Newport Harbor - Newport Beach, CA

Newport Harbor was formed in the early 1900s. The semi-artificial bay was home to many shipbuilding and commercial fishing companies.

Over the years Newport Harbor became a popular area for recreational boat activities such as sailing, paddle boarding and fishing. The shore of Newport Harbor is mainly occupied by private docks and houses now.

The Orange County Museum of Art has a great selection of modern art. Bring your children and they can make arts and crafts on the patio and play musical instruments.

Don't miss the annual Christmas boat parade every December. Find a spot along the water in Balboa to watch the lit-up ships go by. Reserve a table at a restaurant along the water (such as Billy's at the Beach) to ensure a good spot to watch the show. A special firework show closes the parade on the final night.

Newport Harbor blends tasty food with great ambiance at the restaurants in town.

The Cannery sits on the docks in Newport Harbor. Enjoy your food while looking at the yachts bobbing in the water. Try the poke tuna and crab cakes which are local favorites. The sushi bar creates delicious rolls such as the 911 roll. Watch out because the habanero chili oil adds some spice.

3-Thirty-3 has a variety of gourmet sliders to choose from. The coconut crusted Mahi-mahi sliders and the filet mignon ones are popular with regulars. Come on Sundays for the build your own Bloody Mary bar brunch. Take advantage of the free valet parking all days of the week.

Newport Landing offers a great oyster bar overlooking the bay. Take a seat on the balcony and pass the afternoon under the sun. The Manhattan clam chowder is a local favorite.

Newport Harbor has a great nightlife. 3-Thirty-3 has live music in the lounge making it a great place for those looking to drink and mingle. Cassidy's serves up domestic beers in this no-frills bar. Locals come here to shoot pool and drink in a casual environment. It has a photo booth in the back to take funny photos to remember the night. For those looking to dance head over to neighboring Costa Mesa where there are more dance clubs.

For everyday commuting the best option in Newport Harbor is driving. Parking around Balboa Island gets tight during summer months. Metered spots are available, but they go quick. Taxi cabs are hard to hail down on the street. Keep the number of a company handy to call when you need a cab. Uber is not an option in Newport Harbor. The OCTA makes stops at all parts of the city for just $2.00. It has many routes that go to all parts of Orange County as well.

If you love to walk then park your car and walk around Balboa. With the Fun Zone and shops expect to pass a few hours walking around. The bike path that runs along the beach makes riding a bicycle fun and safe in Newport Harbor.

Head over to Crystal Cove State Park just up Pacific Coast Highway and walk through the trails amongst sage bushes and ocean views. Children love to stroll down to the beach and play in the tide pools where sea anemone sway in the water. Expect to pay around $15 for parking.

Dogs have a place to run off of the leash at the Newport Beach Dog Park. While dogs play in this park owners love to sit on the benches and admire the views of the ocean. The park is in the Civic Center and can be hard to find so be sure to make sure you have the right directions.

Check out the annual Sandcastle Contest in Neighboring Corna Del Mar. Comprise a team of family or friends and join in on the fun.

Newport Harbor is more expensive than most other cities in Orange County. A one bedroom apartment rents for around $2,000 per month. On average expect to pay $6 for a beer at a bar. A gallon of gas costs around 15 percent more than the national average.

Fashion Island creates a mix of comfort and class in an outdoor shopping center. Bring your kids to play at the Koi Pond. Dogs are welcome at this outdoor mall as long as they are on a leash.

GARYS Men Clothing brings high-end fashion such as Hugo Boss and Zenga to Fashion Island. This family-owned business has long been a staple in Fashion Island that attracts locals and tourists alike.

There are great high-end grocery stores in Newport Harbor, such as Gelson's, Bristol Farms and Whole Foods. Many other grocery stores dot the city, such as Pavilions, Ralphs and Vons. Lido Village hosts a farmer's market on Saturdays, but be sure to check online for an updated schedule.