Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Pelican Heights represents the pinnacle of Newport Coast luxury living. This exclusive gated community combines breathtaking ocean vistas with world-class amenities and architectural grandeur. From its championship golf course to its resort-style living, Pelican Heights offers a lifestyle that few communities can match.
Living in Pelican Heights
Pelican Heights stands as Newport Coast's most prestigious address, a masterfully planned community that seamlessly blends luxury living with natural beauty. Developed by The Irvine Company, this exclusive enclave spans over 1,500 acres and features some of the most spectacular ocean and canyon views in all of Southern California. The community's elevated position provides residents with panoramic vistas stretching from Catalina Island to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, creating a living experience that feels more like a permanent vacation at a five-star resort.
What truly sets Pelican Heights apart is its commitment to creating a complete lifestyle destination. The community revolves around The Resort at Pelican Hill, a world-renowned luxury resort that serves as the neighborhood's crown jewel. Residents enjoy access to championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, multiple swimming pools, tennis facilities, and spa services that rival any destination resort. The Mediterranean-inspired architecture throughout the community creates a cohesive aesthetic that feels both timeless and sophisticated, with terracotta roofs, stucco exteriors, and lush landscaping that complement the coastal setting perfectly.
Real Estate in Pelican Heights
The real estate in Pelican Heights represents some of the most exclusive and expensive properties in Orange County, with homes typically ranging from $3 million to over $20 million. The community features a diverse mix of luxury residences, including custom estates, semi-custom homes, and luxury condominiums, all designed with meticulous attention to detail and premium finishes. Many properties feature expansive outdoor living spaces, infinity pools, wine cellars, and smart home technology as standard amenities.
Architectural styles throughout Pelican Heights are predominantly Mediterranean and Tuscan-inspired, featuring warm earth tones, natural stone accents, and red tile roofs that create visual harmony throughout the community. Estate lots often exceed an acre, providing privacy and space for elaborate outdoor entertaining areas, while the luxury condominiums and townhomes offer lock-and-leave convenience without sacrificing elegance. Properties with direct golf course frontage or ocean views command premium prices, with some oceanfront estates selling for $30 million or more. The community's strict architectural guidelines ensure that all homes maintain the highest standards of design and construction quality.
The Pelican Heights Lifestyle
Life in Pelican Heights revolves around leisure, luxury, and community connection in ways that few neighborhoods can offer. Residents begin their days with golf on championship courses, followed by spa treatments or fitness sessions at world-class facilities. The community's proximity to Crystal Cove State Park provides endless opportunities for hiking and beach activities, while the private nature of Pelican Heights ensures a peaceful retreat from the outside world.
Community events are frequent and sophisticated, ranging from wine tastings and culinary experiences to golf tournaments and seasonal celebrations. The Resort at Pelican Hill serves as a natural gathering place, hosting everything from business meetings to family celebrations in stunning settings. Many residents take advantage of the concierge services available through the resort, which can arrange everything from dinner reservations to private yacht charters. The lifestyle here is distinctly resort-like, with many residents describing their daily routine as feeling like a permanent vacation, yet with all the conveniences and amenities needed for full-time living.
Dining & Shopping
Dining in Pelican Heights centers around the exceptional restaurants at The Resort at Pelican Hill, including Andrea, which offers Northern Italian cuisine with ocean views, and Pelican Grill, known for its contemporary California fare and extensive wine list. The resort's dining venues provide residents with world-class culinary experiences without leaving the community, featuring everything from casual poolside dining to elegant fine dining occasions.
For additional dining and shopping options, residents are just minutes from Fashion Island, one of Southern California's premier outdoor shopping destinations. This upscale center features high-end retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus, alongside boutique shops and restaurants such as Nobu, Fig & Olive, and The Cheesecake Factory. The nearby Corona del Mar area offers charming local restaurants and cafes, while Balboa Island provides unique shopping experiences and waterfront dining. The proximity to these established shopping and dining districts means residents enjoy both the exclusivity of their gated community and easy access to Orange County's best retail and culinary offerings.
Schools & Education
Pelican Heights is served by the highly-rated Newport-Mesa Unified School District, known for its academic excellence and comprehensive programs. Elementary students typically attend Eastbluff Elementary, which consistently ranks among the top schools in California and offers programs for gifted students, extensive arts education, and strong STEM curricula. Middle school students attend Ensign Intermediate School, while high schoolers attend Corona del Mar High School, renowned for its college preparatory programs, championship athletics, and vibrant arts programs.
Many Pelican Heights families also choose from several prestigious private school options in the area. The Sage School in nearby Newport Beach offers innovative K-12 education with small class sizes and individualized attention. St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano provides excellent college preparatory education, while The Webb Schools and other boarding options offer world-class educational opportunities. The proximity to UC Irvine, one of California's top public universities, adds to the area's educational appeal and creates opportunities for cultural and educational enrichment through university programs and events.
Outdoor & Recreation
The outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Pelican Heights are simply extraordinary, beginning with the community's two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. The Ocean North and Ocean South courses offer challenging play with stunning ocean views, while the practice facilities and golf academy provide opportunities for improvement. Tennis enthusiasts enjoy multiple courts, while swimmers have access to several resort-style pools, including the spectacular coliseum pool with its dramatic architectural features.
Beyond the community gates, residents have immediate access to some of California's most beautiful natural areas. Crystal Cove State Park offers over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness with hiking trails, tide pools, and secluded beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing. Newport Harbor provides world-class sailing, yachting, and water sports opportunities, while nearby Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula offer additional recreational activities. The community's proximity to multiple championship golf courses, including Pelican Hill Golf Club and nearby courses at Big Canyon and The Ranch, ensures that golf enthusiasts never lack for playing opportunities. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, the Santa Ana Mountains provide hiking and mountain biking trails just a short drive inland.
Getting Around
Pelican Heights enjoys an ideal location for both local convenience and regional connectivity, situated just off Pacific Coast Highway with easy access to major freeways and airports. The community is approximately 10 minutes from Fashion Island and downtown Newport Beach, 15 minutes from John Wayne Airport, and less than an hour from Los Angeles International Airport. The 405 and 73 freeways provide direct connections throughout Orange County and to Los Angeles County.
Locally, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, as the community's elevated and exclusive location makes walking to external destinations impractical. However, the internal roads within Pelican Heights are designed for leisurely walks and bike rides, with scenic routes throughout the community. Many residents utilize golf carts for getting around the expansive property, particularly when traveling between their homes and the resort facilities. The proximity to Newport Harbor also makes boat transportation a viable and popular option for some residents, with several marinas and yacht clubs nearby offering slip rentals and services.
Why Move to Pelican Heights?
Unparalleled Ocean Views and Setting: Few communities anywhere can match the spectacular vistas available from Pelican Heights, with many homes offering 180-degree ocean views and dramatic coastal canyon settings that create a sense of living in a natural paradise.
World-Class Amenities and Resort Lifestyle: Living in Pelican Heights means having access to championship golf, luxury spa services, fine dining, and resort amenities that rival any destination resort, all within your own community.
Exclusive Privacy and Security: The gated, private nature of Pelican Heights ensures complete privacy and security, while the community's size and layout create an intimate, neighborhood feeling despite the luxury and grandeur.
Prime Location and Convenience: Despite feeling like a secluded retreat, Pelican Heights offers easy access to Newport Beach's best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, plus convenient transportation to business centers and airports throughout Southern California.
Investment Quality and Prestige: Properties in Pelican Heights represent some of the most prestigious and investment-worthy real estate in Orange County, with a track record of strong appreciation and enduring desirability that makes them excellent long-term investments.
Common Questions About Pelican Heights
What are the HOA fees and what do they include in Pelican Heights?
HOA fees in Pelican Heights typically range from $800-2,500+ monthly depending on property type and location. Fees generally include 24/7 security, landscaping, community amenities access, and maintenance of common areas. Some neighborhoods within Pelican Heights have additional fees for golf course access and resort amenities.
Can residents of Pelican Heights use all Resort at Pelican Hill facilities?
Residents have access to many resort facilities, but specific privileges vary by neighborhood and property type. Most residents receive discounted rates on golf, dining, and spa services, while some have unlimited access to certain amenities. It's important to verify exact amenity access rights when purchasing, as they can differ between developments within the community.
What is the typical price range for homes in Pelican Heights?
Homes in Pelican Heights typically range from $3 million for luxury condominiums to over $20 million for oceanfront estates. The median price for single-family homes is approximately $8-12 million, with oceanview properties commanding premium prices. Lot size, views, and proximity to amenities significantly impact pricing.
How exclusive is Pelican Heights and what are the residency requirements?
Pelican Heights is a private, gated community with strict architectural guidelines and community standards. There are no residency restrictions for purchasing, but the community maintains high standards through HOA covenants. All residents must comply with architectural review processes for any exterior modifications and community conduct guidelines.
What makes Pelican Heights different from other Newport Coast communities?
Pelican Heights stands apart due to its integration with The Resort at Pelican Hill, offering resort-style amenities as part of daily life. The community features two championship golf courses, superior ocean views from its elevated position, and larger estate lots compared to other Newport Coast neighborhoods. The Mediterranean architecture and comprehensive master planning create a more cohesive, resort-like environment.