Photo: Colorful flags and flowers pave the way across the Balboa Island North Channel bridge on Marine Avenue.

Balboa Island Flags

Balboa Island - Newport Beach, California

Fans of flags will get a kick out of the variety you may see waving in the breeze on Balboa Island. Often you'll be greeted to American flags, Balboa Island flags and nautical flags as you enter the island from Marine Avenue near Bayside Drive and Jamboree Road. Balboa Island Improvement Association is responsible for these festive displays that welcome guests officially to beloved Balboa Island.

When it's Valentine's Day look for red flags with cupids, hearts and other such symbols of love at stores along Marine Avenue and in front of homes. When it's Halloween there are orange and black flags with pumpkins, witches, skeletons and other signs of the season.

Sports fans show their team spirit with flags for the teams their rooting for. Especially popular are local favorites--USC and UCLA, with a bit of rivalry among neighbors.

Flags that never go out of season are beach themed with Balboa printed on them, or flip flops, sandcastles, ocean waves and the like.

The well-manicured homes with pots of flowers and fresh coats of paint look good enough on their own--but small flags and banners in the yard add personality to make you smile.

If you think island residents don't like flags enough, a controversy erupted one 4th of July when neighbors decorated their blocks with Americana themed pennants. 

The City of Newport Beach got involved and issued warnings. The city has regulations that do permit several business associations such as Balboa Island Improvement Association to fly flags in specified locations such as the bridge crossing onto the island.