For 120 years, Newport Beach has been defined by its coastal spirit—where timeless traditions meet effortless California cool. From sun-drenched shores and historic harbors to generations of makers, surfers, sailors, and storytellers, this is a place shaped by the sea and sustained by community. As we celebrate 120 years of Newport Beach, we honor the past that built us, the people who inspire us, and the laid-back luxury that continues to make this coastline unlike anywhere else. Here’s to the next chapter—rooted in heritage, carried forward by the tide. Take a sail down memory lane with our timeline outlining 120 years of history.
EXPLORE Newport Beach
In Newport Beach, every experience is anchored in a rich seaside legacy. From its early days as a harbor town to its evolution into a world-class coastal retreat, the city has long invited visitors to embrace life by the water—sailing its storied bay, strolling its historic waterfronts, and gathering to dine where generations have done the same. Explore all that Newport Beach has to offer with our expert guides.
By a vote of 44 to 12, Newport Beach townsite residents agree to incorporate, mostly to attract tourists with the promise of alcohol in a dry county.
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By a vote of 44 to 12, Newport Beach townsite residents agree to incorporate, mostly to attract tourists with the promise of alcohol in a dry county. The completion of the Balboa Pavilion—nicknamed the Big Pleasure Palace—provides another reason to visit Newport Beach, and the opening of the Red Car Trolley line on the peninsula opens access to the once-remote sandspit.
1908
The tradition of the annual Christmas Boat Parade begins.
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On the evening of July 4, Italian immigrant Giovanni “John” Scarpa strings Japanese lanterns on his gondola in Newport Harbor, which started a tradition of lighted boat parades in Newport Beach, starting with the summer (and now defunct) Tournament of Lights and now with the Christmas Boat Parade—an event seen by 1.5 million each year.
1909
First Balboa Island ferry service begins.
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The first Balboa Island ferry service begins, bringing potential home-lot buyers from the Red Car Trolley station on the peninsula to the under-construction island.
1910
1910
Real-estate speculators in Newport Beach continue to try to sell the dream of inexpensive summer houses by promoting developments in Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, Balboa, and West Newport.
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Real-estate speculators in Newport Beach continue to try to sell the dream of inexpensive summer houses by promoting developments in Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, Balboa, and West Newport. These visionaries were ahead of their time. Their projects initially failed due, in part, to the town’s remoteness.
1912
Pioneer aviation pioneer Glenn Martin makes history with the first water-to-water flight in Newport Beach.
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Pioneer aviation pioneer Glenn Martin makes history with the first water-to-water flight, flying from Balboa to Catalina Island and back—a feat that put Newport Beach in the international spotlight for the first time.
1917
Newport Beach serves as the backdrop to many silent films, including “Cleopatra".
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Newport Beach’s undeveloped coast and bay serve as the backdrop to many silent films, including the blockbuster “Cleopatra,” which featured an aquatic battle involving over two dozen barges and hundreds of extras. See which other movies were filmed in Newport Beach.
1920
1922
“Bathing Beauty” contests and parades on the streets of Balboa became a popular attraction in Newport Beach in the 1920s.
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“Bathing Beauty” contests and parades on the streets of Balboa became a popular attraction in Newport Beach in the 1920s. The events drew crowds of over 25,000 spectators, according to news accounts, and the contestants were often aspiring movie stars brought in from Hollywood. Learn more about the Bathing Beauties.
1926
Coast Highway opens between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
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Coast Highway opens between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in a ceremony featuring movie stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. The highway allows easier access to Newport Beach, helping drive development and tourism.
1928
Corona del Mar turns into the original Surf City USA when surfing pioneers—including legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku—discover the near-perfect surf break at the entrance of the jetty-less Newport Harbor mouth.
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Corona del Mar turns into the original Surf City USA when surfing pioneers—including legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku—discover the near-perfect surf break at the entrance of the jetty-less Newport Harbor mouth. The waves are so good that the first major surf contest on the mainland—the Pacific Coast Surf Riding Championships—is held there.
1930
1935
The inaugural “Flight of the Snowbirds” sailboat race in Newport Harbor takes off.
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The inaugural “Flight of the Snowbirds” sailboat race in Newport Harbor takes off, an annual event that some years drew over 200 entries. Today, the popular summer regatta is called Flight of Newport.
1936
A revamped Newport Harbor opens after a $71-million (in today’s dollars) overhaul.
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With President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressing a ceremonial telegraph key, a revamped Newport Harbor opens after a $71-million (in today’s dollars) overhaul that included dredging the bay and building new jetties to tame the dangerous harbor entrance. The project results in the creation of one of the world’s largest pleasure harbors.
1938
Balboa cements its reputation as one of Southern California’s premier playgrounds with such attractions as the Rendezvous Ballroom and Balboa Pavilion.
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Balboa cements its reputation as one of Southern California’s premier playgrounds with such attractions as the Rendezvous Ballroom and Balboa Pavilion (both known for hosting legendary big bands and popularizing the swing dance called the Balboa), the Fun Zone amusement park, and the beginning of Balboa (or Bal) Week, where tens of thousands of college students descend on the city for spring break. Learn more about Bal Week.
1939
The iconic Lido Theater opens with a beautiful Art Deco design.
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The iconic Lido Theater opens with a beautiful Art Deco design. Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis, a nearby resident at the time, not only requested a sitting parlor in the ladies’ room – which still exists today – but she also asked that the theater open with her movie, The Old Maid. Lido Theater owner Fritz Duda Company meticulously restored the venue in recent years, reopening it in 2024 under the operation of Newport native Joseph McGinty “McG” Nicol, a prominent movie director and producer.
1940
1940
Hollywood discovers Newport Beach, with A-listers from the Golden Age of Hollywood like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Greta Garbo, James Cagney, and eventual resident John Wayne.
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In the 1940s, Hollywood discovered Newport Beach, with A-listers from the Golden Age of Hollywood like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Greta Garbo, James Cagney, and eventual resident John Wayne making the 50-mile journey from Los Angeles for rest, relaxation, and time on the water with their yachts. Several yacht-owning stars join the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, boosting its reputation as one of the finest yacht clubs in California. To learn more about Bogie and Bacall’s love story, click here.
1942
Newport Harbor transforms during World War II into a naval shipbuilding and repair port.
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Newport Harbor transforms during World War II into a naval ship building and repair port, and the U.S. Coast Guard takes over Collins Island as a base to patrol the harbor and surrounding waters. Veterans who spent World War II at military bases near Newport Beach fell in love with the town and return with their families, helping to triple the city’s population in the decade and add to the growing number of year-round residents.
1946
Newport Beach employees spark the beginnings of the Christmas Boat Parade by decking out a barge with a lighted Christmas tree and singing carols to those onshore.
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Newport Beach employees spark the beginnings of the Christmas Boat Parade by decking out a barge with a lighted Christmas tree and singing carols to those onshore. Each year, more boats joined the holiday celebration.
1948
The private Balboa Bay Club opens.
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The private Balboa Bay Club opens, reflecting the promise of Newport Beach as an upscale community and tourist destination. Many Hollywood stars, following John Wayne’s lead, join the club over the years.
1950
1952
Commercial airline service begins at nearby Orange County (now John Wayne) Airport.
Crystal Cove, with its rugged coastline, picturesque beaches and 47 charming cottages, becomes one of most charming seaside communities in California.
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Crystal Cove, with its rugged coastline, picturesque beaches, and 47 charming cottages, becomes one of the most charming seaside communities in California, with traditions such as raising a martini flag at 4 p.m. each Saturday to signal happy hour. A nearly $80-million renovation, scheduled to be completed in 2026, has created a new surge of tourists visiting Crystal Cove. Learn more about the rich history of Crystal Cove here.
1958
Newport Dunes opens.
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Newport Dunes opens with the lofty ambition of being the Disneyland of aquatic amusement parks before settling into the role of being a laidback bayfront resort offering camping, water sports, live music, and events.
1960
1962
The Balboa Bar—frozen vanilla ice cream on a stick that’s freshly dipped into chocolate and rolled in toppings—was invented this year.
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It’s generally believed the Balboa Bar—frozen vanilla ice cream on a stick that’s freshly dipped into chocolate and rolled in toppings of the customer’s choice—was invented this year. The Balboa Bar would go on to be a favorite treat of residents and visitors alike.
1962
The 410-room Newporter Inn (now Hyatt Regency Newport Beach) opens on Upper Newport Bay.
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The 410-room Newporter Inn (now Hyatt Regency Newport Beach) opens on Upper Newport Bay, bringing a new level of luxury accommodations to the city and attracting high-profile guests like President Richard Nixon.
1967
Fashion Island opens and will put Newport Beach on the map as a shopping resort.
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Fashion Island opens and will put Newport Beach on the map as a shopping resort. The retail center featured 56 stores and two restaurants. Today, it has over 150 stores and 30 dining options.
1970
1970
Duffy Electric Boats opens its first shop.
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Duffy Electric Boats opens its first shop, providing boaters with an inexpensive and environmentally sensitive way to cruise Newport Harbor. The vessels—which started with golf-cart engines—were invented by 17-year-old Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, a lifelong Newport resident.
1975
Upper Newport Bay was saved.
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After decades of protest against its development, Upper Newport Bay was saved in its natural state and turned into a state ecological reserve, preserving one of California’s largest saltwater estuaries. See the full history of conservation efforts in Newport Beach here.
1977
Couture store Amen Wardy opens in Fashion Island.
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Couture store Amen Wardy opens in Fashion Island in a revamped building that used to house the J.C. Penney Auto Center, signaling a new era of luxury shopping at one of California’s largest retail centers.
1980
1980
Echo Beach becomes the home surf break for a new generation of surfers.
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Echo Beach—a section of Newport Beach between 52nd and 56th streets—becomes the home surf break for a new generation of surfers whose fashion style—neon colors, polka-dot prints, and checkerboard patterns—generates international attention and launches several major surf-wear brands.
1985
Fashion Island’s three-story Atrium Court opens with 28 specialty stores.
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Fashion Island’s three-story Atrium Court opens with 28 specialty stores as part of the retail and entertainment center’s evolution into a high-end shopping and dining destination.
1986
Newport Center matches Fashion Island’s move to luxury with the opening of the 314-room Four Seasons hotel.
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Newport Center matches Fashion Island’s move to luxury with the opening of the 314-room Four Seasons hotel. Nearby, the upscale Ritz restaurant, which moved to Newport Center in 1982, hits its prime.
1990
1990
Construction begins on 10,000-acre Newport Coast development.
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Construction begins on 10,000-acre Newport Coast development. Plans call for 2,600 Mediterranean-style residential units (down from the original plan of 50,000) and 72% of the land saved as open space.
1995
The Wedge surf break—which generates some of the most dangerous waves in the world—further cements its reputation as one of Newport’s premier attractions.
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The Wedge surf break—which generates some of the most dangerous waves in the world—further cements its reputation as one of Newport’s premier attractions. During large swells, crowds of up to 1,000 or more make the pilgrimage to the end of the Balboa Peninsula to watch the bodysurfers, bodyboarders, and surfers try to conquer the pyramid-shaped waves.
1999
The Newport Beach Film Festival debuts.
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The Newport Beach Film Festival debuts, an event that now shows over 400 films and draws nearly 60,000 attendees each year.
2000
2003
“The OC” and “Arrested Development” television shows—both set in Newport Beach—debut, boosting the city’s profile in the U.S. and abroad.
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“The OC” and “Arrested Development” television shows—both set in Newport Beach—debut, boosting the city’s profile in the U.S. and abroad. Three years later, the “Real Housewives of Orange County” reality show airs with Newport Beach as its centerpiece location, bringing more international attention to the city.
2008
The Resort at Pelican Hill brings a new level of luxury to Newport Beach.
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The Resort at Pelican Hill—whose design was inspired by 16th-Century Italian architect Andrea Palladio—brings a new level of luxury to Newport Beach. The five-star property perched above the Pacific Ocean features 204 guest rooms, 120 private villas, and a 36-hole golf course.
2008
Christmas Boat Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary.
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The Christmas Boat Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary. The multi-evening extravaganza features over 100 vessels—from lighted kayaks to yachts—and attracts more than one million spectators annually.
2010
2015
The 10.5-acre Marina Park opens on the bayfront.
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The 10.5-acre Marina Park opens on the bayfront, featuring a nautical-themed park, wide swaths of open space, a café with bay views, a community and sailing center, and a 23-slip marina.
2016
Lido Marina Village at the foot of the Balboa Peninsula unveils its multi-million-dollar redevelopment.
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Lido Marina Village at the foot of the Balboa Peninsula unveils its multi-million-dollar redevelopment, signaling continued enhancements across the city with elevated accommodations, increased resort offerings, and immersive lifestyle districts reenforcing Newport Beach’s appeal. Two years later, the luxury Lido House hotel opens in 2018, a few blocks away, cementing the area as a go-to tourist destination.
2018
The popular Balboa Island Museum opens at its current location.
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The popular Balboa Island Museum opens at its current location (originally a summer cottage) on Marine Avenue, bringing local history to residents and tourists alike. Nearly 400,000 people visit the museum annually.
2020
2020
Newport Beach reaches its population peak at 85,163 residents.
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Newport Beach reaches its population peak at 85,163 residents, a dizzying rise from the 206 citizens—mostly fishermen and wharf workers—at the time of incorporation in 1906.
2022
Newport Beach continues to level up when it comes to luxury travel with VEA Newport Beach (2022) and Pendry Newport Beach (2023).
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Newport Beach continues to level up when it comes to luxury travel with two landmark hotel properties being reimagined by Eagle Four Partners and emerging, respectively, as the VEA Newport Beach (2022) and Pendry Newport Beach (2023). The private equity group has invested over $1 billion in Newport’s hospitality industry, including the purchase of the Balboa Bay Club and Newport Beach Country Club.
2024
Newport Beach tourist destinations continue to be upgraded through significant investments.
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Newport Beach tourist destinations continue to be upgraded through significant investments, which include a multi-million-dollar restoration of the iconic Lido Theater by owner Fritz Duda Company. Originally opened in 1939, the Art Deco theater was meticulously restored in recent years, reopening in 2024 under the operation of homegrown Joseph McGinty “McG” Nicol, a prominent movie director and producer.
TIMELESS itineraries
Newport Beach is more than a destination; it’s a living chapter of California’s coastal history, written in white sand and salt air. These itineraries will have you indulging in the beauty that is the city, while also basking in the rich history.
12 Iconic Locations in Newport Beach
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A Local’s Secret Guide to Newport Beach
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Preserving Paradise: A Look at Newport Beach’s Rich History of Conservation
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10 Films Filmed in Newport Beach
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CELEBRATE with our partners
For 120 years, Newport Beach has been shaping the California coast with effortless elegance, ocean-inspired adventure, and timeless charm. Celebrate 120 years of seaside stories, modern indulgence, and the enduring spirit that makes Newport Beach unlike anywhere else with these curated offers from our partners.
Celebrate 120 Years on the Water with Duffy Electric Boats
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Winter Escape at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
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