Today, Fashion Island is one of Newport Beach’s most iconic destinations for luxury shopping, dining, and coastal style. But before designer boutiques, picturesque courtyards, and the famous koi pond, this beloved open-air shopping center had a very different beginning.

In 1953, more than 50,000 Boy Scouts gathered on Irvine Ranch for the Third National Boy Scout Jamboree. The event was so significant that it inspired the name of one of Newport Beach’s best-known thoroughfares: Jamboree Road.

A decade later, that same land was transformed into a bold new vision. Construction began in 1963 on what was originally known as Newport Center. Somewhere beneath the property, a time capsule was buried during construction—and its exact location remains a mystery. If you happen to find it, let us know!

Fashion Island officially opened on September 9, 1967, with an opening-night charity celebration that welcomed nearly 18,000 guests. The center debuted with four department stores, 52 specialty shops, and two restaurants, quickly establishing itself as a premier shopping destination in Southern California.

The surrounding Newport Center continued to grow with the completion of The Irvine Company headquarters in 1969, helping shape the area into the vibrant commercial and lifestyle district it is today.

That same year, another beloved landmark debuted: the iconic koi pond. Home to approximately 80 colorful koi and holding nearly 20,000 gallons of water, it has remained one of Fashion Island’s most photographed and cherished gathering spots for generations.

As Fashion Island evolved, so did its public spaces. In 1973, Butterfly Court opened as a sunny outdoor gathering place where visitors could relax and enjoy Southern California’s year-round coastal climate. Today, the space has transformed into the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, where guests continue to gather for seasonal events, fashion experiences, and outdoor dining.

The center continued its evolution throughout the 1980s. After JCPenney closed in 1985, Fashion Island expanded with Atrium Court, introducing additional boutiques and a food court. By 1989, an extensive renovation welcomed a movie theater, a new parking structure, refreshed landscaping, and expanded dining options, further cementing Fashion Island’s reputation as a premier lifestyle destination.

The next chapter arrived in the 2010s with a $100 million renovation and the introduction of Fashion Island’s modern branding. During this era, television personality Tim Gunn hosted a memorable fashion event, while beloved traditions—including the annual Christmas tree lighting and seasonal trolley—became staples of the visitor experience.

The addition of Whole Foods Market in 2012 further enhanced the center’s mix of luxury retail, exceptional dining, and everyday conveniences, creating the vibrant destination visitors know and love today.

As Newport Beach celebrates 120 years, Fashion Island stands as an important part of the city’s story. What began as open ranchland evolved into a world-class shopping and dining destination that helped shape Newport Beach’s growth, attracting visitors from around the globe while inspiring new hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the city.

The next time you stroll beneath the palm trees, dine at Sushi Roku, browse Restoration Hardware, or simply pause by the koi pond, take a moment to appreciate the rich history beneath your feet. Fashion Island isn’t just a shopping destination—it’s a landmark that has helped define the Newport Beach experience for six decades.