A Curated History of Newport Beach Through the Lens of Tourism “120 Years of Welcome” explores how tourism shaped Newport Beach through vintage photographs, forgotten stories, and the people who built a seaside escape that still lives in our memories today. Visit the Balboa Island Museum exhibit until October 1, 2026. Immerse yourself in nautical artistry at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. Join us for on-the-water and on-the-land activities celebrating wooden boats on June 13th.

Preservation Month will be celebrated all month long. We will be featuring historic sites. This year’s theme is “all people are created equal.” You might want to find antiques to add to your personal collections at Redo Market held in Dana Point on Del Prado which will be held on Sunday, May 3rd from 9am to 5pm. National Museum Lovers’ Day will be celebrated on May 5th. Explore local museum sites all month long by viewing our list of historic sites. Enjoy 70° weather at Dana Point Harbor on a sailboat, paddleboard, kayak, or parasail. The Dana Point Yacht Club will celebrate its 73rd Opening Day on May 17, 2026.…

Newport Harbor is known for yachts and sailboats that glide gracefully through the ocean water. For adventure seekers, the harbor offers a variety of activities from paddleboarding and kayaking to sunset cruises. Schedule your trip to Catalina or for a sport fishing adventure for anglers. Celebrate the past and present at the iconic Mayor’s Table at the Lido House Hotel, located on the historic site of the old Newport City Hall.  ⛵Don’t forget to explore picturesque Balboa Peninsula with just a short ferry ride away. Enjoy museums, shops, delicious frozen bananas, and scenic walking paths designed for the perfect summer day destination. ⚓Balboa was named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa.…

NO. 204 OLD SANTA ANA – Portolá camped on the bank of Santa Ana River in 1769, and José Antonio Yorba, a member of the expedition, later returned to Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. El Camino Real crossed the river in this vicinity. The place was designated Santa Ana by travelers and known by that name until the present town of Santa Ana was founded. Location: NW corner of Lincoln Ave and Orange Olive Rd, Orange Historic Map Discover the history of Orange, including the first and only Spanish rancho in Orange County, the founding and settlement of the city, the iconic Plaza, the Old Towne Historic District, and some…

Book of the Month Happy Valentine’s Day! “Sense will always have attractions to me that sensibility cannot.” — Elinor Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen was published in 1811. It was Jane Austen’s first novel and a sharp exploration of love, reason, emotion, and social expectations in early 19th-century England. This story about the dichotomy of two sisters, Marianne and Elinor Dashwood’s personalities. The book explores societal customs, courtship, and friendship. It offers great prose and believable characters. We recommend reading this classic with a cup of tea. Austen’s timeless work will inspire your own Valentine’s Day celebration. She had an uncanny ability to write about her…

We wish you a wonderful Christmas season! We are honored to preserve the Sawdust Art Festival history. As the 60th anniversary author and historian of the forthcoming book, we are digitizing their archive. Be a part of this story and submit a piece to our team today! Sawdust Art Festival, 1960s Learn about the history of this 3-acre eucalyptus festival grounds, filled with a community of over 180 artists today. This photo of the historic entrance was taken in the 1960s when the festival was just starting. Artists of the Month Celebrate the season at the 35th annual Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach! It is open every Friday, Saturday and…