Newport Harbor is in the lower section of Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California. It is about 4 miles long, running parallel to the Balboa Peninsula and the ocean. The harbor is filled with everything from pedal boats to large ocean vessels. There are over 9000 boats berthed here.

Within Newport Beach Harbor there are 7 islands, mostly filled with lovely houses and flowery porches. The boater can leisurely take a self-guided tour of these homes from the water.

On the other side of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) the Newport Back Bay and Upper Bay extend well inland.

THE ISLANDS IN NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR

The biggest island is Balboa, accessible by bridge from Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway, or by car ferry from the Balboa Peninsula near the Balboa Fun Zone. This charming little beach community has a scenic walkway that encircles the island, with the picturesque homes on one side and small sandy beaches and boating slips on the waterside. Boutique shops, restaurants, and two stands famous for their balboa bars and frozen bananas (both dipped in chocolate and rolled in the topping of your choice) line Marine Avenue.

The other islands consist of Lido Island, Little Balboa Island, Linda Isle, Collins Island, Harbor Island and Bay Island.

The other major island for visitors is Lido Island. Here you’ll find Lido Marina Village, with shops, art galleries, boutiques and boardwalk cafes.

THE BALBOA FUN ZONE

This historic little area on the peninsula side of the bay offers a small Ferris wheel, carousel, arcade and even bungee jumping. The Balboa Pavilion, which used to be a Big Band showcase is a restored local landmark dating from 1905. Today it houses special events and wedding functions. Catalina boats leave from here daily (less in winter). Call 800-830-7744 or 949-673-5245.

BOATER’S INFORMATION

Whether you are renting a boat or visiting with your own yacht, the following information may be of use. The speed limit within the harbor is 5 m.p.h.. Fuel docks can be found next to both ferry landings on either side of the bay. A boating launch ramp is located at in the Back Bay.

There is a Harbor Department guest anchorage dock near the Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard Base. For marine weather updates, including surf and water reports, call 949-673-3371.

DINING AROUND THE HARBOR

For dining in Newport Beach Harbor, there are several restaurants on Lido Island. More can be found near the ferry landing on the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island has restaurants on Marine Ave. (which are not on the water). For waterfront restaurants with outstanding views, check out the area of Pacific Coast Highway that lines the inland side of the harbor. This section is sometimes referred to as Mariner’s Mile.

NEWPORT HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM

Located in the Balboa Marina off of Pacific Coast Highway, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is located on a riverboat. It features artwork and exhibits, which pertain to all things maritime. Many of the exhibits are interactive and there is a touch tank. They also have hundreds of ship models to peruse.

The tall ship Lynx docks here and gives tours as well. The museum’s address is 151 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. There is a store and restaurant to enjoy after your visit. Their phone number is 949-673-3377

Description: Newport Beach Harbor. Discover all the scenic pleasures Newport Beach Harbor has to offer, whether from a boat on the water or strolling around Balboa Island or the peninsula.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Every December, Newport Beach Harbor hosts a Christmas Parade of Lights. This is a great family event. Boaters and homeowners alike go all out in decorating their houses and/or boats. Viewers stroll or sit along the bay front on Balboa Island, enjoying the show of passing lights reflecting off the water.

Special tip: you can grab a hot cocoa or café mocha at the local Starbucks on Marine Avenue to keep your hands and innards warm, as December nights can be quite cool by the bay. For more information, call 949-494-3030.

A vacation in Newport Beach means more than just the beach; you have the Newport Beach Harbor to enjoy as well.

Laura Eggers operates the website http://www.southern-california-beaches-vacation-guide.com, which offers visitors a plethora of information about the different beach areas to help with planning their beach vacation in sunny Southern California.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Eggers

Many famous celebrities frequent this place, if not call it home. But celebrity or not, you can still explore Newport Beach and its villages for a luxurious and adventurous experience.

Nature Trip

Environmental Nature Center

Go exploring the more than 2 acres of wildlife habitat with trail guides as you discover California’s unique flora and fauna. Admission is free.

Upper Newport Bay

A free two-hour tour is available every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. It starts at 9 in the morning from Shellmaker Island. You can explore the areas that are home to more than 200 species of birds and wildlife. You can also avail of canoe tours and campfire activities for the family.

Culture and the Arts

City Hall Art Gallery

Visit Newport Blvd from between 9 am to 4 pm from Mondays to Fridays and drop by the City Hall Art Gallery to see works by exhibits of paintings, sculpture and photography by homegrown artists.

Newport Harbor Nautical Museum

The museum is set in the Pride of Newport, measuring 190 feet. It features the traditional and local sea-faring culture of the region. Galleries focus on several themes ranging from the recreational to commercial. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission fees for adults are $4, while for children are $1.

Newport Theater Arts Center

2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach, CA; (949) 631-0288; Call for Schedule:
The local community theater features veteran and new actors. Swing by Cliff Drive and look for the Theatre on the Cliff for schedules of current plays and upcoming shows.

Don’t confine yourself to going around just the Newport Beach proper. Be adventurous and take a trip to its outlying villages.

Balboa Island

You could spend a day walking along Marine Avenue just browsing more than 70 shops, galleries and restaurants. Specialty boutiques and sidewalk cafes also add flavor to the area. To get there, either take a ferry from Balboa Peninsula or drive down Jamboree Road.

Balboa Peninsula

If promenading is your thing, try the Balboa boardwalk where you can bike, skate and/or walk as you take in the sights of Newport Harbor. An amusement park established in the 1930s still stands and is a local, as well as a tourist, favorite. Rides the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel in between trips to shops and restaurants. It also features the Balboa Pavilion, which was an electric railway terminal back in the early 1900s.

Cannery Village

What used to be the hub of commercial fishing with boat yards and canneries (thus the name), this village is now mostly comprised of fine restaurants, vintage shops and a good number of art galleries. For a sampling of the local art, visit Cannery Wharf Park every Sunday to see local artists exhibiting their works towards the afternoon.

Lido Marina

This waterfront village is situated by the Via Oporto. Don’t be fooled by the out-of-the-way location of this enclave by the harbor side. It is home to boutiques, jewelry stores, art museums and galleries, and restaurants by the boardwalk.

Mariner’s Mile

Whatever you speed is, you can take a charter for either sports fishing or dinner cruise. All restaurants and galleries have a strong maritime feel to them owing to their location. You can also take a gondola ride for a romantic tour around the New Port Harbor canals. Find Mariner’s Mile by West Coast Highway and is in between Dover Drive and Newport Boulevard.

McFadden Square

McFadden Square has been famous with chefs and professional seafood buyers since the late 1890s. People would come to get their choice picks of fresh seafood and you can see such activity still go on which starts everyday at 9 in the morning.

There’s a lot Newport can bring to your vacation, whether you are on a luxury spree or on a modest budget. You can experience nature at its best while sampling local crafts as well as some high-class shopping. Whatever your speed, Newport Beach has something for everyone.

Khieng ‘Ken’ Chho – Online Newport Beach [http://newportbeach.1w3b.com] Resources. For more, visit Ken’s website: [http://newportbeach.1w3b.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Khieng_Chho