Newport Beach is a coastal city of about 85,000 in southernOrange County, California, United States. Located about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of downtownLos Angeles, Newport Beach is known for its sandy beaches. The city's harbor once supported maritime industries; today, it is used mostly for recreation.Balboa Island draws visitors with a waterfront path and easy access from the ferry to the shops and restaurants.
The Upper Bay of Newport is a canyon carved by a stream in thePleistocene period. The Lower Bay of Newport was formed much later by sand brought along by ocean currents, which constructed the offshore beach now recognized as the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach.
For thousands of years, theTongva people lived on the land in an extensive, thriving community. The Tongva villages ofGenga andMoyongna were located in Newport Beach.[8][9] TheSpanish Empire colonized the land, followed byMexicans andAmericans, all of whom displaced the Tongva.[10]
The State of California sold 1-acre (0.40 ha)-plots of land for $1 apiece in the Newport area. Anglo-American inhabitation in the area grew substantially following 1870 when a 105-ton steamer namedThe Vaquero, captained by Captain Samuel S. Dunnells (against warnings posted by surveyors), safely steered through the lower and upper bay of Newport where it unloaded its cargo.James Irvine, upon hearing the astonishing news, quickly traveled from his home in San Francisco to the San Joaquin Ranch. Meeting in Irvine's ranch house near present-dayUC Irvine with his brother Robert Irvine and friend James McFadden, they agreed that the newly found port should be simply named "Newport" which is where Newport Beach gets its name. James McFadden built a longMcFadden Wharf in 1888.[11]
In 1905, city development increased when thePacific Electric Railway established a southern terminus in Newport connecting the beach with downtownLos Angeles.[12] In 1906 (with a population of 206 citizens), the scattered settlements were incorporated as the City of Newport Beach.[2]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 53.0 square miles (137 km2). 23.8 square miles (62 km2) of it is land and 29.2 square miles (76 km2) of it (55.07%) is water.
Newport Harbor once supported maritime industries such asboatbuilding,shipbuilding, andcommercial fishing, but today it is used mostly for recreation. Its shores are occupied mostly by private homes and privatedocks. Newport Harbor has approximately 9,000 boats and is one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the U.S. west coast.[16] It is a popular destination for allboating activities, includingsailing,fishing,rowing,canoeing,kayaking, andpaddleboarding.
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 asUpper 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.[17]
The north end of the Newport Harbor channels surrounding Lido Isle has several small business centers and was at one time used as a home by the fishing fleets. On the North East side of the channel, the Lido Marina Village now acts as the local port to many "Newport Party Boats" that can be rented for events, as well as small merchants and local restaurants. It also hosts the area boat show each year, and an organic "Farmers Market"[18] on Sundays, in addition to being the port for the local Gondola Company.[19] In 2014, the center was closed for a renovation.[20] The Lido Village was reopened in 2017 after a complete renovation.[21]
In 1927, a home was built at the mouth of the entrance of Newport Harbor that came to be known as theChina House of China Cove. The home was built using 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.[22]
Newport Beach has a mid-latitudesemi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification:BSk) with characteristics of awarm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen:Csb). Like many Los Angeles and Orange coastal cities, Newport Beach exhibits weak temperature variation, diurnally and seasonally, compared to inland cities even a few miles from the ocean. ThePacific 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.
Climate data for Newport Beach Harbor, California (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1921–present)
Newport Beach city, California – Racial and Ethnic Composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
The census reported that 99.4% of the population lived in households, 0.3% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.4% were institutionalized.[48]
There were 38,402 households, out of which 20.3% included children under the age of 18, 45.2% were married-couple households, 6.0% werecohabiting couple households, 27.9% had a female householder with no partner present, and 20.9% had a male householder with no partner present. 32.8% of households were one person, and 13.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.21.[48] There were 21,775families (56.7% of all households).[49]
The age distribution was 16.3% under the age of 18, 7.4% aged 18 to 24, 23.5% aged 25 to 44, 28.7% aged 45 to 64, and 24.1% who were 65years of age or older. The median age was 47.4years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males.[48]
There were 45,016 housing units at an average density of 1,891.9 units per square mile (730.5 units/km2), of which 38,402 (85.3%) were occupied. Of these, 54.1% were owner-occupied, and 45.9% were occupied by renters.[48]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $158,461, and theper capita income was $113,918. About 4.1% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line.[50]
The2010 United States census[51] reported that Newport Beach had a population of 85,186. The population density was 3,587.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,385.1/km2). The racial makeup of Newport Beach was 74,357 (87.3%)White (82.3% Non-Hispanic White),[52] 616 (0.7%)African American, 223 (0.3%)Native American, 5,982 (7.0%)Asian, 114 (0.1%)Pacific Islander, 1,401 (1.6%) fromother races, and 2,493 (2.9%) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino 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%) wereopposite-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 individuals, and 4,412 (11.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.19. There were 21,080families (54.4% of all households); the average family size was 2.81.
The population was different ages 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 aged 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.
In 2009–2013, Newport Beach had a median household income of $106,333, with 7.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[52]
A notable urban development project is proposed in Newport Beach, which involves converting a portion of a local golf course into a surf lagoon.[62][63] The Newport Beach Surfing Lagoon Project, initiated by Back Bay Barrels LLC,[64][65] involves the creation of a 7-acre lagoon capable of generating waves mechanically, along with two buildings intended for dining, retail, fitness, and lodging. The project has sparked debate among residents, with some viewing it as a progressive innovation and others as a potential disruption to the area's natural beauty and community character.[66]
Boating activities are organized by five privateyacht clubs, along with Orange Coast College,[69] UC Irvine,[70] and the Sea Scouts,[71] all of which have sailing, rowing, and water activity bases on the harbor. The Newport Aquatic Center allows public participation in competitive rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe racing.[72] The Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship offers recreational and professional sailing and mariners' courses and certifications, includingUnited States Coast Guard licensing.[69] Weekly races take place during the summer including theBeer Can Races.
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.
Fishing is also extremely popular in Newport Bay, off the coast of Newport, and along the Newport Bay Jetty. Within the bay, there are multiple locations to purchase bait for dockside or spearfishing convenience. There are about 80 fishable species located in Newport Bay. A few of the most commonly fished species include the 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 commonly fished in the reefs. However, the bright orange Garibaldi fish found offshore is a protected species.
On dark nights intense occurrences ofbioluminescence can be observed when waves splash into the shore or when marine animals leave glowing traces in their wake.[79]
The City of Newport Beach was incorporated on September 1, 1906[1] and adopted its charter on January 7, 1955. The city implements acouncil–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 council members serve four-year terms. The mayor is chosen annually by the city council.[3]
Until 1927 the city's governing body 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.[81]
Newport Beach has supportedRepublican candidates for president consistently since at least 1964.
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.[84] According to a March 2018 report by theSacramento Bee, Newport Beach has the second highest percentage of conservative voters among large cities in California.[85]
The Republican candidate exceeded 70% of the vote in Newport Beach in all seven presidential elections from1964 to1988.
Although the politics of California have trended in favor of theDemocratic Party, Newport Beach has remained Republican but has become less Republican over time. In2016, asDonald Trump became the first GOP presidential candidate to lose Orange County sinceAlf Landon in 1936, Trump won Newport Beach by a margin of 14 points.[86][87] Trump also won Newport Beach by a margin of nearly ten points in the2020 election, and nearly 17 points in2024.
Newport Beach city vote by party in presidential elections
The marine division of the NBFD is responsible forlifeguarding 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.[104] In 2013 alone the marine division performed 3,811 water rescues.[105] 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 nation's largest and oldest. The Junior Lifeguard program works closely with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to spread skin cancer awareness.
Included in their area isThe Wedge, a spot located at the extreme east end of theBalboa Peninsula that is known for its large wedge-shaped waves, which make it a popular spot forskimboarding,surfing,bodyboarding, andbodysurfing. During south or south/southwest swells 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 (9.7 km). For this reason the NBFD Marine Operations Division requires its ocean lifeguards to be in top shape and to have years of local ocean experience.
A guest onYou Bet Your Life in 1954 was the mayor of Newport Beach noting that Balboa was a congregating point forsouthern Californian young people over Easter break, with 35,000 visiting the town of 18,000.
^abcFelton, James P. (1988)."Newport Beach Chronological Timeline".Newport Beach: The First Century, 1888–1988. Newport Beach Historical Society. Archived fromthe original on June 29, 2009. RetrievedJuly 29, 2008. From a portion of that work reproduced on the City's Public Library web site.
^Loewe, Ronald (2016).Of sacred lands and strip malls : the battle for Puvungna. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 138.ISBN978-0-7591-2162-1.OCLC950751182.
^"Newport Harbor Nautical Museum".Orange County with Anaheim Sights. Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House.Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. RetrievedJuly 18, 2009.
^"Newport Beach News".Newport Beach Independent.Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. RetrievedNovember 15, 2022.
^"Home".Newport Beach Magazine.Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. RetrievedNovember 15, 2022.
