  
THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
When Captain Samuel S. Dunnells successfully steered his 105-ton river steamer Vaquero through upper Newport Bay in 1870, James and Robert McFadden rushed from Northern California by stagecoach to mark the inaugural voyage.
Dunnells' trip cast new light on the bay, which many had said was too treacherous for travel. But the principal landowners in the area - the McFadden brothers and James Irvine - thought they had something after Dunnells' trip. A "new port," they mused, and the name stuck, according to the Newport Beach Historical Society.
More than 100 years later, Newport Beach's harbor is crowded with pleasure, fishing and tour boats, and its streets are busy with shoppers browsing at Fashion Island mall, tourists enjoying Balboa bars on Balboa Island and surfers tackling The Wedge or other hot spots along the city's 6.2 miles of beaches.
Newport wasn't always such a desirable place. In the mid-1800s, the state of California sold parts of Harbor, Balboa and Lido islands for $1 an acre as "swamp and overflow land," according to the Newport Beach Historical Society.
The McFaddens saw something else. In 1888, they decided their shipping business would be more successful if they moved it from the inner shores of the bay to the oceanfront, where they could build a wharf. McFadden Wharf soon became the largest business in newly created Orange County, according the the historical society.
In August 1906, residents in the booming bay town voted to incorporate. The vote was 42-12 to become the city of Newport Beach. Back then, bay front houses sold for as little as $500. Today, the median price of homes in Newport Beach is approximately $545,000.
Residents identify closely with their "villages" - including Corona del Mar, west Newport and the Harbor, Lido and Balboa islands - rather than Newport Beach itself. Homes are separated from busy commercial areas such as Lido Village, Mariner's Mile and Newport Center.
One hundred years after the McFaddens built what is now Newport Pier, the city still revels in its ocean roots. Back them, only a few dozen summer cottages could be rented, and a few dozen people called Newport home.
Historical Sites:
 Balboa Pavilion - 400 Main St.
Newport Beach's first landmark was built in 1905. The Scandinavian-style pavilion was the end of the line for the Pacific Electric Red Car. The "balboa Hop" dance began there during World War II. The pavilion now contains a variety of shops, a restaurant and a chartering company.
McFadden's Wharf - Newport Pier
Completed in 1889, the wharf was the beginning of Newport's decade as a shipping port. The wharf was built by James and Robert McFadden, who shipped lumber from Northern California to settlers here.
Old Landing - Highway 101 & Dover Dr.
In 1870 the first steamer entered Newport Bay and unloaded cargo near what is known as Old Landing. The landing was designated a new port, or "Newport", by the McFaddens, who established a regular shipping service in the area. There is a bridge and a highway on part of the site now. The rest of the area is vacant.
Rendezvous Ballroom - Ocean Front (Between Washington & Palm Streets)
The ballroom originally was a small dance hall that competed with the Balboa Pavilion. In 1928 a new Rendezvous Ballroom was built and began to feature such big bands as Benny Goiodman's group. The ballroom burned down in 1935, was rebuilt, and burned down again in 1966. The site now contains condominiums.
SITE OF FIRST WATER-TO-WATER FLIGHT - Location: S end of Main St at Ocean Front (Balboa), Newport Beach.
On May 10, 1912, Glenn L. Martin flew his own plane, built in Santa Ana, from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa to Catalina Island. This was the first water-to-water flight, and the longest and fastest overwater flight, to that date. On his return to the mainland, Martin carried the day's mail from Catalina-another first.
Newport Beach Homes, Newport Beach Condos, Newport Beach Single Family Homes, Newport Beach Income Properties, Newport Beach Townhouses,
Newport Beach Estates
Winter
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Tree Lighting Ceremonies
November
Celebrating the beginning of the holiday season by illuminating Fashion Island’s majestic tree with over 17,000 lights and ornaments. This event will be accompanied by Santa's arrival and a song and dance spectacular featuring talented singers and dancers from The Orange County High School of the Arts.
The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard.
LOCATION:
Fashion Island
(949) 721-2000
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Menorah Lighting Ceremony
December
Celebrate Hanukkah at Fashion Island with singing and festive traditions beginning at 3 pm.
LOCATION:
Fashion Island
INFORMATION:
For more information, please contact the Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at (949) 721-9800.
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 Newport Landing Sportfishing - Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Cruises
December
Newport Harbor comes alive in December with decorations. Homes, yachts, docks, whole landscapes are transformed into a magical holiday experience. Newport Landing has 5 ships that offer cruises during the entire month of December.
LOCATION:
Newport Landing Sportfishing
309 Palm - Suite A
Balboa CA.
INFORMATION:
949-675-0551
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Spring
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Newport Dunes Movies on The Beach
May
Movies are shown every Friday and Saturday night at dusk, and will continue throughout the summer. Admission is free! $10 for parking. Open to the public
LOCATION:
Newport Dunes Resort - Beautiful outdoor arts and craft show overlooking the Back Bay.
INFORMATION:
949-729-3863
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Newport Beach
EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS
March -April
Children are invited to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny in the spring garden located on Atrium Lawn from 11 am to 6 pm daily.
LOCATION:
Fashion Island
INFORMATION:
949-721-2000
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Summer
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Fireworks Show at Newport Dunes
July 4
Family fun and games throughout the day with music, food, raffle, carnival games, contests, tournaments, ending with a spectacular fireworks finale! But you better get here early and save your spot to watch the show! There is a fee per car to enter.
(949) 729-DUNE
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Fall
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 Annual Taste of Newport
September
The Taste of Newport is a three-day festival drawing over 75,000 people with approximately 30 restaurants, 15 wineries, rich tasting brews, flavorful drinks and top notch live entertainment. The Taste is truly Newport Beach's social event of the year!
LOCATION:
Newport Center Drive,
Fashion Island in Newport Beach
INFORMATION:
949-729-4400
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Annual Sandcastle Contest
October
Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, thousands of sightseers will descend on "Big Corona Beach" to view amazing sand sculptures created by participants ranging from the novice to the expert.
Whether you're a participant or a spectator, it's a perfect way to spend the day with family and friends.
LOCATION:
Corona del Mar State Beach
(Marguerite & Ocean Blvd., Corona del Mar)
INFORMATION:
949-729-4400
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Arts & Culture
Attractions and Things to Do
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 Balboa Island Ferry
Although Balboa Island is accessed by bridges from the mainland, why miss the opportunity to cross on the ferry! Balboa Island Ferry has provided continuous service between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula since 1919. This scenic crossing is about a quarter mile long and is open daily. Hours vary.Balboa Island:
More than 70 gift shops, galleries and restaurants here, many of which are on Marine Avenue, the village’s main artery. Balboa
Ferry: Cross from Balboa Island to the peninsula and back. Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily, extending to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The fee starts at 50 cents.
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Newport Dunes RV Park - overnight camping
 Called the "Ritz of RV Parks" by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Resort offers the luxury and outstanding amenities of a 5-star resort with the comfort and familiarity of your own home on wheels!
This clean and well maintained facility has so much to offer the whole famiy. The Market Place has Ice cream, food, gifts, water toys, and fresh coffee. Moe B's Watersports has a Water Park for the kid's and sailboat's, pedal boats, Kayaks and Electric Boats.
Facilities & Activities
382 RV Sites and 24 Cottages, Lush Grounds, Secluded Beach with Waveless Swimming Lagoon, Village Center with Pool, Bike Rentals, Watersports & more!
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-729-3863
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Shopping
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Lido Marine Village
Enjoy the harbor and views while shopping in this open air center with its brick walkways and interesting shops. Once you've finished shopping, there are many places to dine - or take a Gondola ride.
3420 Via Oporto
Newport Beach, CA
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