Irvine is located in Orange County, California. It is a planned city, mainly developed by the Irvine
Company since the 1960s. The layout of Irvine was designed by Los Angeles architect William Pereira,
and is nominally divided into townships called villages. The townships are separated by six-lane
streets. Irvine has 23 villages that include a spectrum of similar types of dwellings, along with shopping,
religious institutions and schools.
Nearby Boating & Beaches
Irvine is just inland from Newport Beach.
By land, the Newport Beach area is impressive, but by sea it's simply magical! Chartered boats, romantic gondolas, luxurious yachts and electric "Duffy" boats are available to help visitors explore the waterways of this beautiful beachside city. Whether captaining your own vessel or leaving the maneuvering to someone else, either way it will be a nautical experience you'll never forget.
Fishing & Whale Watching Boat Charters
Balboa Peninsula's beach was named one of the top ten urban beaches in the United States by Surfrider Magazine in 2001. Ocean side or harbor side? It could be the most difficult decision of your day. The Wedge, at the ocean-side tip of Balboa Peninsula, is famous for bodysurfing. Nearby, Corona del Mar State Beach sits below protective cliffs, the sand littered with beachgoers.
The Orange County Museum of Art -- A premier visual arts museum in Orange County, California. Located one hour south of Los Angeles, our main facility is in Newport Beach. The program of dynamic solo exhibitions and landmark group shows links historical and contemporary art and ideas, bridges local and global perspectives, and embraces a broad array of cultural activities and media.
Orange County Opera -- The Orange County Opera provides elementary age school children the opportunity to experience a live opera performance, without ever having to leave their school!
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum -- Enjoy nautical exhibits including a multi-million dollar ship model gallery featuring a 22kt gold battleship. Participate in interactive exhibits and view world class maritime art. Educational programs target all K-12 grades as well as adults. Lectures are presented regularly.
Newport Beach Art Foundation -- The Newport Beach Arts Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicted to supporting, promoting and extending the cultural activities of Newport Beach Arts Commission by raising tax-deductible funds supplemental to City appropriations.
The Bowers Museum -- Bowers Museum in historic Santa Ana is a world-class, internationally-celebrated institution of art and culture that has organized some of the biggest and most culturally significant exhibits in Southern California history, including Forbidden City, Dead Sea Scrolls, Treasures from the Roof of the World and the acclaimed Mummies!
Laguna Art Museum -- Stay abreast of all the happenings at Laguna Art Museum.
International Surfing Museum - Check out surfing legends and exhibits.
Spa
In the heart of Newport Beach on California's gold coast, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is set against a stunning backdrop of sleek million dollar yachts and spectacular bay views. The Orange County hotel is reminiscent of an Italian villa and epitomizes the ideal coastal retreat.
Welcome to The Spa at the Balboa Bay Club. This exclusive Newport Beach spa is reserved for members and resort guests only. Situated on the city's picturesque harbor, our state-of-the-art Newport Beach day spa offers a peaceful sanctuary of health and relaxation. Immerse yourself in The Spa Environment.
Shopping
Fashion Island in Newport Beach is one of South California's most extraordinary shopping
experiences. Featuring Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus along with 200 specialty stores,
restaurants, cinema and Venetian Carousel.
California state parks and beaches are known the world over for their scenic beauty and temperate climate. Some of California’s finest outdoor activities are located in or near Newport Beach and offer visitors an extensive list of activities and adventures.
Newport Municipal Beach
On Balboa Blvd., at Oceanfront and 21st Street. Newport Beach offers fine, soft sand with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy yourself. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all bask in the warmth of beautiful Southern California winter and summer days.
Balboa Pier/Balboa Beach
Location: At the end of Balboa Blvd., west of Main St. The Balboa Pier and beach are accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or you can take the more adventurous route by cutting across Balboa Island and taking the ferry over.
Newport Wedge
Located at the very end of the Balboa Peninsula, the Wedge is a famous surf spot with large surf breaks close to shore.
Crystal Cove State Park
Location: On the north side of Laguna Beach, at the end of Crescent Bay Drive.
Crystal Cove State Park has 3.5 miles of beach and 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland, which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. The offshore waters are designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is frequented by people who enjoy water related activities, such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, scuba and skin diving, as well as people who like to fish, mountain bike and hike.
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Corona del Mar State Beach is a great family beach and a popular place for swimmers. Also known as “Big Corona Beach”, this is a half-mile long sandy beach framed by cliffs and a rock jetty that forms the east entrance to Newport Harbor.
Orange County Libraries
Guide to the county branch libraries and provides information on online resources and reference materials. Includes libraries hours and locations.
Dining
Orange County Dining
View over 5000 Orange County, California eating and drinking establishments, categorized by city and by cuisine.
In the heart of Newport Beach on California's gold coast, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is set against a stunning backdrop of sleek million dollar yachts and spectacular bay views. The Orange County hotel is reminiscent of an Italian villa and epitomizes the ideal coastal retreat.
