Balboa Island — Attraction in Newport Beach

Here’s a detailed guide on how to visit Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California, and what you can expect during your visit:

Getting to Balboa Island By Car: From the north (Los Angeles area), take the I-405 or I-5 south to the CA-55 south. Follow signs to Newport Beach and continue onto Newport Blvd, then turn left onto Balboa Blvd. From the south (San Diego area), take the I-5 north to the CA-1 north. Follow signs to Newport Beach and turn right onto Balboa Blvd.

By Ferry: If you're coming from the Balboa Peninsula, you can take the Balboa Island Ferry, which operates daily and carries both passengers and cars. It's a short and scenic ride across the harbor.

Parking Street Parking: Limited but available on Marine Avenue and nearby streets. Pay attention to posted signs for restrictions. Public Lots: There are several paid parking lots near the ferry terminal and around the island.

Exploring Balboa Island

Marine Avenue Shops and Boutiques: Walk down Marine Avenue, the main street, lined with charming shops, boutiques, and galleries. You'll find unique gifts, clothing, and home décor items. Restaurants and Cafés: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. Options range from casual eateries to fine dining, with seafood being a highlight. Don’t miss trying a Balboa Bar or frozen banana from one of the local ice cream stands.

Outdoor Activities Walking and Biking: Stroll or bike along the perimeter of the island on the Bay Front Walkway, a scenic path offering beautiful views of the harbor and luxurious waterfront homes. Water Sports: Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or electric boat from one of the local rental shops to explore the calm waters of the harbor. Beach Time: Visit the small public beach on the island for a relaxing day by the water.

Balboa Fun Zone Rides and Games: Across the ferry on the Balboa Peninsula, the Balboa Fun Zone offers family-friendly amusement rides, arcade games, and a Ferris wheel with stunning views of the area. Exploration: Take a harbor cruise or a whale-watching tour to explore the marine life and get a different perspective of the coastline.

Historical Sites Balboa Pavilion: A historic waterfront pavilion built in 1905, offering dining, entertainment, and beautiful architecture. Newport Harbor Nautical Museum: Learn about the maritime history of the area through interactive exhibits and displays.

Tips for Visiting Weather: Newport Beach enjoys mild weather year-round, but it's always a good idea to bring a light jacket for the evening. Timing: Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Reservations: For dining and activities, especially during peak seasons, it’s wise to make reservations in advance.

Visiting Balboa Island offers a blend of leisure, adventure, and charm, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay in...

I was really touched today. It was my first time taking this three car ferry to the island. I ended up getting on the boat and found that I couldn't use my Visa card and could only buy tickets in cash. Except for a handful of coins, there was no cash in the entire car. Unexpectedly, the ferry staff said, "It's okay, just buy two when you come back!" But when I came back, I still didn't have any cash... The ferry staff said, "It's okay!"! You can get off the ship and go to the ATM machine in front to withdraw money before returning to buy a ticket! I'll just think about it. Where can I find an ATM? Coincidentally, there is a car in front of the ship (Figure 3) I went to the car and said, "I'll transfer you Zelle. Can you give me some cash?"? Handsome guy and lover asked me how much money I need~ I said: $10 is enough They smiled and gave me $20 to use! No need to transfer money to him! Oh my, I'm so sorry about that. After thanking them, I'll just look for them in the car! Let's see if there are any gifts to give to someone else... besides my son, there's also some banana milk left... So I took two packs of 12 boxes of Korean banana milk and gave them to the handsome guy and his lover. Although they didn't cost much, they were still heartfelt, really warm! Including the crew asking my brother about his age, saying that he was only a few years old, without questioning or relying on documents, such incidents occurred. He didn't have the money to board the ship, nor did he let me get off the ship. Instead, he trusted me to come back and buy tickets. When I met a handsome guy, I had the cash to buy the round-trip ticket on the ship and avoid getting off the ship and making trouble In fact, there are many small things like this. For example, when I queued up to board the boat and thought there was a parking lot next to me, I turned over and found it full. When I turned back, a car signaled for me to turn back first I talked to my husband about this, and he said that trust, mutual assistance, understanding, tolerance... can be contagiousYesWho received it and didn't want to continue...

A Memorable First Visit to Balboa Island Over Memorial Day Weekend

My first experience at Balboa Island was nothing short of amazing. It was truly an honor to be there during Memorial Day weekend — a time when the community was alive with celebration, reflection, and appreciation. This charming private community in Newport Beach has a special kind of magic that makes you want to come back again and again.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the peaceful, coastal atmosphere and warm, friendly people. The island feels like a hidden gem, filled with beautiful homes, clean streets, and stunning views all around. You get the sense that Balboa is more than just a location — it’s a lifestyle.

While exploring the area, I had the pleasure of supporting a local small business — OC GS Down With Citrus, founded by Garrett Drew. I grabbed a fresh, delicious lemonade that was perfect for the warm holiday weekend. It’s always inspiring to see young entrepreneurs bringing great energy and quality products to the community.

One of the highlights of the trip was riding the Balboa Island Ferry. It gave us a scenic route across the water where we got an up-close look at luxurious yachts and boats. It felt like the whole island was celebrating that extra Monday off, and the waterfront views were nothing short of breathtaking.

The vibe on the island was elevated by the cars that lined the streets — I saw everything from Bentleys, Maybachs, and G-Wagons to a sleek Ferrari. The mix of coastal charm and luxury made for a truly unique atmosphere.

Balboa Island is a place I’d absolutely recommend visiting, especially during a holiday weekend when the community spirit is high. Whether you’re taking in the views, enjoying the local food and drinks, or simply soaking up the ambiance, there’s something here for everyone. I’m definitely looking forward to returning in the...