Newport Beach, California

Linda Isle, Newport Beach, California

Newport Harbor is a semi-artificial harbor that was formed by dredging Newport Bay estuary during the early 1900s. Several artificial islands were built, which are now covered with private homes: Newport Island, Balboa Island, Little Balboa Island, Collins Island, Bay Island, Harbor Island, Lido Isle and Linda Isle.[14]

The Lido Peninsula

Newport Harbor once supported maritime industries such as boatbuilding, shipbuilding, and commercial fishing, but today it is used mostly for recreation. Its shores are occupied mostly by private homes and private docks. With approximately 9,000 boats, Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the U.S. west coast.[15] It's a popular destination for all boating activities, including sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Commercial maritime operations today include the Catalina Flyer ferry to Catalina Island, harbor tours, sport fishing and whale watching day trips and charters, and a few small commercial fishing boats.

Newport Bay is divided by the Pacific Coast Highway bridge, which is too low for most sailboats and very large boats to pass under. North of the bridge is referred to as Upper Newport Bay, or the Back Bay. South of the bridge is commonly called Lower Newport Bay, or Newport Harbor. However the Back Bay also has harbor facilities, especially the marina and launch ramp at Newport Dunes Marina.[16]

The north end of the Newport Harbor channels around Lido Island have a number of small business centers and were at one time used by the fishing fleets as their home. On the North East side of the channel, the Lido Marina Village now provides the local port to many "Newport Party Boats" as well as small merchants and local restaurants. It also hosts the area boat show each year as well as an organic "Farmers Market"[17] Sundays, in addition to being the port for the local Gondola Company.[18] In 2014, the center was closed for a renovation.[19] The Lido Village was reopened in 2017 after a complete renovation.[20]

In 1927, a home was built at the mouth of the entrance of Newport Harbor that came to be known as the China House of China Cove. The home was built using the traditional Chinese architecture. It was a landmark in the Newport Beach Harbor until it was demolished in the 1980s. Some of the original roof can be seen on a home located in the China Cove.[21]

Upper Newport Bay is an estuary that was formed by a prehistoric flow of the Santa Ana River. Today, it is fed by a small stream from San Diego Creek. Much of Upper Newport Bay is a protected natural area known as the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, established in 1975.[22]

Newport Beach Back Bay

Newport Beach has a mid-latitude semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) with characteristics of a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb). Like many coastal cities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, Newport Beach exhibits weak temperature variation, both diurnally and seasonally, compared to inland cities even a few miles from the ocean. The Pacific Ocean greatly moderates Newport Beach's climate by warming winter temperatures and cooling summer temperatures. Diurnal temperature variation is stronger during the winter than during the summer. Newport Beach does not receive enough precipitation to qualify as a true Mediterranean climate.

Balboa Island, Newport Beach California. January 2013

The 2010 United States Census[27] reported that Newport Beach had a population of 85,186. The population density was 3,587.5 people per square mile (1,381.7/km²). The racial makeup of Newport Beach was 74,357 (87.3%) White (82.3% Non-Hispanic White),[28] 616 (0.7%) African American, 223 (0.3%) Native American, 5,982 (7.0%) Asian, 114 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 1,401 (1.6%) from other races, and 2,493 (2.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6,174 persons (7.2%).

The Census reported that 84,784 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 151 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 251 (0.3%) were institutionalized.

There were 38,751 households, out of which 8,212 (21.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 17,273 (44.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,608 (6.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,199 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,846 (4.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 233 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 12,838 households (33.1%) were made up of individuals, and 4,412 (11.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19. There were 21,080 families (54.4% of all households); the average family size was 2.81.

The population was spread out, with 14,744 people (17.3%) under the age of 18, 6,659 people (7.8%) aged 18 to 24, 22,299 people (26.2%) aged 25 to 44, 25,322 people (29.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 16,162 people (19.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

There were 44,193 housing units at an average density of 834.2 per square mile (322.1/km²), of which 21,224 (54.8%) were owner-occupied, and 17,527 (45.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.8%. 50,511 people (59.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 34,273 people (40.2%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, Newport Beach had a median household income of $106,333, with 7.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[28]

West Newport Beach

As of the census[29] of 2000, there were 70,032 people, 33,071 households, and 16,965 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,738.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,829.5/km²). There were 37,288 housing units at an average density of 2,523.1 per square mile (974.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.22% White, 0.53% African American, 0.26% Native American, 4.00% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.13% from other races, and 1.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.71% of the population. There were 33,071 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.7% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.71. In the city, the population was spread out, with 15.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males. According to a 2008 US Census estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $95,511, while the median family income was $126,976.[30] Males had a median income of $73,425 versus $45,409 for females. The per capita income for the city was $63,015. About 2.1% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Upper Newport Bay

The City of Newport Beach was incorporated on September 1, 1906,[1] and adopted its charter on January 7, 1955. The city implements a council–manager form of government, directed by a seven-member council who reside in specific geographic districts, but are elected at-large. Council elections take place in even-numbered years, and councilmembers serve four-year terms. The mayor is chosen annually by the city council.[3]

Until 1927, the governing body of the city was known as a Board of Trustees with a President as its head. An act of the Legislature in 1927 changed the Board to City Council with a Mayor as the head.[31]

In the California State Legislature, Newport Beach is in the 37th Senate District, represented by Democrat Dave Min, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Cottie Petrie-Norris.[32]

In the United States House of Representatives, Newport Beach is in California's 48th congressional district, represented by Republican Michelle Steel.[33]

The Newport Beach Fire Department is the agency that provides fire protection, lifeguard coverage, and emergency medical services.

Newport Beach has 8 fire stations spread across the city, as well as Lifeguard Headquarters at the base of the Newport Pier.[34]

Toyota Tacoma in service with the NBFD Lifeguard.

The Marine Division of the NBFD is responsible for lifeguarding the nearly 10 million annual visitors to Newport Beach's 6.2 miles (10.0 km) of ocean and 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of bay beaches.[35] In 2013 alone the marine division performed 3,811 water rescues.[36] Newport Beach Lifeguards are recognized as the top agency in the nation, considering their relatively small size. They are also recognized as an advanced agency by the United States Lifesaving Association.

Newport Beach Lifeguards also hold an annual summer Junior Lifeguard program, which is one of the largest and oldest in the nation. The Junior Lifeguard program works closely with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to spread skin cancer awareness.

Included in their area is The Wedge, a spot located at the extreme east end of the Balboa Peninsula that is known for its large wedge shaped waves, which make it a popular spot for skimboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing. During a south or south/southwest swell of the right size and aligned in the swell window, the Wedge can produce huge waves up to 30 feet (9.1 m) high. Newport Beach has one of the most diverse coastlines in the world, spanning over 6 miles. And because of this the NBFD Marine Operations Division requires Ocean Lifeguards to be in top shape and to have years of local ocean experience.

In the California State Legislature, Newport Beach is in the 37th Senate District, represented by Democrat Dave Min, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Cottie Petrie-Norris.[37]

In the United States House of Representatives, Newport Beach is in California's 48th congressional district, represented by Republican Michelle Steel.[33]

As of February 2020, the California Secretary of State reported that Newport Beach had 57,408 registered voters; of those, 14,097 (24.56% vs. 35.63% in Orange County) are registered Democrats, 27,472 (47.85% vs. 34.16% in Orange County) are registered Republicans, 12,996 (22.64% vs. 25.29% in Orange County) have stated no political party preference, and 2,843 (4.95% vs. 4.92% in Orange County) are registered with a third party.[38] According to a March 2018 report by the Sacramento Bee, Newport Beach has the second highest percentage of conservative voters among large cities in California.[39]

The Republican candidate exceeded 70% of the vote in Newport Beach in all seven presidential elections from 1964 to 1988. In 2016, even as Donald Trump became the first GOP presidential candidate to lose Orange County since Alf Landon in 1936, Trump won Newport Beach by a margin of 14 points.[40][41]

According to the city's 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[49] the top employers in the city are:

• 
  Newport Center
• 
  Beer Can Races in Newport Beach
• 
  Balboa Pavilion on Main Street
• 
  Balboa Pier
• 
  Lovell Beach House
• 
  Newport Pier
• 
  The Wedge (surfing)
• 
  Balboa Bay Resort
• 
  Newport Beach Boat Show
• 
  Orange County Museum of Art

Beachgoers have flocked to Newport Beach since the Pacific Electric Railway started bringing them in 1905. Attractions include the city beaches from the Santa Ana River to the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar State Beach, and the beaches at Crystal Cove State Park. Newport Beach is known for good surfing, especially between Newport Pier and the Santa Ana River. At the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, The Wedge offers world-class bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Newport Pier and Balboa Pier draw fishermen and sightseers. A boardwalk runs 2.9 miles (4.7 km) from 36th Street in West Newport, past Newport Pier and Balboa Pier, to between E and F Streets on the Balboa Peninsula for both pedestrians and bikers.

yacht Zapata II

Newport Harbor is the largest recreational boat harbor on the U.S. west coast, and a popular destination for all boating activities, including sailing, fishing, rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The annual Christmas Boat Parade started in 1908. The New York Times has called it, "One of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation".[50]

Competitive sailing, rowing, and paddling events are common. The annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is the largest sailboat race in the world.[51]

Boating activities are organized by five private yacht clubs, along with Orange Coast College,[52] UC Irvine,[53] and the Sea Scouts,[54] all of which have sailing, rowing, and water activity bases on the harbor. The Newport Aquatic Center allows open public participation in competitive rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe racing.[55] The Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship offers recreational and professional sailing and mariners' courses and certifications, including United States Coast Guard licensing.[52] Weekly races take place during the summer including the Beer Can Races.

On the Balboa Peninsula, the historic Balboa Pavilion and Balboa Island Ferry are the city's most famous landmarks. Adjacent to the Pavilion, the 500 passenger Catalina Flyer provides daily transportation to and from Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island. The Balboa Fun Zone is also home to the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.[56][57]

Balboa Island village draws many visitors. A waterfront path around the island attracts walkers and joggers, and provides easy access from the ferry to the shops and restaurants.

Cabo San Lucas Race Start 2013

Fishing on the Newport Beach Pier

Upper Newport Bay, or the Back Bay, is ringed by Back Bay Drive and a network of trails and paths that attract bicyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, and walkers. Bird watchers and nature lovers are drawn to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center; and to Crystal Cove State Park, which features tide pools at the beach, and backcountry hiking and mountain biking trails. Camping is available at Crystal Cove State Park, and at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. Whale watching is also popular, with both scheduled and charter boats leaving from Newport Harbor. Whales and dolphin can often be seen from the pier and shoreline during migration season.

Fishing is also extremely popular in Newport Bay, off the coast of Newport, and along the Newport Bay Jetty. In the bay there are multiple locations to purchase bait for dockside or spear fishing convenience. There are about 80 fishable species located in Newport Bay. A few of the most commonly fished species are: Gray Smoothhound Shark, Leopard Shark, Round Stingray, Shovelnose Guitarfish, Pacific Staghorn Sculpin, Silvery Mullet, Top-smelt, California Halibut, Spotted Sand Bass, Yellowfin Croaker, Bat Ray, Thornback Ray, Diamond Turbot, Shiner Surfperch, Corbina, Opaleye, Pile Surfperch, and Red Shiner. Commercial fishing is also prominent in offshore Newport Beach and Newport Bay. Lobsters are fished in the reefs.

On dark nights, intense occurrences of bioluminescence can be observed when waves splash into the shore, or when marine animals leave glowing traces in their wake.[58]

Newport Beach Boardwalk

The boardwalk is a natural draw for bicyclists. Beach cruiser bikes can be rented at several places on the Balboa Peninsula. Bicyclists are also drawn to Back Bay Drive and the bike paths around Upper Newport Bay; the hilly roads winding through Newport Coast and the San Joaquin Hills; and the mountain biking trails in the San Joaquin Hills and Crystal Cove State Park. Pacific Coast Highway provides access to these areas and is a major bicycle route through the region, despite being shared with heavy motor vehicle traffic.

Many neighborhoods in Newport Beach are amenable to bicycling. Locals are inclined to use bicycles for short trips, especially to get through summer beach traffic and avoid motor vehicle parking shortages.

The Pelican Hill area has two golf courses that rank among the Golf Digest America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses.[59]

Fashion Island in Newport Center

Fashion Island at Newport Center is a regional shopping and entertainment destination. Also at Newport Center, the Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary art, with emphasis on the work of Californian artists.[60][61]

Dining in Newport Beach, like many oceanfront towns, tends to focus on seafood restaurants but there are a variety of restaurants that range in price and type of food.[62]

Newport Beach has two farmers' markets: Saturday mornings in Corona Del Mar and Sunday mornings in Lido Village.[63]