.
Fun Zone Ferris Wheel
Ride the small-scale, vintage wheel for views of the harbor channel and passing luxury yachts.
Local Legends & Heroes
From early harbor maritime feats to valor in wartime and modern public safety, these 10 individuals define the self-sacrificing soul of Newport Beach.
1870: Captain Samuel Dunnells
Fearless mariner who successfully steered the Vaquero steamer through the treacherous, uncharted bay sandbars
1913: Waterman Will Morton
Formed the city’s early volunteer lifesaving corps, pulling drowning victims from heavy coastal shorebreak
1925: Olympian Duke Kahanamoku
Legendary surfer who used his wooden board to rescue eight fishermen whose boat had capsized at the harbor entrance
1944: Veteran Don Miyada
Newport Harbor High alumnus who served in World War II’s historic Japanese American 442nd Regiment after his internment
1953: Olympian Dr. Sammy Lee
Two-time gold medal-winning diving champion who served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.
1960s: Civic leader Nancy Gardner
Bodysurfer who successfully led the effort to save The Wedge
1970: Sgt. Maj. Allan Kellogg
Local military legend who earned the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War
1985: Firefighter Robert Hoey
Local first responder recognized by the city for pulling an unconscious resident from a blaze
2014: Lifeguard Ben Carlson
Veteran lifeguard who made the ultimate sacrifice saving a distressed swimmer in massive summer surf
2022: Hero Fairuz Jane Schlecht
Awarded the national Carnegie Medal for running into a burning building to pull three children to safety
5 Spots Locals Love
Corona del Mar’s Maria Barnes is a local legend for her fashion, gifting and design aesthetic. After playing volleyball at San Diego State and a sports broadcasting career with ESPN and ABC, she was a key surf industry executive at Roxy and co-founded the OC-based hip houseware brand Alice Supply Co. In June, she took on her new favorite role: grandmother to Joanie Marie Barnes.
Everyone assumes my happy place is the beach. It isn’t. It’s Buck Gully Reserve. I can be on the trail in under a minute from my front door and within five, I’ve forgotten I live in the city. This 300-acre Irvine Ranch preserve is my sanctuary, my running route, my reset button and one of my favorite hidden gems to introduce people to.
Becoming a grandmother has unexpectedly turned me into someone who gets genuinely excited about the collectible mouse toys from the Maileg collection at Olin Parker at Fashion Island. The toy store has the sweetest collection, and I may or may not have sprinted there for the On the Go suitcase set. My granddaughter is still too little to appreciate it, but I certainly do.
When I’m celebrating — or just pretending it’s a celebration — it’s Ocean 48. I’m perfectly content claiming a seat at the bar, working my way through their spectacular seafood tower and making absolutely no apologies for polishing off far too much of their legendary warm bread. Some people save room for dessert. I save room for bread.Anyone who has raised kids in Orange County knows exactly how many hours are spent at Fashion Island’s Atrium Court.
Now, I have a great reason to go back: Amalfi, from the team behind Oliver’s Osteria, is opening this fall.
The lasagna is outrageously good — comfort food with an Italian passport.
And then there’s Rococo on 17th Street in Costa Mesa — my forever favorite. The boutique and home store are impeccably curated, effortlessly chic and filled with the kinds of pieces that make people ask, “Where did you find that?”
Newport Beach has no shortage of beautiful places. These are simply the ones that keep pulling me back.
East Meets West: Fashion Island spots that evoke NYC
From legendary West Village bakeries to the style anchors of SoHo, Fashion Island has transformed into the ultimate open-air haven for Manhattan’s most coveted brands and cult-favorite shops.
Ralph’s Coffee
Created by quintessential New York designer Ralph Lauren, this cafe brings the green-and-white tiled aesthetic of his flagship coffee shops on Madison Avenue and in Rockefeller Center to Newport Beach.
Alice + Olivia
Created by a native New Yorker, this brand’s bold, whimsical contemporary womenswear is a fixture in Manhattan’s downtown fashion scene.
Cinq à Sept
French phrase for the post-work happy hour, this contemporary line specializes in day-to-night pieces.
Faherty
Founded by twin brothers, this sustainable clothing brand is a weekend-wardrobe staple for residents of Williamsburg and the West Village.
Hill House Home
This Greenwich Village-based brand sparked a style movement with its famous “Nap Dress” and chose Fashion Island as its exclusive Orange County home.
Joe & The Juice
Originally from Copenhagen, this juice-and-coffee bar is a ubiquitous NYC phenomenon, becoming the morning fuel for downtown creatives and SoHo shoppers.
Levain Bakery
Born on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this iconic bakery — coming soon to Fashion Island — is famous for the massive, gooey 6-ounce cookies that routinely draw block-long lines.
Rubin & Chapelle
The brand helped kickstart the retail evolution of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and brings a small-batch aesthetic exclusively to Fashion Island.
Rag & Bone
Born and bred in New York, this brand defined the edgy, British-influenced streetwear aesthetic that ruled the sidewalks of SoHo.
Studs
This trendy ear-piercing and jewelry studio started as a single cult-favorite location in Nolita before expanding its curated earscapes across the country.
Vince
Renowned for understated luxury and clean lines, this contemporary staple operates minimalist boutiques across Manhattan’s most affluent shopping districts.
Todd Snyder
The menswear brand’s tailored-meets-heritage aesthetic is deeply rooted in his Madison Square Park and Tribeca flagship stores.
Varley
Blending London tailoring with a relaxed aesthetic, this contemporary knitwear and athleisure favorite is a style staple with its U.S. flagship store in the heart of SoHo.
Veronica Beard
This brand’s signature tailored blazers and uptown-chic pieces are practically the official Manhattan uniform.
59th & Lex Cafe
This Bloomingdale’s cafe with a popular patio is an homage to Bloomingdale’s legendary flagship location in Manhattan.
Hidden Gem Parks & Master-Planned Green Spaces
These pristine community parks offer tranquil, meticulously manicured breathing room right inside the city’s finest neighborhoods.
Spyglass Hill Park
A local favorite tucked away on the hillside overlooking the city
San Miguel Park
Hidden neighborhood haven featuring rolling lawns and pristine tennis courts
Buffalo Hills Park
Quiet Eastbluff green space offering massive playgrounds for children
Castaways Park Bluff Path
Continuous walking trail rewarding locals with panoramic marina vistas
West Newport Park
Multiblock linear park providing sports courts steps from the surf
Coastal Peak Park
Manicured playground perched at the edge of the wilderness
Galaxy View Park
Charming park in Dover Shores with unobstructed views of Back Bay, Newport Center and Saddleback
Big Canyon Park
Shaded linear greenbelt connecting to Upper Newport Bay
Bonita Canyon Sports Park
Family-friendly recreational complex featuring manicured sports fields
Harbor View Greenbelts
Port Street pathways connecting pools, homes and playgrounds
Boutiques to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle
When your hometown features world-class beaches and gorgeous open-space trails, your wardrobe has to keep up. Here is a look at some of the many athletic, swim and outdoor shops across Newport Beach.
Vuori
Inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle, Vuori blends premium performance fabrics with a laid-back, effortless aesthetic. Fashion Island
On
Engineered in the Swiss Alps, On features high-performance running shoes and technical athletic wear. They are perfect for a morning jog along the coast or hitting the trail with complete comfort and sleek, modern style.
Fashion Island
J. Pritchard
Born from a partnership with the founding family of pickleball, J. Pritchard elevates the country club aesthetic with premium performance apparel.
Fashion Island
Covo
This beautiful boutique specializes in a curated mix of activewear, athleisure and chic coastal apparel designed to make you feel pampered and resort-ready. Crystal Cove Shopping Center
Las Olas
The coastal favorite specializes in a mix of premium women’s swimwear brands, resort wear accessories and chic, comfortable athleisure.
Corona del Mar Plaza
Lululemon
You can’t discuss athletic wear without mentioning “Lulu.” This recently refreshed West Coast flagship features an expanded product layout, making it your ultimate go-to for yoga, training and running essentials. Fashion Island
Evereve
This contemporary boutique specializes in elevated everyday fashion. While it carries phenomenal denim, it also features chic activewear from premium lifestyle brands. Fashion Island
L Space
The gold standard for modern California swim. L Space offers upscale swimwear and breezy resort wear that transition flawlessly from a poolside lounger to a beachside dinner. Fashion Island
Orlebar Brown
This luxury brand is famous for its tailored men’s swim trunks that look like smart casual shorts but perform in the water. This is elegant resort wear at its finest. Fashion Island
Jack’s Surfboards
A true Southern California staple. Jack’s caters to core outdoor enthusiasts with a massive selection of high-performance wetsuits, boardshorts, surf apparel and swimsuits. Corona del Mar Plaza
Milestones of Planning and Growth
The city began as a small, water-centric settlement on the peninsula. Decades of strategic master planning by Irvine Company — working in close collaboration with the city and community — transformed coastal hills, bluffs and agricultural fields into a cohesive 24-square-mile city that today includes a vibrant commercial center, neighborhoods and preserved open spaces.
1906: The Original Incorporation
Newport Beach incorporated with just 265 citizens. The city’s initial footprint was almost entirely confined to the Balboa Peninsula, West Newport and scattered harbor-front settlements.
1916: Balboa Island
Formed from sand and silt dredged from the harbor channels, Balboa Island grew from a reclaimed tract into a desirable community, officially annexing into the city a decade after its initial incorporation.
1923: Corona del Mar
Sold by James Irvine II in 1904, this bluff-top village operated independently for nearly two decades before annexing into Newport Beach to secure reliable municipal water and paved roads.
1950s-1960s: Bluff and Cameo Developments
Master planning guided the orderly development of neighborhoods that included Westcliff, Irvine Terrace, Cameo Shores and Cameo Highlands. Newport Beach and Irvine Company agreed to rolling annexations to bring these Irvine Ranch parcels into city limits.
1960s: Newport Center and Fashion Island
Irvine Company shifted from agriculture to master-planned civic development. The rolling annexation process for the Newport Center bluffs took place in 1962. Fashion Island opened in 1967, with adjacent office campuses establishing a central commercial and civic core for the city.
1970: Industrial Land Acquisition
Driven by an Irvine Company initiative to develop the rapidly growing airport region, Newport Beach annexed highly valuable industrial lands on its northern border. This annexation secured key economic assets prior to the incorporation of the neighboring city of Irvine.
1970s: Eastbluff and Harbor View
Growth continued inland and upward along the ridges. Irvine Company’s design integrated greenbelts and schools into annexed residential communities like Eastbluff and Harbor View, establishing the eastern Upper Newport Bay as desirable real estate.
1975: Upper Newport Bay Preservation
Following grassroots community efforts, Irvine Company dedicated hundreds of acres to the state. Today, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve serves as a testament to civic collaboration.
1997-1998: Bonita Canyon
The Bonita Canyon community was formally annexed, bridging the geographical gap between Newport Center and the coastal hills to the south.
2002: Newport Coast
The annexation of Newport Coast brought luxury communities and The Resort at Pelican Hill into city limits. Irvine Company’s Master Plan set aside roughly 75% of the land — over 7,000 acres — as permanent open space, forever preserving a massive coastal greenbelt.
New and Next Dining
Telefèric Barcelona
The family-owned Spanish restaurant brings authentic, high-end tapas, sangria flights and communal paellas to Fashion Island.
Levain Bakery
The famous New York City staple known for its gooey, 6-ounce cookies is opening its first Orange County location at Fashion Island.
Amalfi
Helmed by chef Erik De Marchi, of Oliver’s Osteria fame, this spot brings vibrant Italian street food to Fashion Island’s Atrium Court — think market-fresh Neapolitan cuoppo (fried seafood cones), pizza al taglio (by the slice) and fresh pasta plates.
Ben & Jerry’s
Also at Atrium Court, this soon-to-arrive scoop shop brings its famously creative, chunk-filled flavors, decadent custom sundaes and thick milkshakes for the perfect mid shopping treat.
Whole Foods Market
Slated to replace the grocery store at Westcliff Plaza, this highly anticipated addition will bring its signature organic produce, premium hot food bars and grocery essentials directly into the neighborhood’s go-to daily shopping center.
Kit Coffee
Set at the Civic Center side entrance to the Newport Beach Central Library, this new cafe has quickly become a favorite gathering space. Enjoy horchata matchas and loaded avocado toasts on the patio overlooking the Civic Center green.
Birdie’s Bodega
This beloved neighborhood shop is expanding to Mariner’s Mile, pairing a curated, organic artisanal market with a daily cafe menu featuring cult-favorite breakfast burritos.
Hazeltine’s
The indoor-outdoor restaurant with a traditional tea garden is part of the ongoing Sherman Gardens remodel. Ahead of its full launch, locals can catch an early taste via monthly afternoon tea pop-ups.
Uchi
James Beard Award winner Tyson Cole will bring his nontraditional Japanese concept to Mariner’s Mile.
Bear Flag Fish Co.
Tracing its origin story back to a tiny Lido shop, this hyperlocal institution will bring its fresh-caught seafood market and famous poke to a third location, on 17th Street near Newport Boulevard, to complement its Crystal Cove Shopping Center flagship.
Coastal Canyons & Back Bay Trails
These five trail loops and viewpoints highlight The Irvine Ranch Master Plan’s commitment to continuous preservation.
Buck Gully Reserve
Tucked away on this hidden Newport Beach canyon loop, the trail feels a world away from the city as you cross a running stream under a canopy of green.
Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center Trails
Flat, accessible pathways sit atop the northern bluffs of Back Bay, perfect for a morning walk to spot diving osprey and great blue herons.
Moro Canyon
A stunning trail inside Crystal Cove State Park lures early morning hikers with surrounding vibrant, fragrant coastal sage scrub and sweeping views of the Pacific.
Back Bay Drive
A paved, one-way coastal route hugging the eastern edge of the ecological reserve, this route is beloved by local runners and sunset cyclists.
Pacific Ridge Trail
A scenic route atop Newport Coast, the trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas stretching to Catalina.
Historic Markers
Placed across our streets, docks and islands are the bronze plaques of the Newport Beach Historical Society that honor our local heritage.
1870: The Old Landing Debut
Captain Samuel Dunnells safely guides the steamer Vaquero into the uncharted bay.
1888: McFadden Wharf Construction
A massive wooden shipping wharf anchors early Pacific lumber and commercial freight.
1891: Dory Fishermen Fleet Founded
Portuguese-American fishermen establish a legendary beachside cooperative market at the pier.
1894: Newport Beach Grammar School
The city’s first public schoolhouse opens on Balboa Boulevard.
1906: The Balboa Pavilion Opens
A grand Victorian landmark debuts alongside the Pacific Electric Red Car line.
1916: Newport Harbor Yacht Club
The harbor’s premier yachting institution is officially chartered by local sailors.
1919: Balboa Island Ferry Launch
Joseph Beek begins continuous, family-owned boat service across the harbor channel.
1921: The Historic Fish Cannery
A bustling commercial packing plant anchors the early local maritime industry.
1926: Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory
Caltech builds its historic, coastal research facility at the entrance to Newport Harbor.
1928: Goldenrod Footbridge Built
The iconic pedestrian bridge is constructed to connect Corona del Mar bluffs.
1930: Newport Harbor High School
The historic school opens on Irvine Ranch land with 178 students.
1936: Grand Harbor Improvement Project
Major federal jetty dredging permanently transforms the bay into a recreational haven.
1947: American Legion Post 291
Veterans charter their historic waterfront headquarters directly on the bay.
1953: National Boy Scout Jamboree
Over 50,000 scouts camp across a massive temporary tent city on The Irvine Ranch.
1956: Rendezvous Ballroom
The plaque celebrates the legendary lost Big Band and surf rock dance hall.
For more information, visit NewportBeachHistorical.org/HistoricalMarkers
5 Ways the Community Honors
Service & Civic Unity
These unifying traditions, monuments and annual events proudly celebrate our national heritage.
Castaways Park Field of Honor
The Memorial Day installation of 1,776 American flags along the bluffs
Old Glory Boat Parade
The American Legion Yacht Club’s Independence Day harbor procession of red, white and blue decorated vessels
Mariners Park Independence Day Festival
A multigenerational neighborhood celebration with local music and charity lawn games
The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Adoption
The city’s dedicated long-term civilian support foundation caring for Camp Pendleton’s deployed active-duty families
Honoring Service
Historic plaques honoring local war veterans are now located at the base of the Civic Center flagpole, while this year a new memorial was unveiled at John Wayne Park commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation, and recognizing those who have served and sacrificed in support of it.
5 Spots Locals Love
Steve Jones is an expert in retail and residential design. His coastal modern sensibility can be seen at Bear Flag Restaurants, including the location at Crystal Cove. Jones, who spent 25+ years in the surf industry, including two decades at Quiksilver, is the founder of bettershelter, a boutique real estate company, and teaches visual merchandising at Orange Coast College.
Bear Flag Restaurant, Crystal Cove: This has to be my No. 1. Crystal Cove is the best. When Thos Carson asked me to design the first Bear Flag on Lido over 10 years ago, it was the beginning of a partnership of mutual respect. Now we’re doing it again, this time at Newport Boulevard and 17th Street, anchored by a striking new mural of The Wedge from Sandow Birk. I predict this restaurant will transform the northern end of 17th Street.
Fashion Island: What gets me every time is the indoor/outdoor language — boutiques like Alo throwing their glass panel doors wide open so the shop and the street just dissolve into each other. It’s the most Southern California design move there is: Bring the outside in, keep it breezy, keep it welcoming. Fashion Island does it better than almost anywhere else.
R&D Kitchen and the Hillstone restaurants: The benchmark, full stop. What I respect most as a designer is the consistency — walk into any of them, anywhere, and the DNA is unmistakable. That kind of discipline across a portfolio is rare, and it’s the standard I hold my own work to. Bonus: It’s in Fashion Island!
15th St. Surf Shop: Dave and Cheryl Rosenberger built something rare — a shop that actually feels curated rather than just stocked. Every corner has a point of view. That’s harder to pull off in retail than people think, and they make it look effortless. Bravo.
Willbo: Founder Robbie McInerny has real vision, and it shows. Willbo now has two locations, one in Laguna and one in Newport. This is exactly the kind of concept built to become bigger than any single storefront. Big things ahead.
Let’s Stroll: 10 Essential Hikes & Walks
From flat, sunset-facing harbor boardwalks to challenging backcountry ridgelines that drop straight down into wilderness canyons, our unique coastal geography offers a trail for every level. Here are 10 local routes to tackle, ordered strictly from easiest to most difficult.
Newport Center Loop & Crescent Walk (1.2 miles)
The quintessential corporate power walk. Follow the wide, palm-lined sidewalks of Newport Center Drive for a perfectly manicured loop, focusing on the ultralandscaped Crescent Walk flank. Keep an eye on this space; major city master plans aim to organically expand these walkable corridors as our local live/work/play, high-design neighborhoods continue to evolve. Difficulty: Very Easy
Newport Pier to Balboa Pier Boardwalk (1.7 miles one way)
The classic Peninsula cruise. Walk alongside the beach on the boardwalk connecting our two iconic piers, flanked by houses on one side and breaking waves on the other. Difficulty: Easy
Corona del Mar Bluffs & Goldenrod Loop (2.1 miles)
Start on the ocean-facing bluffs of Ocean Boulevard to watch the harbor entrance boat traffic, then weave back through the quiet floral avenues to cross the historic, flower-draped 1928 Goldenrod Footbridge. Difficulty: Easy
Balboa Island Perimeter Path (2.5 miles)
A flat, beautifully social waterfront loop. This paved walkway hugs the island’s edge, offering a look at charming beach cottages, pristine private docks and the steady hum of the channel ferries. Difficulty: Easy
Castaways Park Bluff Trail (1.3 miles)
A flat, paved leisure loop situated on the cliffs directly overlooking the harbor. It packs incredible wide-angle views and features the moving 1st Battalion, 1st Marines memorial trail markers. Difficulty: Easy
Crystal Cove Bluffs (3 miles)
A gravel, unshaded coastal cliff trail that follows the shoreline. It yields majestic views of the crashing surf below before letting you drop down straight into the 1930s beach cottage historic district. Difficulty: Moderate
Buck Gully Reserve Trail (4.4 miles out-and-back)
A shaded coastal canyon oasis hidden within Corona del Mar.
Follow the single-track dirt path along a year-round running stream, crossing several beautiful footbridges beneath a lush canopy of native willows. Difficulty: Moderate
Upper Newport Bay Circumnavigation (10.5 miles)
The granddaddy of local endurance walks. A massive, fully signed multiuse loop that encircles the Back Bay estuary, guiding you past pristine wetlands, nesting bird sanctuaries and coastal bluffs. Difficulty: Strenuous (for distance)
Pacific Ridge to El Moro Loop (9 miles)
The ultimate backcountry perimeter challenge. Start at the Pacific Ridge Trailhead at the very top of Newport Coast, push across the chaparral ridges, head down into the coastal canyons toward El Moro and brace yourself for the 1,500-foot elevation gain back up the colorfully named “B.F.I.” (Big Fat Incline) trail. Difficulty: Strenuous
Mountains to Sea Trail (22 miles one way)
This National Recreation Trail stretches from the oak-filled wilderness of Weir Canyon in the north to Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Travel through the heart of Irvine along the San Diego Creek Channel, passing UC Irvine and the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary — a 300-acre oasis where you can explore the historic relocated 1940s Duck Club and the 1900 Cook House, which serves as the local Audubon Society hub. Difficulty: Extreme (for distance)
