LUXURY LIVES CASUALLY IN NEWPORT BEACH CA

Whether you enjoy socializing with the elite at a high-end golf course or sharing a noisy, beachside duplex with a boatload of roommates, anything is possible in Newport. And all is acceptable. The beachside community has attracted many celebrities throughout the decades, one of the most notable, the big screen’s fearless cowboy, John Wayne. His home was right on the bay and he owned one of the biggest yachts, the Wild Goose. It was originally a 136-foot US Navy minesweeper the Duke converted to a more luxurious ride.

Given its’ proximity to the ocean and ideal climate Newport didn’t really need celebrities to sell it.  But they brought a flair to the area and particularly to quaint Balboa Island where lots sold for a few hundred dollars in the early 1900’s. Many of the first lots were sold to Pasadena residents to build vacation homes. Homes there now sell for millions. The main part of the island, Marine Ave is only a couple blocks long. It’s not a fancy place, on the contrary. Shorts and flip-flops welcome. Quite a few eateries line the avenue considering it’s not a big area. 

A locals favorite is Wilma’s Patio. Reminiscent of a coffee shop with a pet-friendly patio, the eatery offers a large menu featuring quite a few tasty choices from breakfast, to tacos to fish ‘chips. A favorite, their cottage fries. Along the two-block stretch you’ll find a good choice of restaurants, mom and pop novelty shops, clothing boutiques and dessert stands selling the famous Balboa Bar, vanilla or chocolate ice cream dipped in chocolate with a choice of toppings. You haven’t visited the Island unless you’ve indulged in a Balboa Bar or a frozen banana! After the ice cream consider burning a few calories and enjoying the view by walking the roughly two miles around the island. You’ll share the boardwalk with joggers and dog walkers. You’ll spot seaworthy vessels ranging from dinghies to yachts and there might be a freshly-made sandcastle sprouting from the small beach that surrounds most of the island.

During that walk you’ll encounter a true gem of the area, the Balboa Island Ferry which takes you a short distance across the bay to Balboa Peninsula. It accommodates pedestrians, bikes and cars, just a few at a time so there might be a wait with a vehicle. You’ll land at the iconic Balboa fun zone, full of t-shirt shops, eateries offering everything from pizza to seafood, a small ferris wheel and arcade. Walk across the Main Street to the Pacific Ocean side of Newport where you can rent a bike, cruise along the boardwalk, try your hand at surfing or stroll along the Balboa Pier.

Despite its multi-million dollar homes, high-end golf courses, luxury cars and world-class mall Fashion Island, its beach atmosphere affords Newport an air of casualness. Meaning even expensive restaurants often see customers dressed in breezy Hawaiian shirts, khakis and topsiders (so named because they help keep you upright, or topside, on a boat, or yacht). Often those who have money are the last to show it.

If you’ve spent the day at the beach,  you’re probably pretty relaxed and spending time dressing for dinner may not high on your list. Also there is a pretty big difference in income here and much of the surf crowd simply can’t afford expensive clothes or dinners. Or they’re not interested in that. They’d rather grab a burrito at Sancho’s or save for a new wetsuit or board. That’s what makes this area unique. It’s luxury with a dose of casual. Surfing, shopping, golfing…there’s something to keep everyone busy, with a blue sky climate year round.