Story & photos by Connie Young
Balboa is a unique close-to-shore island only several yards from the mainland in
Newport Beach.
Access to this enjoyable getaway can be either by a short bridge and walkway
over a narrow waterway or by 2-car
ferry from the Newport Peninsula on the opposite side of the island.
Walk-ons can ride the ferry sitting on long benches that hug the hull of the
ferry.
Traffic on the small island is intense year-round but summers are, as one would
expect, really tough. Summer homes and holiday rentals crowd next to one another
on Jewel named streets and parking places are rare. If you’re lucky, you’ll find
one in the single street downtown area because there are time limits.
But once you know the rules, Balboa is unique and fun. Eateries date back to the
1930s and boutique shops line both sides of the street. The views of the
surrounding water are limited because it’s really a sea of island homes. But you
can paddle your way around on stand up boards, canoes or sailboats and enjoy the
scenery.
Newport Peninsula has a terrific fun zone with all the trappings of a small Coney
Island plus some good restaurants and every present souvenir shops. Take the fun
car ferry from Balboa Island to get there.