Balboa Island
Balboa Island
4.5
About
This charming man-made island has been around for over a century and is filled with cozy homes and mouth-watering eateries. Here, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront, explore the adjacent Collins Island, check out the small Balboa Island Museum, or rent a bike to explore the peaceful streets. When it's time for lunch, head over to Marine Avenue where you'll find family-owned taverns, Swiss bistros, and classic diners. Make sure to stop by the taffy store for some sweet treats, too.
Visit during the holiday season to see homeowners decorate their homes in sparkling festive lights. If you're keen on dolphin and whale-watching, many boat tours depart from Balboa Island. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
1,433 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
419
Average
101
Poor
12
Terrible
8
psudino
Weehawken, NJ4,068 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This island helps prove that some stereotypes of Southern California are absolutely true. The place is beautiful, surrounded by water, with great shops and restaurants and real estate that is completely unaffordable! To make matters even more stereotypical, when we were there the fireman were doing an exercise routine which involved them doing push-ups in the middle of the road without shirts on. You just can't make this stuff up!
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northernk
Phoenix, AZ12,659 contributions
Jan 2023
Wonderful main street with some unique shops and restaurants by day and early evening but what i enjoyed seeing is some of the beautiful lights on the homes still going first week of January.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany W
St. George, UT6 contributions
Jul 2022
Although you cannot ride bikes on the main roads or the path next to the water, we still thoroughly enjoyed our bike ride around Balboa Island! We weaved our way up one residential street and down the next, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over one house after another. We then walked our bikes down the main street for lunch, frozen yogurt, and a little shopping. We rented our bikes at 20th Street Bike and Beach rentals, and took the ferry over to the island. The ferry is super easy, and costs $1.75 (cash only) per person. It's a great way to spend part of a day!
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spud71
Dorchester, UK20 contributions
Jul 2022
Beautiful island with lovely shops and restaurants, a definite must visit if you are in the area. Would highly recommend eating in Wilma’s restaurant for breakfast or evening meals.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Vero Beach, FL11,080 contributions
May 2022
The island has one upscale shopping street with an informative local museum and restaurants. There's plenty of parking on side streets nearby. If you like taffy, there's a candy store. There has been lots of replacement of older houses with new mansions on the same small lots.
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrGaucho1987
Santa Barbara, CA1,002 contributions
Feb 2022
Balboa Island is not large. It will get busy on the weekends, holidays and over the summer. And when I say busy, I mean packed with people. Parking on the main island is limited. There is basically street parking on the commercial strip then street parking among the closely packed and very cute homes. Wear good shoes. You can easily walk the strip, grab a meal and an ice cream, and by doing so have an enjoyable outing. The more ambitious can walk the island and check out the beautiful location or perhaps rent a bike. Consider a taxi or Uber on busy days. Lastly, bring a few layers as BI's coastal location can result in unpredictable weather.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yazdragonfly
Ft. Lauderdale421 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Fun experience. It’s like a year round carnival with rides and carnival-type food. Fun little shops offer unique varieties of gifts. You should definitely take the ferry to get on the island, but there is a land route if you prefer not to ride the ferry.
Written 13 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paws0810
Mesa, AZ2,513 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
I’ve never been here it was fun to walk around. Although it was chilly it is crisp and clear lots of sailboats and things going on out there. Very nice
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Newport Beach, CA1,121 contributions
Nov 2021
1. "Balboa Island" is actually two islands, one 1.75 miles around and one about .9 miles. They are the only islands in Newport Beach with a public sidewalk all the way around each. Walk the sidewalks and enjoy looking at the houses and boats.
2. Parking is tough. Consider parking on Bayside Dr and walking over the bridge. Then stroll the perimeter of both islands.
3. No trip to BI is complete without a frozen banana or Balboa Bar. BOTH Sugar & Spice and Dad's sell GREAT ice cream. Dad's has cookies and donuts.
4. Ride the ferry over to the "Fun Zone."
5. Enjoy a meal. There are several fine restaurants. You can't go wrong.
6. Understand that if you rent a bike, you can't ride it on the sidewalks.
2. Parking is tough. Consider parking on Bayside Dr and walking over the bridge. Then stroll the perimeter of both islands.
3. No trip to BI is complete without a frozen banana or Balboa Bar. BOTH Sugar & Spice and Dad's sell GREAT ice cream. Dad's has cookies and donuts.
4. Ride the ferry over to the "Fun Zone."
5. Enjoy a meal. There are several fine restaurants. You can't go wrong.
6. Understand that if you rent a bike, you can't ride it on the sidewalks.
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA1,290 contributions
Sep 2021
A California coastal classic, and looking like a postcard on most days. No longer a secret, the area is swarmed with visitors and parking can be tough.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crazzzielady
Denver, CO132 contributions
Wondering if Balboa Island or Pacific beach is better choice for MID OCT for 3 teens and mom/dad
Steve Concialdi
Orange County, CA735 contributions
Yes, I would say Balboa Island too. You won’ have to deal with the homeless in the Pacific
Beach area.
crazzzielady
Denver, CO132 contributions
Ugh- never been to Newport or Laguna etc- want to take 2 13 yr olds and a 15 yr old with hubby and me- In OCT so getting into water not on top of list- thinking a canal home rental? ( rent a duffy and zip around to restaurants and shops- can you dosck at restauarants???
or rent bikes on the strand ( still want to get to shops etc and NOT chain shops- more boutique- mom and pop etc)
THANKS
Thinking Balboa island or Belmont Shores or Laguna??? Please help
E8693CRannaa
Newport Beach, CA39 contributions
Balboa Island would be a great choice, lots of cute little stores and some good restaurants (and of course the Balboa Bar and frozen bananas).The ferry is a must-do and you can take your bikes. The parking on the island is tough, just be forewarned. You can rent a Duffy close by, but not on the island. We have a great harbor to cruise, Dana Point harbor is much smaller, not too familiar with Long Beach but Belmont Shore is really fun with tons to do up there. Laguna is the most picturesque and they have a fun trolley to take you around and lots of restaurants, shops and art! They will all be crowded in the summer and traffic in Laguna because of the all-summer art festival gets pretty bad.
bicusalionel
Wisconsin Dells, WI14 contributions
I would like to know where is the boardwalk located , say from the area where the pier is? Could you tell me if E. Oceanfront is the boardwalk to be able to walk and see the shops?
There a few years back, walked the pier, saw the fun zone, boat ride for whale watch, saw no whales, never got to the boardwalk, need to know, want to go back with daughter this time. (went with husband last time )
Any info appreciated
Mary G
Palm Beach, FL187 contributions
The shops are on Marine Avenue... the boardwalk surrounds the islands... lots of whales in season and tons of dolphin.... but Mother Nature does as she pleases... sometimes you get lucky! The Pier is on the Peninsula... where the Fun Zone is located - across the water.
josemtz12
Monterrey, Mexico14 contributions
I'm spending a night by myself in Newport Beach. I'd like to have dinner with a beer or glass of wine in a place that has a great ocean view. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
James Weaver
Irvine, CA2,171 contributions
Newport Beach itself does have few with great ocean views. However for a truly spectacular view, Las Brisas, in Laguna
Beach is the Orange County Rivera. A patio overlooking main beach to the left and the park to the right. On the top of a bluff, this is a remarkable place. About 15 minutes by car from Newport to the South along the Pacific Coast Highway. In Newport Beach, most restaurants have views of the harbor. Property along The Pacific Ocean is mostly residential. The Cannery, Bluewater Grill, The Winery, all have good views of the Newport Bay and sailboats. For a single gentleman looking for some female companionship, Sol is good. But good looks equate to having work done. AKA plastic surgery. Newport Coast offers 2 on the bluff, on inland side of the Pacific Coast Highway, Mastero’s Beach Club and Javier’s. Both are places I know only by reputation. Best, in your search, enjoy your stay.
josemtz12
Monterrey, Mexico14 contributions
I'm spending a night by myself in Newport Beach. I'd like to have dinner with a beer or glass of wine in a place that has a great ocean view. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Jen Desert Vacation
Palm Springs, CA42 contributions
The bar - restaurant with ocean view at Balboa Resort is nice too
Colleend1234
Richboro, PA9 contributions
Is this in San Diego or before? Taking a two-week trip in California the second week to San Diego.
ooiioo
Newport Beach, CA61 contributions
Balboa Island is in Newport Beach which is part of Orange County. Orange County is located between Los Angeles and San Diego.
How to go to Balboa Island ? We are living in Irvine, CA.
Jenn92663
San Francisco, CA60 contributions
Take jamboree exit and it dead ends and you'll be there.
orchidlover2015
Bowie, MD
Hi,
We will be visiting Balboa Island in May. Some of our group are going on a whale watching tour. The others just want to walk around Balboa Island. My elderly mother will be with us. Do they have Pedi cabs or benches for her to rest if it takes her a while to walk the island?
Thanks! Sue Schiek
suemb
Manhattan Beach35 contributions
There are not Pedi cabs but there are benches. Benches are placed regularly along the sidewalk that rings the island. There are also benches on Marine Ave., some shaded by trees.
Visiting in march and have tours company paid I can choose from. Staying in Huntington Beach Hyatt.Need some advice on which to choose: Balboa Island walking tour/ferry ride, Dolphin & Whale Expedition or Electric Boat Cruise of Newport Bay. Need to make a decision asap. Any help will be much appreciated on experiencing most of the area!
TravelerJenny8
Elkhorn, WI471 contributions
Wondering if this would be a good place to visit on a Sunday afternoon? How long should we allot? Thanks!
suemb
Manhattan Beach35 contributions
Yes. Marine Ave. has some shops and restaurants that are open on Sunday. You can stroll around the island since there is a sidewalk along the perimeter of the island. Take the ferry on the north end of the island over to Balboa Peninsula. The whole thing can be done in about 3 hours.
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Claim your listingBALBOA ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Balboa Island
- Hotels near Balboa Island:
- (0.03 km) Balboa Island Large Waterfront Home CLEAN with Kayaks, Patio and Boat Dock
- (0.14 km) Shiny gem on Onyx Ave.
- (0.09 km) Balboa Island Cottage - Sept. weeks + Winter 40% OFF monthly rates - GARAGE Pkg
- (0.10 km) Stunning Brand New Custom Home with ELEVATOR to all Three Levels, w/Jacuzzi Spa.
- (0.16 km) BAYFRONT DREAM 5 BEDRM W/2 LIVING ROOMS Sleeps 11
- Restaurants near Balboa Island:
- (0.02 km) Balboa Island-Irvine Ranch Market
- (0.03 km) Wilma's Patio Restaurant
- (0.04 km) Crocker's
- (0.05 km) Trattoria Mediterranean Cuisine
- (0.05 km) The Village Inn
- Attractions near Balboa Island:
- (0.01 km) Balboa Nut Company
- (0.02 km) Olive Oil and Beyond, Inc
- (0.02 km) Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society
- (0.05 km) Magnolia Charlie
- (0.05 km) Balboa Surf & Style