Newport Beach, Orange County

Discover Newport Beach, a coastal gem in Orange County. This picturesque city attracts residents and tourists with its stunning beaches, vibrant community, and rich history. With around 85,000 people, Newport Beach offers natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural attractions for all ages.

History & Demographics

The Tongva people thrived on the land that is now Newport Beach for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. However, colonization led to their displacement and assimilation during the 1800s. It’s important to acknowledge that present-day Newport Beach sits on unceded homelands of the Tongva people who continue as traditional caretakers.

Newport Beach spans 53 square miles, with over half being water. The city borders Huntington Beach to the west. At the same time, Costa Mesa, John Wayne Airport, Irvine City & UC Irvine are located northwards, along with Crystal Cove State Park situated towards the east.

According to the US Census Bureau, Newport Beach’s population is diverse. In 2000, 70,032 people lived in the city, with a density of 4,738.8 inhabitants per square mile. Newport Beach was predominantly White (92.22%), followed by Asian (4%) and other ethnicities like African American (0.53%) and Native American (0.26%). The median household income was $64,423, while the median family income was $126,976.

The city is famous for its pristine beaches that stretch from Santa Ana River to Balboa Peninsula – Corona del Mar State Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park are popular among visitors who enjoy surfing spots between Newport Pier and Santa Ana River or world-class bodyboarding at The Wedge on Balboa Peninsula’s tip.

Newport Harbor is another attraction where one can indulge in recreational activities such as sailing, fishing, or kayaking with approximately 9k boats, making it one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the West Coast, hosting annual events like Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

Balboa Island, accessible via ferry, boasts a charming waterfront path lined with shops and restaurants attracting visitors year-round, along with iconic landmarks like the Balboa Pavilion or Fun Zone that have been part of this city’s culture for decades.

Arts and culture enthusiasts can explore Newport Beach’s attractions, including the Orange County Museum of Art for contemporary exhibitions and the Sherman Library and Gardens for botanical beauty. The Newport Sports Museum also honors the region’s sporting history.

Pros

It has a high quality of life with a stunning coastal location, lively community, and diverse recreational options. Pristine beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

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