Looking for something to do? Visit Balboa Island, and take the Newport Ferry between Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island to get there.
From its precious bays to streets named after gemstones—Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Turquoise, Garnet, Onyx, Abalone, Crystal, Opal, Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Topaz, Pearl and Jade—Balboa Island, with Little Balboa Island, is a treasure best discovered on foot. It's a walking town where the beachfront path goes on for well over a mile, and the Balboa Island bayfront path loops around the island past luxurious homes also for a mile or so. Along the path you'll see lively, little beaches and well decorated homes with flower planters and boxes.
Balboa Island began as swamp land and sand pits. The manmade island was dredged and filled prior to World War I. Like so much of Southern California, when developers tried to sell the parcels, it often took convincing customers that their investments would be worth it.
Balboa Island is community of the city of Newport Beach, Calif., as are others named Corona del Mar and Newport Coast. Marine Avenue, the island's "Main Street," is the hub of shopping and dining featuring over 75 boutique shops and restaurants. The island has a business association that hangs flower baskets and flags, hosts special events and supports merchants.
Special events include the annual 4th of July Parade, Tree Lighting at the Fire Station, Holiday Home Tour, and Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with Ring of Lights. Limited parallel parking on Marine Avenue and parking throughout the island can be challenging to find but with determination, luck and good timing, you'll eventually snag a parking spot. (Plans to build new retaining walls at the bridge onto Little Balboa Island may include up to 400 new parking spots added!)
The atmosphere is beach casual so wear comfortable shoes and enjoy popping in and out of Starbucks, the candy and donut shops, Picante Martin for lunch, or take time to take in the Balboa Historical Society Museum. With many historic beach cottages and homes, the museum offers suggestions for an island walking tour. They sell books featuring famous residents such as Buddy Ebsen, known for his acting in The Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones.
If you're looking for boat tours and rentals, they are located across the bay on Balboa Peninsula at the Fun Zone. Balboa Island entertainment is basically what's available on Marine Ave., a few small parks, several public docks for short term mooring, small beaches for all to enjoy, and great cement walking paths or sidewalks. Vacation home rentals are a great way to stay longer and really soak up the atmosphere, living on Island time.
Balboa's
big on its little beaches, as well. They are what draw tourists to the
island. In fact, a bridge (just off Marine Ave.) runs above the Grand Canal
which separates the island. The smaller portion of Balboa Island across that
bridge is called Little Balboa. There's no shopping on that side--just
homes.