New to newport
If you are new to the area, welcome to one of Southern California’s most vibrant coastal communities. From beach days and harbor sunsets to local traditions, neighborhood favorites and year-round events, there is always something to discover. Below are a few helpful resources and community highlights to help you feel connected and settled in.
Community Essentials
City of Newport Beach: (949) 644-3309 | newportbeachca.gov
Newport-Mesa Unified School District: (714) 424-5000 | nmusd.us
Newport Beach Public Library: (949) 717-3800 | newportbeachlibrary.org
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach: (949) 764-4624 | hoag.org
Newport Beach Police DepartmentNon-Emergency: (949) 644-3717 | nbpd.org
Southern California Edison: (800) 655-4555 | sce.com
SoCal Gas: (800) 427-2200 | socalgas.com
Cox Communications: (800) 234-3993 | cox.com
CR&R Environmental Services: (949) 667-4158 | crrwasteservices.com
Oasis Senior Center: (949) 644-3244 | newportbeacca.gov/oasis
Local Tips
Beach parking permits and residential parking information are available through the City of Newport Beach. www.newportbeachca.gov
The Newport Beach Public Library participates in the statewide program that allows library card holders (free to obtain) to check out a California State Library Parks Pass for free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 state parks. www.newportbeachlibrary.org
The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program is a popular ocean-based program for youth ages 9 to 15. Enrollment begins mid-January; reserve swim test early February; swim tests take place in March, followed by registration & payment if your child passes. www.nbjg.net
The Balboa Ferry is a favorite local tradition and one of the easiest ways to travel between Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island. The ferry takes cars, bikes and pedestrians. Minimal fee, cash only. www.balboaislandferry.com
There are four popular local farmers' markets throughout the area: Saturdays in Corona del Mar Village and in the Newport Harbor Lutheran Church parking lot, and Sundays at the Newport Beach Pier and at Mariners Church.
Newport Navigator is a seasonal activity guide published by the City of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department featuring local recreation classes, youth camps, after-school programs, and special events for all ages. www.newportbeachca.gov
Popular Shopping & Dining Districts
Popular shopping and dining destinations throughout the area include Fashion Island, Corona del Mar Village, the Westcliff and 17th Street corridors, Lido Marina Village, Mariner’s Mile along Pacific Coast Highway, Balboa Island, and Peninsula Village. From coastal boutiques and cafés to waterfront dining, wellness destinations, and locally owned businesses, each neighborhood offers its own distinct character and sense of community.
Popular Walking & Hiking Spots
Locals enjoy taking advantage of the area’s scenic coastal paths, neighborhood loops, and nature trails throughout Newport Beach and Newport Coast. Popular favorites include the Balboa Island loop, Corona del Mar loop, Fashion Island loop, Castaways Park Trail, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Back Bay Trail, Upper Bay Trail, and Buck Gully Reserve Trail. From harbor views and coastal bluffs to preserved wetlands and canyon paths, each route offers a different way to experience the beauty of our area.
Popular Beaches
From wide sandy shorelines to scenic coves and surf spots, Newport Beach offers a variety of coastal destinations to explore year-round.
Corona del Mar State Beach - Known for its picturesque cove setting, swimming, fire pits and iconic jetty views at the entrance to Newport Harbor.
Little Corona del Mar Beach - Popular for tide pooling, snorkeling, rocky coves, marine life and a quieter, more secluded beach experience with calmer waters than many surrounding beaches.
Crystal Cove State Park - Known for its preserved coastline, hiking trails, tide pools, historic beach cottages and scenic beaches stretching between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The Beachcomber restaurant is a favorite casual spot for on-the-beach dining or grabbing a cocktail.
The Wedge - Famous for massive waves, body surfing and some of the most powerful surf conditions in Southern California.
Balboa Peninsula - A favorite for beach walks, volleyball, biking, surfing and classic Newport Beach boardwalk culture.
Newport Pier beach - Popular for fishing, people watching and easy access to restaurants and the Peninsula boardwalk.
Popular Places to Visit
Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring local favorites, including Sherman Library & Gardens, Roger's Gardens — especially during the Halloween and holiday seasons — Balboa Island Museum, Newport Theatre Arts Center and the Newport Beach Civic Center which features ongoing sculpture exhibitions, a bridge that appears to suspend in midair and has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, and a popular dog park; one for small dogs and another for large dogs.
Newport Harbor serves as a year-round playground for boating, paddleboarding, harbor cruises, waterfront dining and other coastal activities. For many locals and visitors alike, renting a Duffy Electric Boat for an afternoon on the harbor is considered a true Newport Beach rite of passage.
Popular Annual Events
Throughout the year, Newport Beach enjoys a variety of beloved community traditions and signature events including:
Newport Beach International Boat Show (April)
3rd Thursdays Corona del Mar Village (April, July, October)
Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (April)
Newport Beach Jazz Festival (May)
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (June–October)
Newport Beach Film Festival (October)
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk (December)
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (December)
Sherman Library & Gardens Nights of 1,000 Lights (December)
Lighting of the Bay (November–January).
Many more seasonal events, outdoor concerts, art festivals, and community gatherings take place throughout the year across the harbor and surrounding neighborhoods. Be sure to check out our calendar of events section each month.
The businesses featured throughout the pages of our magazines are more than advertisers — they are trusted local resources and valued members of the Newport Beach and Newport Coast community. From wellness and home services to dining, real estate, beauty, fitness, and professional services, we encourage you to look to these local businesses as sources of trusted recommendations, expertise, and community connection.
If you would like to make a suggestion for our “New to Newport” list, please email Julie Means at jmeans@bestversionmedia.com and reference “New to Newport” in the subject line.
