Newport Beach is a gorgeous coastal California city located in Orange County, not far from Los Angeles. While it is near enough for residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, it also has a laid-back, beachy vibe and a more relaxed and slower pace. Newport Beach is known for its large, beautiful, boat-filled harbor, its big waves, and its stunning beaches. Even better, it’s also known for its friendly and diverse neighborhoods, which include a thriving LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home here, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Newport Beach's History
Newport Beach’s modern-day roots date back to the late 1800s, when Captain Samuel Dunnells first sailed his river steamer through upper Newport Bay. In so doing, he put an end to the rumor that the area could not be navigated by boat, and as a result, a “New Port” was born, and the name stuck. About five years later, two young businessmen named Robert and James McFadden traveled down the coastline from Northern California to purchase land from Captain Dunnells, and then two men subsequently turned Newport into a commercial trade and shipping center. Newport has grown steadily since that time, and today remains not only an important coastal city but also a prime tourist destination.
A Few Fun Facts About Newport Beach
Read more fun facts about Newport Beach here.
Newport Beach’s LGBTQ Community
Newport Beach is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Newport Beach is Newport Beach’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The LGBTQ Center of Orange County
The LGBTQ Center of Orange County was established in 1971 and has been serving the LGBTQ communities in Newport Beach and greater Orange County since that time. The mission of the center is to “[A]dvocate on behalf of the Orange County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer/Questioning communities and provide services that ensure its well-being and positive identity.” The center accomplishes this mission through a blend of advocacy, education, social programs, and other resources offered to support the LGBTQ community, and its friends and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Newport Beach?
Those who live in Newport Beach can expect sunshine, beautiful weather, and plenty of it – almost all year round. Temperatures are almost always pleasant, ranging from around 68 °F in January to about 80 °F in August. The annual average rainfall is relatively low at 13.56 inches, and the area receives no snow. As a result, almost any time is a great time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in Newport Beach!
Can’t-Miss Events in Newport Beach
The annual LA Gay Pride Parade is held every June in West Hollywood, and as it’s only a short drive away from Newport Beach, you won’t want to miss it! The event is hugely popular and sees over 200,000 people in attendance each year. In addition to a parade, the event has three stages, non-profit booths, and live entertainment, as well as family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival
The Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival is definitely a can’t-miss event in Newport Beach each year for those who love excellent wine, delicious food, and plenty of fun socializing and having fun with friends. – and also for those who simply enjoy having fun. It’s a very popular event each year, drawing great crowds and vendors, and it’s one event you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar.
The Best Neighborhoods in Newport Beach
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Newport Beach is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home. Newport Beach has many beautiful, walkable neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe, but all very welcoming and friendly. There’s not a particular part of Burbank where gays and lesbians congregate more than others, though. You’ll be welcomed anywhere in the city. Homes in Newport Beach tend to be fairly expensive, with the median list price currently at around $2.5 million. If you have a budget in the higher-end range, however, you'll find a variety of beautiful homes and neighborhoods to choose from.
Arts and Entertainment
The Newport Theatre Arts Center is proud of its reputation for providing quality theatre to Newport since 1979. Throughout the year, the theatre hosts a wide variety of shows and performances, and there’s sure to be something to fit everyone’s preferences. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show or two for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
Balboa Island is definitely one of the must-see places to visit in Newport Beach. This harborside area initially constructed on a sandbar is full of fun activities. Take the ferry and enjoy the day. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, sports, fun on the water, or simply relaxing on beautiful Newport Pier, you’ll be able to do it here.
Fashion Island is widely considered to be the premier shopping experience in Orange County. This resort-like shopping and dining experience offers guests access to exclusive specialty boutique stores, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a day browsing, buying, dining, and having fun!
Newport Beach Nightlife
Strut Bar and Club is one of the most popular LGBTQ bars in the Newport Beach area. With a lively dance floor, friendly crowds, strong drinks, fun themed nights, and great music, you can’t go wrong. It’s definitely a great place to meet some friends and have fun.
While not exclusively an LGBTQ restaurant, this friendly and welcoming restaurant overlooking Balboa Ferry, is a local favorite in Newport and has been since it first opened its doors in the 1980s. It is known for its upscale atmosphere, its beautiful views, and its excellent seafood offerings. It's a great spot to put on your list for a fun night out in Newport Beach!
Contact a Newport Beach Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Newport Beach, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Newport Beach, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Newport Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
