Newport Pier facts for kids
The Newport Pier is a famous pier in Newport Beach, California. It's one of two main piers in the city. You can find it right in the middle of the Balboa Peninsula. This pier is quite long, stretching out 1,032 feet (about 315 meters) into the ocean. It replaced an older pier called McFadden Wharf. The site where the pier stands is a special place, recognized as California Historical Landmark number 794.
History of the Newport Pier
The very first pier here was built in 1888. It was known as McFadden Wharf. Two local landowners, James and Robert McFadden, built it. They used the wharf to ship things like lumber and animal hides.
In 1890, the pier connected to the Santa Ana and Newport Railway. This allowed goods to be sent by train to places like Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.
The McFaddens sold the pier in 1902. The new owner, W.S. Collins, started to make the area a place for homes and fun. When the Los Angeles passenger railway reached the wharf in 1905, it helped Newport Beach grow into a popular tourist spot.
In 1922, the city of Newport updated the pier. It stayed a shipping point until 1939. Sadly, a big hurricane destroyed it that year.
The Modern Newport Municipal Pier
The pier you see today was built in 1940. It stands in the same spot, at Oceanfront Boulevard and 21st Place. This pier is a favorite place for many activities. People love to go fishing, take a walk, or enjoy dining.
At the very end of the pier, there used to be a restaurant called "Newport Pier Grill and Sushi." It had an outdoor area called the William Wright Terrace. This patio added 288 square feet (about 27 square meters) and could seat 28 people. It offered great views of the water. The Newport Pier Grill and Sushi has been closed since 2012.
At the start of the pier, you'll find the Dory Fishing Fleet. This is a group of local fishermen who have been selling their catch right from the beach since 1891. Also at the base of the pier is the main office for the city fire department's Lifeguard division.
The pier also serves as the home base for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards. This is a special program run by the fire department. It teaches kids important water safety skills and basic lifeguard training.
Images for kids
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Postcard of the Newport Municipal Pier
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Life Guard Headquarters
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Life Guard Headquarters
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Newport Pier Grill and Sushi, Newport Beach, CA
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Dory Fleet, Newport Beach, CA
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Newport Beach Pier Aerial
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Newport Beach Pier
