“We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
That quote, written on the wall of a building in Lido Marina Village, certainly applies to the village’s upscale collection of shops and restaurants.
Originally built in the 1950s as waterfront bungalows, Lido Marina evolved in the 1970s into a village of boutiques, restaurants and gathering spaces.
By 1990, the eclectic shops at Lido Marina Village included Newport Holograms, Southern California’s hologram art gallery; a gallery devoted to artwork by actor Red Skelton (where fellow actor Buddy Ebson, a resident of Balboa Island, also displayed his paintings); and Magic Island, a Magic Castle-style venue where guests could dine and experience magic shows.
By the mid-2000s, the magic was gone from Lido Marina Village; the retail wind blew in a different direction. Shops closed, restaurants disappeared, and visitors found other places to spend their money. It was time to adjust the sails.
In 2013, DJM Capital Partners began an ambitious transformation that sought to preserve the destination’s intimate waterfront character while reimagining it for a new generation of visitors. The project focused on restoring the buildings, pedestrian streets, storefronts, landscaping, and lighting while retaining the property’s original scale and coastal character.
Following a multi-year redevelopment, Lido Marina Village reopened in 2016 as a curated collection of independent retailers, chef-driven restaurants and lifestyle concepts that quickly distinguished itself from traditional shopping centers.
In 2017, world-renowned Nobu restaurant opened on the waterfront at Lido Marina Village, cementing Lido Marina Village’s rebirth and serving as an anchor to help bring in additional tenants to the Village.
In 2024, a new ownership chapter began under Redwood West, a vertically integrated real estate investment, development and operating platform headquartered in Newport Beach with a focus on community and tenant collaboration.
Redwood West currently owns and operates a large-scale Southern California-based portfolio, which includes Lido Marina Village and Peninsula Village.
Lido Marina Village 10 Year Milestone
Lido Marina Village is celebrating its 10-year milestone in 2026. Over the past decade, the Newport Beach destination has redefined its modern retail concept. Instead of focusing on traditional retail stores or national chains, the village has focused on founder-led brands and chef-driven restaurants. Add year-round programming that encourages visitors to spend time enjoying the waterfront setting, and you have a destination that is sailing full speed ahead.
Lido Marina Village is currently home to a collection of fashion, beauty, home and dining concepts. Its retail lineup includes brands such as Aesop, Clare V., DÔEN, elysewalker, goop, Jenni Kayne, Le Labo, Serena & Lily, Shoppe Amber Interiors and Willbo.
The dining destinations include La La Land Kind Cafe, Lido Bottle Works, Malibu Farm, and Nobu Newport Beach.
“As major retail destinations increasingly invest in hospitality, food and beverage and experiential programming, Lido Marina Village offers an example of a place that embraced those principles from the very beginning,” said Benjamin Gott, co-founder and managing partner of Redwood West. “What continues to make Lido unique is its ability to bring together exceptional brands, restaurants and experiences in a way that feels authentic to Newport Beach and meaningful to the people who spend time here.”
Beyond traditional retail, Lido Marina Village has expanded its focus on experiential programming through The Shore, a flexible waterfront activation space where pop-ups, brand experiences, wellness programming, community gatherings, seasonal markets and cultural events take place.
The destination has also expanded its commitment to community partnerships through public art and philanthropic initiatives. In collaboration with City of Hope, Lido Marina Village transformed a prominent parking structure into a large-scale public art installation, creating a meaningful landmark while raising awareness for cancer research, treatment and patient care.
“Lido Marina Village has never been about simply leasing storefronts,” said Michelle St. Amour, director of marketing for Lido Marina Village. “Every decision begins with the experience we want people to have when they visit. Whether someone comes for dinner, a morning coffee, shopping with friends or one of our community events, we want Lido to feel welcoming, inspiring and unmistakably Newport Beach.”
“Lido Marina Village has become much more than a shopping destination—it’s a place where people gather, celebrate, and experience Newport Beach for both locals and visitors alike,” said Gott. “The future is about continuing to elevate that experience through thoughtful merchandising, exceptional dining, community programming, and partnerships that feel authentic to the waterfront. Our goal is to keep Lido Marina Village timeless by curating experiences that give both locals and visitors a reason to return throughout the year, all while staying true to its authentic identity.”
If a retail genie could grant Gott three wishes for Lido Marina Village, what would they be?
“First, I’d continue to bring in unique brands that choose Lido because of its sense of place—not just another retail center. We strive to be on the cutting edge, bringing new and hip brands that tie into Newport’s unique positioning.
Second, I’d create even more opportunities for the community to connect through events, waterfront experiences, and memorable programming that makes Lido part of people’s traditions.
Finally, I’d preserve what makes Lido special. As it grows, it’s important that it continues to feel intimate, authentic, and unmistakably Newport Beach—a place where luxury and community naturally come together.”
Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido. To learn more about Lido Marina Village, visit www.lidomarinavillage.com.
