Newport Beach Balboa Pier — Attraction in Newport Beach

Balboa Pier in Newport Beach stands as one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks. Built in 1906, it offers both historic charm and modern-day leisure, making it a destination that appeals to families, couples, and solo visitors alike. The pier extends gracefully into the Pacific Ocean, providing panoramic views of the coastline and the endless horizon. Its atmosphere balances relaxation and energy—fishermen casting lines, surfers riding waves, and visitors strolling or simply taking in the ocean breeze. At the end of the pier sits the classic Ruby’s Diner, a retro-style restaurant that enhances the nostalgic experience with its vintage décor and all-American menu. The sunsets here are particularly unforgettable, as the sky transforms into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, mirrored beautifully on the water’s surface. Surrounding the pier, Balboa Village and the Fun Zone add further charm with arcades, ferry rides, and local shops, creating a lively community feel. Despite its popularity, the pier maintains a sense of calm and openness that makes it distinct from more crowded Southern California spots. Parking and accessibility are convenient, though summer weekends can bring larger crowds. Overall, Balboa Pier is a quintessential coastal experience, blending history, natural beauty, and recreational charm in a way that captures the timeless spirit of...

One of the less crowded coastal piers on weekdays. Perhaps due to the fact that it’s in a residential area, far along the peninsula. Other piers may be good for tourists, tho this one is more the local’s pier, notwithstanding the guests of the few hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns of the immediate area. The parking is ok for weekdays tho may be packed on summer weekends! I’d plan accordingly! It’s evident while looking along here, that this is a very popular fishing pier. I saw others strolling their minds off into another world, as I too began to drift off course and stay awhile! The views looking out in all directions captivated my spirit! To walk over rolling waves of the open ocean gave me the strength to rise above the little things in life that seemed so insignificant at this point. I noticed the Ruby’s restaurant’s still here, and am suddenly reminded of another female name, with whom I shared a plate of fries smothered in ketchup, as we sat towards the end and watched the sunset. Ahh the good memories here seem to...

Tiny fish and instant parking tickets, careful! My friend and I decided on a day of fishing at the pier, which you don't need a fishing license for (for California piers only). We downloaded the parking app that they outsourced to a private company, ran out of time, and as he was trying to get the app to accept a re-up for more time, was given a ticket in the 9 minute gap. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks that the parking app people funnel money to the city by reporting minor gaps, and when you re-up, they know you were there during the gap, and if you're still there they slap a ticket on you. $24 in parking fees, $70 ticket, and we had to pay both. I guess it's the way of the world these days, but Newport didn't use to be into unbridled capitalism the way Huntington Beach is - it's obviously their right, but I hope people know how they look. We'll just stick to the cool spots now.

Oh and between overfishing and pollution the fish are way down in size and number. 2 stars for the...