Recreational boaters have more public access to Newport Harbor, thanks to an innovative public-private partnership between the city of Newport Beach, Orange County and Irvine Company.

With room for 12 Duffy-sized boats or several larger vessels, the new Balboa Marina Public Pier is the harbor’s largest public docking facility. Located near restaurants and shops along Pacific Coast Highway and Bayside Drive, the pier is free for day use with a three-hour limit. “We have the largest recreational harbor west of the Mississippi,” said Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill at the opening ceremony. “This new dock will increase opportunities for people to access the inner harbor, to enjoy themselves and eat and shop locally.”

Planning for the project began in 2011, with Irvine Company constructing and financing the dock under an agreement with the California Coastal Commission. The city of Newport Beach will own, maintain and operate the dock.