Newport Harbor has been acclaimed as one of the finest small boat harbors in the world. In addition, Newport Harbor and its surrounding shoreline is a place of beauty and scenic wonder... wind blown bluffs, sandy beaches, rocky coves and numerous islands from the harbor outline. Two jetties stand as sentries against the encroaching sea. Two main channels join and converge towards the harbor mouth. Over 9,000 boats are berthed in this well protected harbor. Quiet bay beaches line the length of the inside channel while endless surf pounds the oceanfront.

Newport Harbor is as functional as it is beautiful. Boat slips line much of the shoreline and midchannel anchorage is also available. All size recreational and commercial boats can be accommodated, from the smallest of rowboats to large luxury yachts. Private homes, from beach houses to estates, follow the harbor's contour. Spreading fan-like out from the harbor's edge is the City of Newport Beach.

Upper Newport Bay: Upper Newport Bay consists of marshlands, small sandbars, saltflats and sheer cliffs. This portion of Newport Bay has been left in its natural state to serve as a bird sanctuary and fishery habitat. An encircling pathway and a bike trail provide scenic vistas and quiet moments away from the normal hustle and bustle of Newport Harbor.

Newport Harbor was created naturally. In 1825, heavy flooding changed the course of the Santa Ana River. It began emptying into the sea in the area now known as West Newport. Sand carried downcoast by the prevailing currents and by the river during the rainy season, began to build up into the peninsula which now forms the outer perimeter of Newport Harbor. By 1857 the peninsula had spread to half its present length. In 1861 another great flood started the silt deposits that later became islands in Newport Bay.

During the 1920's and 1930's many harbor improvements were made. Involvement by the City of Newport Beach brought about the creation of the west jetty. Matching federal and local funds were used for further improvements. In 1933, local bonds were passed and the Orange County Harbor District was created to implement the harbor project. Work started in December 1934 and opening celebrations were held on May 26, 1936. President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the ceremony by pressing a telegraph key on his White House desk and transmitting a radio signal to the Coast Guard Cutter "Hermes" in Newport Bay.

This telegraph key is on exhibit at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum on board the Pride of Newport located where the Pacific Coast Highway bridge crosses the Back Bay channel.

Boating is the major activity. Large luxury cruisers leave continuously for Catalina Island of other points west and south. The harbor is often filled with colorful sails as sailboats skim along the waterways. Many regattas are held within the harbor's confines. The annual Ensenada Race, usually held the first week of May, is the largest off-shore sailboat race on the west coast with over 500 boats participating each year. Water skiing, swimming, surfing and skin diving are popular activities in the Newport area. Two piers and the back bay ecological preserve known for its diverse population of aquatic birds offer many recreational opportunities and scenic views.

Commercial facilities include boat yards, dry docks, nautical supply shops and yacht sales to service the needs of the average boater. Sightseeing and excursion boats as well as half day and full days fishing trips are continuously scheduled. Small fishing dories, motor boats, sail boats and paddle boards can be rented from private concessionaires. Specialty shops, including clothing, jewelry and gift shops are all situated near the harbor. Restaurants running the full gamut of style and cuisine, line the harbor's edge. The Newport Dunes in Upper Bay offers a launch ramp, calm water swimming beach and first class R.V. campground.