Lido Isle

Cross over the small bridge into Lido Isle—sometimes called Lido Island—and suddenly you’ll find yourself transported into a Mediterranean oasis where the homes are opulent, the docks are private, and the peace is unbeatable. Lido Isle was one of the first master-planned communities in California, and from its inception, it was meant to embody resort-style living. While there might not be any commercial facilities on this entirely residential island, it’s within minutes of the trendy Lido Marina Village and houses a private luxury club at its center.

The man-made island was incorporated into Newport Beach in 1906. Its Mediterranean atmosphere was ingrained into every facet of the community, from the houses right down to the street names. Housing here radiates luxury with a tropical flair that’s both sophisticated and fun. Ranging in price from around $3-5 million all the way to upwards of $10 million, properties in this boater’s paradise frequently come equipped with their own docking slips, lavish amenities, and first-class finishes. Most houses were built mid-century or later, and the custom new builds still tend to stick to the Mediterranean Revival architecture, with some Cape Cod homes and beach houses available.

A sea of vibrant red-tiled roofs, Lido Isle is a truly tropical place to call home. Residents here enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the distance from urban areas while still being within a short drive from major highways and commercial districts. Central to most activities is the Lido Isle Club, which is exclusive to residents—and you don’t need to own a boat to get the perks.

The island itself is strictly residential, but you need only cross the bridge, and you’ll run into Lido Marina Village, one of Newport Beach’s premier shopping and dining locations. Lido Marina Village houses national name brands next to niche designer boutiques. Here you can shop beauty favorites like Aesop or upscale women’s fashion at shops like Faherty.

Fine dining is all around the community. One Lido Marina Village must-try is Nobu. World-renowned for its seafood, raw bar, sushi, and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s inspiring cuisine, Nobu never fails to delight your palate. A nautical theme collides with contemporary Mexican cuisine at Wild Taco, just five minutes from Lido Isle. Their menu focuses on Baja California and Santa Fe styles, and their delicious meals are crafted from the freshest seafood, courtesy of their sister restaurant, Bear Flag Fish Co.

Part fish market and part restaurant, Bear Flag Fish Co. only serves seafood they’ve caught themselves, and the company is dedicated to sustainably fishing from local waters. If you’re not planning to dine in, you can stop by and pick up ready-to-cook fillets and more at their market for your own at-home meals. Casual but inspiring, the California-meets-Asian cuisine from Ho Sum Bistro has made it an instant classic dining choice for Newport residents.

Living on Lido Island puts you right next to some of the city’s best beaches and white, powdery sand. The Newport Beach Pier is only minutes away and is well-known for its lack of crowds and open spaces to relax in. On the pier itself, you can bike, walk, and fish off the boardwalk, and below there’s a 5-mile stretch of pristine sand and waves to explore in Newport Beach’s year-round Mediterranean climate.

Residents of Lido Isle and adjacent Lido Peninsula are treated every holiday to the best views of the Newport Beach Boat Parade, and the island serves as the finishing and starting point for the event, which lights up the waters during December. During the parade, holiday-themed yachts and boats cruise the gentle bay waters, exciting spectators and the more than 1 million viewers watching from home.