There were attempts to create a harbor here prior to 1934, but in that year the Army Corp of Engineers began construction of the jetties and dredging to create the harbor and beaches as we know them today.  At about the same time the Santa Ana River was diverted from its course through the harbor where it discharged its sediments.  The River’s course is not directly across the Pacific Coast Highway and discharges into the Ocean.

This construction created one of the finest small boat harbors along the Pacific Coast.  There are 9,000 slips and moorings worth one billion dollars.  From the standpoint of jetties and dredging, this harbor is outstanding as being maintenance free.

Newport Harbor was designated an Orange County Local Historical Civil Engineering Landmark in 1996 and the plaque is located in Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, CA