Newport Beach

This coastal city in Orange County stretches along the Pacific shore, encompassing a natural harbor, sandy beaches, and residential neighborhoods. The town lies about 45 miles (72 kilometers) south of Los Angeles and consists of several peninsulas crossed by canals and waterways.

The settlement began as a shipping harbor in 1870 and shifted to a leisure destination after the railway arrived in 1905. Over the following decades, residential neighborhoods grew across the peninsulas, connected first by ferries and later by bridges.

During the holiday season, hundreds of boats light up the harbor with strings of bulbs, and families cruise through the bay on small craft to watch the floating parade. On summer weekends, locals gather at the beach with grills and volleyball nets, while small boats shuttle between the docks.

The bay nature preserve offers hiking paths, kayaking routes, and birdwatching spots within walking distance from residential areas. Beaches tend to be fullest on summer weekends, while morning hours provide quieter conditions for walks along the shore.

The point at the end of Balboa Peninsula produces waves that can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters), attracting surfers who specialize in riding without boards. Beneath the water lie remnants of sunken ships that divers can explore during clear weather.

Location: Orange County

Inception: 1870

Shares border with: Huntington Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach

Address: Newport Beach, CA, USA

Website: https://newportbeachca.gov

GPS coordinates: 33.61701,-117.92944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:35