Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California

Balboa Island is located in the Newport Harbor of Newport Beach, California. Walk around the island and take in the views of the bay & coastal shops.  There are a couple of ways to enter Balboa Island, you can drive over the bridge on Marine Avenue from Bayside Drive or Jamboree off of Pacific Coast Highway.  

Fun Things to Do on Balboa Island in Newport Beach

Once you arrive on the island, park and start to explore the coastal shops, coffee shops, and restaurants on Marine Avenue.  There is a boardwalk path for walking around the island and admiring the beautiful cottages and waterfront homes, and views of the bay, mountains, and boats.

Visit Balboa Surf & Style at 213 Marine Ave, Newport Beach for shopping, paddle boarding, and biking.  You can rent paddleboards, bikes, and Duffy boats to tour the harbor.  Visit Sports Rents LLC for rent electric bikes, paddleboards, kayak tours, and more.

If you are more adventurous, how about a Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour.  This event takes about 2 to 3 hours and is open year-round.  Call East Meets West Excursions at 949-201-5650 or visit their website at http://www.emwexcursions.com/ or at 509 S Bay Front, Newport Beach on the west side of the island.

 

Balboa Island Ferry to Balboa Peninsula

You can take the Ferry to Balboa Island from Balboa Peninsula by car, bike and ride over the water.  I went on this ferry many times when I was younger with my parents.  You need to experience it since you are visiting the area. 

The ferry has been running since 1919.  Hours of operation are from 6:30 am to 12:00 am Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.  There is a small fee for the service.

Local Fun for All Ages

Once you arrive onto the Balboa Peninsula, you can enjoy the carnival-like area.  Great dining, a Ferris wheel, arcade games for children at the Balboa Fun Zone.   Balboa Beach and Newport Beach are located on the Peninsula for year-round fun. 

Go surfing and swimming on one of the best beaches in southern California.

 

Stroll Along the Newport Pier, Breathe in the Ocean, and Relax

Take a walk on the Newport Pier.  There are two piers on the beach.  One is located on the Balboa Peninsula and the other one is located on the north side of the beach.  

Weekend Adventure on the Island?

Take a weekend and explore this charming, exclusive island.  I love taking a walk around the island and watching the seagulls land on the sand.  Boat owners sail and travel Newport Harbor. 

You need to experience the coastal lifestyle in Newport Beach, California.  Yelp rates there area 4.5 stars.  Read the reviews on Yelp if you need an endorsement from other happy people.

Check out local dining, great coffee shops, bakeries, walk on the boardwalk and enjoy your life in Newport Beach.

 

Dining on Balboa Island Restaurants

1. Balboa Candy – a wide range of candy for any sweet tooth.  Find the candy shop at 301 Marine Avenue #A at 949-723-6099

2. Basilic Restaurant for French food on the Island.  Located at 217 Marine Avenue.  Call for Reservations at 949-673-0570.

3. Blue Chair Bakery is perfect for your morning coffee, breakfast and bakery items at 220 Marine Ave, Suite A (949)673-4522

4. Ciao Italian Restaurant is located at 223 Marine Ave offering your great Italian food.  Simply, can you say yummy?

5. Crocker’s The Well Dressed Frank.  The ultimate in comfort food.  This restaurant is located at 211 Marine Avenue #A in Newport Beach.  949-572-9293

6. Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.  Are you looking for something to quench your sweet tooth?  If so, check out Dad’s place at 318 Marine Avenue.  949-675-4627

7. Juice Crafters – keep yourself healthy year-round with this raw gourmet juice bar.  They use 100% all-natural fruits and vegetables.  Find them at 220 Marine Ave in Newport Beach 949-478-3899.

8. Wilma’s Patio offers you a great breakfast menu.  You can find them at 203 Marine Avenue (949) 675-5542

9. Island Grill offers you casual dining including tacos, burgers, and burritos.  Give them a quick call at 949-673-1186

10. Picante Martin’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 320 Marine Avenue #B.  949-675-4627

11. Sugar N’ Spice – can you say desert time?  You can at 310 Marine Avenue (949) 673-8907

12. Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt – this sounds great right about now.  Go quickly to 302 Marine Avenue; 949-723-0223

13. Trattoria Mediterranean Cuisine is a small Italian style, causal, Ristorante to enjoy.  216 Marine Ave #1/2  (949)566-9525

14. The Village Inn has great food.  I had lunch here one day with an old college friend.  Check it out at 127 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, California. 949-675-8300.  Menu. Call for Reservations.

15. Royal Hen is an upscale pub at 311 Marine Avenue

16. Shanghai Pine Garden Restaurant has great Chinese Cuisine at 300 Marine Avenue 949-673-3802

Coffee Shops

• Huskins Coffee at 229 Marine Ave; they open at 6 am. 714-496-8258
• Starbucks at 226 Marine Avenue. 949-675-4377

Shopping?

• Irvine Ranch Market at 200 Marine Ave, Newport Beach. Groceries.  Opens at 7:30 am. 949-409-6500.

• Balboa Island Cottage Places

• Balboa Island Diamond & Jewelry

• Balboa Beach Company – Crush Balboa is located at 301 Marine Avenue (949) 675-2131.

• Charleston Shoe Company

• Island Tales Bookshop

• Just Basics – Clothing

• Shirley’s Heart

• OC Couture

• Rachel’s

• Esprit Provence

• Zara Fine Collections

• Heavenly Couture 

• Persimmon Tree

• A’Maree Sale Away

• Laura Matthews Designs at 322 Marine Avenue

• Tango Rose

• Crush Clothing

• Toss Designs

• Magnolia Charlie

• Annette’s Place

• Sunny Days

• Rue Du Balboa

• Amore Boutique

• JD’s Tackle & Bait

• Island Home

• Our Gang’s General Store

• Fresh Produce Clothes

• Alex’s Fashion Center

Download a copy or view it right here.

 

Real Estate Resources

• Homes for Sale on Balboa Island – all current homes for sale on the Main Island, Little Island, and Collins Island.  View the listings for sale, rate your favorite properties, make notes on them, and save them to a free property account.

• Housing Market Report of sales price trends

• Real Estate Trends on YouTube

• Call Jay Valento of Fathom Realty Group specializing in Coastal Properties at 562-413-7655 today.

 

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Specialty Shops

• Olive Oil & Beyond is a gourmet retailer of extra virgin olive oil.  Located at 210 Marine Avenue #A in Newport Beach.  (949) 566-9380.

 

Frequently Asked Questions