Most people have seen the well-known beach towns of Orange County, California along Pacific Coast Highway lined with shops, hotels, and businesses. These typical vacation and tourist locations have swelled with traffic in the summer months for many years. Generations have vacationed and surfed in Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente.

But if you are looking for natural beauty, open spaces, nature, and room to roam, Newport Coast is a newer community that has what you are looking for. It’s a little community of about 78 acres tucked away between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. You know you’ve reached this community when the narrow PCH suddenly widens and the view opens up to vast open spaces and scenic open views of the Pacific Ocean.

Other Orange County beach towns have a mix of construction from the 1960s with the community characteristics of that era. Newport Coast is a more modern planned community that began with the Irvine Company as recent as 2001. It has the community characteristics of a more modern community with elegant gated entrances, landscaped parkways, and about 75 percent is dedicated to open space.

Exploring Nature Crystal Cove

You’ll see the homes of Newport Coast along the hillside overlooking the ocean. But along the coastline, you’ll find Crystal Cove State Park. Hiking trails are ideal for both casual walks and more serious hikes. You’ll find easy hikes to beautiful ocean views smooth enough to take in sandals, while serious hikers and campers will love the 2,400 acres of canyons and wilderness. Short paths to the beach allow visitors to discover the beautiful sandy beaches and tide pools. Crystal Cove homes range in price from $1 million to $25 million.

The past of this area is not forgotten. You can visit a small beach enclave called Crystal Cove Historic District. Preserved as a state park, you can take the 10 minute walk down or catch a shuttle for $1. The state park has preserved the Crystal Cove Cottages, built in the 1930s and 1940s, which are available for visitors to rent.

While there, you simply must visit the Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove. It’s located right on the beach. You can follow your visit to the café with a beach stroll or take the hike back up to the highway and enjoy a delicious shake on the cliffs towering over the ocean at The Shake Shack.

The Luxury of Newport Coast

Newport Coast is home to the famous Pelican Hill Resort. Named the #1 Resort in Southern California by Conde Nast Traveler, the Resort at Pelican Hill provides services and luxury for both travelers and locals alike. The Resort at Pelican Hill offers breathtaking views, spectacular amenities, and impeccable service. Here you’ll find world class dining options, spa services, and a championship golf course with views of the ocean from nearly every hole. The Pelican Hill community has some of the finest luxury homes you’ll find in Southern California.

The community is also home to some of the best restaurants in Orange County. Enjoy delicious seafood at Bluefin or Bear Flag Fish Company, and high-end dining at Mastro’s Ocean Club, or enjoy the energy and vibe of Javier’s. You’ll see the fashion and social scene of Orange County at these hot spots on full display. The parking lot is usually filled with some of the most expensive luxury cars you’ll see anywhere in the world.

If you are looking for great shopping, visit the Crystal Cove Shopping Center with both national retailers and designer boutiques

The Homes and Communities

Recent developments in this oceanside community have made it the most luxurious neighborhood in the area. The community is indeed varied with European Riviera–inspired planning starting from casual to the beautiful the modern homes.

The views are indeed breathtaking as it includes such areas as the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach, Catalina Island, as well as the Newport Coastline. The ocean views transition at night to wonderful sunsets to shining city lights.

The architecture of Newport Coast homes is dominated by Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. It also displays Santa Barbara and Tuscan styles.

There are different areas to choose from if you are looking for a luxury estate property. The most prominent among them includes those gated neighborhoods in Pelican Hill and the prestigious Crystal Cove. Of course, it is the dream of many people to acquire homes within the Pelican Hill neighborhood because of its proximity to the Pelican Hill Spa and Gold Course and the Pelican Hill Resort.

There are different types of homes here and the cost of these homes varies. The price can be anything from $500,000, which is the price for condominiums, to $20 million for large estates.

Photo courtesy of Tyler Bowman, photographer.

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