The city of Newport Beach is celebrating its 120th anniversary on September 1, 2026. Join the Newport Beach Historical Society with this year-long milestone. We are looking back at the archive to see what the city looked like in 1906.
We are working with the city and local non-profits to celebrate this heritage. Our programs will include a screening of the Irvine Documentary on February 4th at the Lido Theater.
We are honoring the city of Newport Beach’s 120th anniversary with this origin story for our first event of the year! Spanning 150 years, from when James Irvine purchased over 100,000 acres in Orange County, to the incredible transformation from agriculture to real estate in the 1960s, and beyond. This is a compelling inside look at the making of a premiere master planned community that is recognized as a role model world wide. Get a first look at exclusive clips, extended interviews, and never-before-seen moments from The Story of Irvine. Meet the experts who helped shape the city’s vision — and the community that continues it today.
Join us for a screening of Sin City at Lido Theater on February 26th with the Balboa Island Museum.
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.
⛵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. His crew crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513. As the first European to lead an expedition and reach the Pacific, our coastal communities in Newport to San Diego’s Balboa Park are named after him. The city of Newport Beach would not be possible without Captain Dunnells and William Abbott on the vessel called Vaquero. This team is credited for discovering a safe entry into a “new port” in 1870. This landing area had a small wharf and warehouse near the west end of the present Coast Highway/Newport Bay Bridge. The landing was designated Newport by James Irvine, Benjamin Flint, James McFadden, and Robert McFadden. The McFaddens operated a regular shipping service here during the 1870s and 1880s. Today, Newport Pier McFadden Wharf honors this legacy with the namesake. You can go to Newport Landing for a private or commercial charter. Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach Historical Society to learn more.
Jennifer Keil and Cindy Keil curated the Balboa Island Museum oral history collection. Listen to these interview for insight into William Collins’ 1906 development called the Collins Commercial Company. He built a private island and castle for his wife Apolena Collins (one of the aptly named streets that isn’t a semi-precious stone). The island was occupied by the Coast Guard during WWII. Islanders recall these “blackout years” as an interesting period in local history where residents were concerned about Axis power air raids along the Pacific. Starting in the 1920s, the Bal Week era would bring Los Angeles college students for spring break. They would rent cottages and go dancing on the Peninsula at the Rendezvous to listen to Big Band music. This dance hall is where the Balboa swing was invented and bands made their big break.
Hollywood legends resided on the island like Buddy Epson (on South Bay Front) and Shirley Temple (summers only). Often, John Wayne and Desilu (Lucy and Desi Arnez) were spotted on their boats who had homes in Newport Beach. Today, you can reserve John Wayne’s converted WWII minesweeper that is now a party cruise line called the Wild Goose (USS YMS-328) for a day trip! It is part of the OC Preserve’s historic landmark map registry that also highlights the 1905 built Balboa Pavilion that is a fun restaurant and events center. The Red Car Line extension to central Balboa near the Balboa Pavilion took place on July 4, 1906. This was after only 10 days of construction. Jennifer had the honor of being a keynote speaker at the Balboa Island Centennial held at the Balboa Pavilion. In 2026, the city will have a 120th anniversary dinner at the Balboa Pavilion. Learn more at the city’s Historical Resources Element to learn more.
Take the Beek family-owned Balboa Island Ferry to the Balboa Peninsula. You can walk on, drive on, or bike onto this classic ferry ride with a cash-only fare. Once you arrive at the Balboa Peninsula by ferry, you will be at the Balboa Fun Zone. It was established in 1936. It has rides and entertainment for all-ages. You can book your same-day jet ski, paddleboard, or Duffy there. Go to the information kiosk for details.
Keep walking toward the Pavilion to discover the Newport Beach Historical Society. They were established in 1967 and created historic registered markers throughout the city. See the city of Newport Beach’s historical resource element for details. They have an oral history program with stories about the founding of Newport Beach. Join us for Newport Beach events.
