Newport Beach peninsula stretches
approximately 4 miles from Pacific Coast Highway to Channel Road, the
end of the road where the famous surf spot, The Wedge, with its large
surf breaks close to shore is located. Boats glide seamlessly in and out
of the Newport Harbor as people ride bicycles, walk, rollerblade and
enjoy the cement paths, beaches and roads such as Newport and Balboa
Boulevard.
Newport Beach offers more vacation rental properties than surrounding
beach cities and the mix of old time locals, newcomers, fun seekers,
vacationers, renters and celebrities such as Dennis Rodman who enjoy
this vibrant area with a feel reminiscent of the metropolitan beach
communities near Los Angeles such as Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.
While housing is expensive along the peninsula and restaurants and shops
come and go as the rents continue to climb, the architecture is a mix of
old cottages, bungalows and beautiful custom homes. Famous restaurants
along the peninsula include the Crab Cooker and Tail of the Whale.
Famous landmarks include Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, Dory Fish Market,
the Pavilion and the Fun Zone. Located near the intersection of Balboa
Boulevard and Main Street, Newport Harbor includes boat rentals, a daily
boat ride to Catalina Island, 45 and 90 minute boat tours of the Newport
Harbor and the Newport Beach Ferry.
Winter weekdays on the peninsula can be quite docile with few staking
claim to the sand and waves. Just the opposite of the solitude enjoyed
during that time, weekends and holidays, (especially during the summer)
can bring traffic to a standstill. On 4th of July, the streets into the
peninsula normally close in the morning and only foot traffic and buses
are allowed. Living on the peninsula can be a fantastic
experience--local pubs and shops are within walking distance of most
homes and the beach is always a block or two within reach. If you don't
have a parking garage or driveway, however, parking a car can be a
frustrating experience at times. Parking tickets are easy to acquire
since metered parking is prevalent and parking spaces are not always
easy to find.
We wouldn't want to discourage you from visiting the peninsula, however.
It is a great place to spend a night in a local hotel such as the
Balboa
Inn and listen to live music next door at Studio Cafe. You can take boat
rides, sunbathe, skate, jog, read a book, eat every type of food and
live it up.
