West Newport Beach - Newport Beach, CA Area Guide

The Vaquero steamboat entered a marshy lagoon for trading in 1870, and this lagoon was later named Newport. In 1905, city development increased when the Pacific Electric Railroad established a terminal that connected Newport with downtown Los Angeles. One year later, 206 citizens incorporated Newport Beach.

Nestled south of Huntington Beach, Newport Beach enjoys a serene Mediterranean-like climate. A remarkable part of town history lies in The Modern Maranatha Movement, which started in the '60s. Known locally as "the Jesus People Revolution," scores of people followed the example of Jimmy Christmas, a young minister in Newport Beach. Christmas inspired all who would listen to love each other, spawning a Christian movement that spread across Orange County and still continues.

The Orange County Museum of Art draws locals to its exhibits such as the comical Bad Dog sculpture. Each year the city hosts the Newport to Ensenada sailboat race.

Few things compare to a good restaurant in an exciting beach town. For local pub fare head to The Alley Restaurant & Bar, which serves a selection of American food all day and drinks late into the night. Menu highlights include a selection of steaks with diverse sides such as sautéed asparagus, sweet potato fries and mixed market vegetables. For dog owners, the restaurant offers chicken or burgers for your pet, allowing you to share a meal with your dog on the patio.

To experience Thai food at its best, visit Royal Thai Cuisine in West Newport Beach. Located on PCH, residents love the authentic dishes such as the chicken pad thai. For a tasty dessert, order the mango with sticky rice or the flaming banana. Always an attention-getter, the fried banana sprouts blue flames from the plate, alongside a scoop of ice cream.

For the best pub with a beach view, everyone directs you to Mutt Lynch's on West Oceanfront. Get ready for a fun and rowdy crowd that fuels a true Newport Beach experience. While loud tunes spill from the jukebox, order a rustic rye or blue moon. Mutt Lynch's also features the best build-your-own burgers, and it ranks high for breakfast with its popular blueberry pancakes.

Don't miss a trip to Focus on Martingale Way. Whether you dance or not, a night at Focus brings out the best dance moves in the region. This place has top-tier DJs mixing beats that prompt the hottest dancers. Pay a visit to Focus to experience vibrant nightlife in Newport Beach.

You find an advantage to beach-city living in the easy commuting options. Locals walk, skateboard, bike or drive throughout the neighborhoods. Most residents have cars, frequently using State Route 55, the Pacific Coast Highway and I-405, 5 miles north. Be prepared to pay tolls on the toll roads.

Parking remains limited the closer you get to the beach, with parking costs assessed. Taxis and Uber remain available by calling or using mobile apps. Bike riders and pedestrians move safely through Newport Beach, taking advantage of the bike lanes and scenic neighborhoods.

Orange County Transportation Authority services the region, along with Amtrak and Metrolink trains. For airline travel, Orange County has its own international airport found 5 miles north. John Wayne Airport carries passengers from all major carriers and select regional airlines.

Mariners Park & VJ Community Center ranks as a favorite with Newport Beach residents. Here you can play football, baseball and basketball, or hit handball and tennis. With four barbecues and picnic tables, the park is a great choice for group outings. Bring your children for a safe, enjoyable setting equipped with a playground, restrooms and drinking fountains. Every summer Mariners Park hosts the Independence Day Parade and Celebration, which draws huge crowds to the patriotic event. Leashed pets may join festivities, and you find ample parking.

For a relaxing vibe, check out Balboa Peninsula Park. Found on Main Street and East Oceanfront, Balboa lies right on the Pacific Ocean. Go alone or with a group and grab a seat on the sand. When night falls, enjoy the cozy fire pits for a bonfire. Walk the nearby pier and watch the sunset over West Newport Beach. Feel free to bring children pets, but prepare to pay for parking.

Residents pay considerably to live in Newport Beach. As one of Orange County's premier locales, the median cost for a one-bedroom averages $1,520. A comparable apartment in Los Angeles runs close in price. Because of the high living cost, most younger residents have roommates. A beer at a local pub averages $3.50.

Drivers pay more for gas in the neighborhood, about 20 percent above the national average. Fortunately, public transportation remains reasonable. You can ride an Orange County Transportation Authority bus for $2 base fare, or take a longer-range Metrolink train for about $6. Express lanes and toll roads cost a bit more, ranging from $4 to around $10 at peak hours.

High fashion defines Newport Beach, proven by the upscale Fashion Island mall on Newport Center Drive. The open-air shopping center draws shoppers looking for top-name designers and luxurious clothing. Tourists to the area head to the dazzling mall to check out Bloomingdale's Home Store or Elie Tahari. For legendary handbags, visit the Louis Vuitton boutique inside Neiman Marcus. As one of only three Neiman Marcus department stores in Southern California, this extravagant store displays an array of Louis Vuitton's Parisian purses such as the Damier Keepall and the leather Mahina.

Locals wanting lower cost fare may head to Forever 21, also located at Fashion Island, or for more unique selections they check out Swellegant Vintage. The popular used-clothing store on Newport Boulevard features items such as 1950s ankle skirts and baby doll spectator pumps from the '40s. Touted as the "best vintage thrift store in Orange County," Swellegant draws bargain-hunters to its store, never to be disappointed.

To grocery shop, residents go to Ralphs, Pavilions and Gelson's Markets or hit the Newport Beach Farmers Market at Lido Marina Village on Sundays.