Balboa Island is Disneyland in town-form. There’s something for everyone on this idyllic little island in Newport Beach with a perimeter that stretches a mere 1.7 miles.

Boating, shopping, posing, savoring, you name it. But no matter what adventures you get yourself into, Balboa Island will sweep you off your feet and send you straight to yesteryear, with a pace and ambiance unlike anything we’ve experienced this side of the 1950’s.

Ditch the Car. You’re on Island Time!

Just getting onto the island is a whimsical adventure in and of itself. A 3-car ferry from the 1940’s shuttles cars, bikes, pedestrians, and any sea-faring dogs from the main Newport peninsula, across the harbor, and onto the island. The ferry ride takes no more than 5 minutes and only costs a few bucks. If you prefer to avoid water, there is a bridge you can drive across with a picture-worthy view of the canals on the backside of the island. Once you’re on the island, we suggest parking in the first spot you find, as parking can be tricky. In fact, most residents either walk or ride in golf carts to their daily errands. Once on foot, we highly suggest taking a stroll along the boardwalk that wraps around the entire island (if you complete the entire loop, you’ve walked 1.7 miles!). There’s no better way to see the idyllic cottages and multi-million dollar homes that look out onto the harbor.

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Fun and Unique Things to Do in Balboa Island

Balboa Island isn’t an eat-a-meal-and-leave type of destination. It’s just too easy to make a lifelong memory here! Our favorite activity on the island is renting an electric boat. If you’re 21 or over, you’re allowed to captain. And these things are a no-brainer to navigate. Bring friends, a picnic basket, good music, and cruise the harbor. Seeing Newport Beach from this nautical vantage point is something you just gotta do! Back on solid ground, head to the Balboa Island Museum. You’ll see the different eras of this man-made island, learn about the founding of Newport Beach, and get all the juicy details about the Hollywood celebrities who vacationed here!

Feast Your Eyes on this Foodie Scene

You can’t talk about Balboa Island without also talking about Marine Avenue. This is the main street in town that has almost all of the retail, restaurants, and cafes on the island. But be prepared to carve out a large amount of your day on this one street! There’s just so much to see, eat, and do here. Some of the favorites: Wilma’s Patio for brunch is a must. The Royal Hen is the dinner spot for folks who don’t want to mess around. And a Balboa Bar is absolutely essential for your mid day treat or after dinner dessert. Ice cream dipped in chocolate and loaded with all the fixin’s you could want, these babies are unique to Newport Beach. There’s also an old fashioned candy store on Marine Avenue that perfectly matches this town’s vintage postcard atmosphere. 

Let’s Be Honest. We’re Here for the Shopping.

Also along Marine Ave are boutiques and shops, like Etcetera Etc. and Sunny Days to name a few,  that are curated with one-of-a-kind finds that reflect the surrounding coastal culture. Find all the bathing suits, beach bags, cover-ups, and sun hats you could want as well as the upscale, but easeful fashion Newport is known for. One of our favorites is the home decor mecca, called Hjom (pronounced “home”). LA, eat your heart out with these up-and-coming interior pieces that will have all your friends asking “where’d you get that?”

No One Throws A Better Party Than Balboa Island

Balboa Island erupts with color and pageantry during any and all holidays. But our favorites to celebrate on the island are 4th of July and Christmas. It seems as though every house, car, business, and boat covers itself in lights, banners, and outrageous decorations. During Newport Beach’s Annual Christmas Boat Parade, which takes place December 15-19 this year, almost every boat in the harbor lights up with Christmas decorations and then parades through the harbor. Not to be outdazzled, Balboa Island hosts a Ring of Lights competition during this same timeframe where the houses get in on the decorating extravaganza. Animatronic Santas, fake snow, and miles upon miles of Christmas lights will give you enough holiday cheer for the next twelve years! 

But with so much to do on Balboa Island, you’ll need a place to rest your head! Check out our favorite vacation homes in and around Balboa Island. They come fully-stocked and will keep you right near the action!

FEATURED RENTAL HOMES
ON AND AROUND BALBOA ISLAND