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Balboa Island
Categories: Local Flavor Active Life Beaches Local Flavor, Beaches [Edit]
Marine AveBalboa Island, CA 92662
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
66 reviews for Balboa Island
66 reviews in English
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Review from Diana W.
A couple public piers open til 10 and someone will tell you its time, spring time sting ray fishing, street park. Info via http://wideopenfish.com
Great place to stroll. Cute places. Parking is difficult, take the ferry $ to cut through. Gorgeous houses to look at. Great place to stroll during Halloween and Xmas to see their crazy decorations.
More info on the balboa ferry: http://www.yelp.com/bi...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2011
Great place to stroll. Cute places. Parking is difficult, take the ferry $ to cut through.
Over on… Read more »
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Review from Daniel B.
3/29/2012 3 photos
They say Newport Beach is like the Beverly Hills of Orange County. Balboa Island fits right into that mold having one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country. The tiny island is densely packed with nice homes and upscale boutique shops. The small, two-lane bridge from the mainland to the island puts you in your place as you pass the exclusive, members-only Newport Beach yacht club and all the luxurious yachts in Beacon Bay. The island even operates its own ferries, which boat cars (three at a time) over to Balboa Peninsula (where awesome sushi restaurants like San Shi Go are located: http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
While Balboa Island is home to the "rich and famous" and those who like to set up shop on incredibly small (and valuable) plots of land, the island can be fun for common folk too. Marine Avenue, the main drag, is filled with all sorts of shops and restaurants. When the weather is nice, the whole neighborhood is fun to walk around. It's good for families with kids and pets. It's got a quaint, New England / European, village-like atmosphere. Not only is it amusing to browse through the retailers' goods, but checking out the houses provides entertainment unto itself. The community is well-manicured and taken care of and the bay presents beautiful vistas all around and great photo opportunities.
One of the local traditions Balboa Island is known for is the frozen chocolate banana. You can get one at Sugar 'N Spice on Marine Ave: http://www.yelp.com/bi....
As you can imagine, parking spaces are limited on this little isle, but drive around long enough and you'll eventually find free street parking somewhere.Listed in: SoCal - LA County and Orange…
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Review from Van D.
3/21/2012
Balboa Island brings back some pretty adorable memories :)
During the day time you can visit the boutiques and cute little restaurants here:
- One of my favorites is wilma's patio for brunch :) I would totally consider a quick relationship to grab some brunch, it's just a very couple-thing to do...
- Another nice place is ciao italian eatery. just a warning, they arent open on mondays
They also have these cost nifty annual events:
- during the beginning of june, there's the annual balboa island parade. there's a different theme every year and it's cool to watch :)
- in december there's a christmas tree lighting. this is a cool place to take/borrow someone's kids for ;) haha... santa and mrs claus will be there at the fire house, along with some carolers. definitely a must-go if you're in the christmas spirit
This is among one of my favorite places to watch a sunset :) especially holding hands with a special someone!!Listed in: places to appreciate :)
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Review from Jessica J.
Huntington Beach, CA
3/8/2012
I am very fortunate to work on the Island...most of the time. Marine Ave. is one of those great little streets that hasnt changed much over time. I love being able to close up shop for a minute, walk and get a coffee or snack. Or if I need a gift or outfit to wear, this is always a great last resort for me. There are always so many people out with their dogs, friends or kids. Just such a positive vibe. And a very tight knit community.
Saturday's are obviously the most packed with families and cyclists. You would think Starbuck's was a five-star restaurant with the wait they have! But this is definitely the place you say "hey, I have an idea. Let's go walk around Balboa Island, get lunch and shop!"
So here is what I would recommend:
Without Kids...
Stop in at Wilma's Patio for Brunch and Mimosa's to get the ball rolling. If you are shopping, check out Even Sisters and 5 Seas. I also love Olive Oil and Beyond. Heck, even Hershey's Market has some fun stuff. Candlessence makes amazing hand-poured candles in a million scents...Pina Colada please! Ornate and Island Home have great decor and fun gifts. For lunch, Picante Martin's is a must. Order some tacos and take it to the Southwest side of the island and have lunch on the sand! Then make a stop at the Village Inn aka the "VI" for an ice cold beer and some quality bar time. If you get board, you can always take the ferry across the harbor to a whole new drinking adventure. That's a whole other review.
With Kids...
Be sure to always check the website for a calendar of events because I feel like there is always something going on. The endless adorable clothing stores...5 Seas Kids, Ducks and Daisies, Magnolia Charlies are must shop shops. Be prepared to stop at Dad's for "Balboa Bars," Balboa Candy for a free for all candy binge and Our Gang General Store for the most amazing vintage and contemporary toys. Failure to do so will end in meltdown. They also have a great family(including pets) photography studio called Classic Kids, specializing in black and white film photography. If board, you can always take the ferry across the harbor to the Fun Zone with rides and games.
Of course there is always the peaceful and relaxing joy of walking the island next to the water, grabbing a coffee and chilling out. You can often see and hear sea lions splashing around and who doesn't like to watch huge yachts float by?
Parking can be quite a task, so to bypass this all together I would try parking on the South side of Bayside Dr and walking over the bridge. If there are events going on, parking is nearly impossible and it takes forever to get on and off the island. It's not meant to hold so many people at once!! Another down fall for us who work here are some of the events such as the Island Garage Sale. The majority of them are in the alleys where we have to park and we cant get to them because every one's junk is blocking us. I had to drive all the way back to HB and have my boyfriend drop me off by Pavilions just to get to work that day. It was offal. But the events are nice for families such as the parades and around the holidays. It's such a great cozy feeling when the holiday decorations and lights are up. I love it!
Overall, this is the classic ocean side community- in the summer with kids riding bikes and eating ice cream, it's like a scene out of the 60's. -
Review from Funmilola A.
Diamond Bar, CA
3/9/2012
This place is pretty cool. Took the ferry to get there, although there is a bridge that you could take if floating on water isn't your thing.
The island is cute. The inhabitants consist mostly of retired white people who are super awesome.
Balboa Island is touristy like most southern California beach cities. -
Review from Cass H.
What's not to love?
Every time I look out the window and see a beautiful weekend morning, I convince the husband to take a walk on Balboa Island with me. The island's Marine Avenue is full of boutique storefronts and original restaurants. You can also find a Starbucks (always necessary on a weekend morning), as well as doughnut shops and frozen treats. Take a walk along the sidewalk between unique homes and Newport Harbor and daydream about which house you want to live in. Reach the ferry and take a ride! Seriously, the island is such a great little gem in Newport Beach. -
Review from Kelly C.
Irvine, CA
4/26/2012
Sure wish I could live here.
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Review from Eric G.
Newport Beach, CA
Live here and it never gets old. It is a beautiful place to live or visit. Marine ave has a few shops and a couple little restaurants. If the weather is nice just be warned it will be packed and parking could be tough.
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Review from Cobra K.
Colorado Springs, CO
2/22/2012 3 photos
I love rolling through here and take all my friends to Balboa when they're in town.
I love the quiet and quaint atmosphere here.
I love taking the little bridge past the marina to get to Balboa.
I love the small little street of shops on Marine Ave.
I love just walking through Balboa Island and looking at all the colorful houses.
I love taking the Balboa Island Ferry across Beacon Bay to Balboa. -
Review from kelly m.
San Jose, CA
4/16/2012
Unfortunately, it was on one of the few cold, rainy, windy days, that we were able to visit Balboa Island. Still, it was fun to walk around and see the houses and shops. I'm sure the beaches are very nice, but it was just too cold for that. However, I think their rules about dogs being allowed only before 9 am and after 5 pm are just stupid. Why not just let them have an area that they can be on all the time? Or maybe have them allowed certain days of the week? Either one would be better, I think,
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Review from Jamilah M.
Long Beach, CA
11/13/2011
Balboa Island (: I personally know every beach town to be different, with its own character and quirks about it. My friend and I decided to come here for a breath of fresh air, and to take in the scenery. Gorgeous if I do say so myself.
There was something eerily calming and quiet about this strip of land, and that's precisely why I've grown to love it. Nothing says peace like serenity and festive lighting for the holidays. Albeit cold as ice in terms of weather, that was the last thing on my mind as I was sitting on a bench, checking out yachts and dreamily drifting down memory lane with a fondness. -
Review from Laina A.
Balboa Island, I love, adore, appreciate, and many more adjectives!
I want to live here. There is a calming presence here and I could just get lots of exercise and walk and walk and look out on the water, or look at the beautiful homes.
It is a Christmas tradition for my family to come down and walk around at night, and see all the dressed-up homes. Many have quite the outdoor displays. Some cute, some beautiful, some over-the-top, etc.
If you get here prior to Boat Parade season, parking is a bit more manageable. If you come to Balboa Island for evening viewing of Boat Parade or walking the island to see the houses, oh boy are you going to be fighting for parking! Your driving skills, and parallel parking skills especially will be put to the test! It is definitely a part that sucks, but still worth it.
Did I mention I love this place and wish I could live here? It is tres, tres expensive ... so until I win that elusive lottery, I guess I can come on down and dream. -
Review from Rohlin A.
This review is for the holiday season.
The first thing to remember is that parking is at a premium, so if you are going to watch the boat parade or look at the houses, come early. The other problem is a lack of places to eat at night. My suggestion is to either eat before you go or wait until you are done looking at the homes and leave the area.
The best way to view the most houses is by walking around the outer edge of the island. Most of the best houses look at on the water and you can also view the boat parade when it is going on. If you see some houses down the side streets, you can take a small detour and work your way back to the outside. Many of the owners go all out every year and take pride in having their houses decked out. The place is also popular for gatherings and you can usually see a few holiday parties going on as you walk around the island.
The people are friendly and polite, I guess having money makes you a happier person. -
Review from Chris Y.
I love this place. I gotta come here at least a few times a year. I love to walk down Marine Avenue and along South Bayfront on a warm day. There are some fantastic houses around here, too; I don't think you can get in for anything less than 7 figures. Someday.
Sure, parking sucks. Ok, it really, really, really sucks. It can put your patience and your parallel-parking-skills to the test. And the line for the ferry can stop traffic for blocks in the summer. But this little island has more charm and character than anywhere else in SoCal.
Every 4th of July, this place is CRAZY busy, so be warned. But I don't care; that just adds more character and fun. As a car guy, I love seeing the exotic and classic cars that people here drive. Even the pimped-out golf-carts make me smile (except for when they take up a parking space, haha!).
Do I even need to mention the awesome Balboa Bars and frozen bananas at Dad's? http://www.yelp.com/bi...
bonus! gorgeous sunset photo:
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Surge C.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Balboa Island is a great place to explore. They have a boardwalk-looking area with a feriss wheel and a bunch of novelty shops. It was fun walking around and exploring the pier. I wish we would have had time to go paddle boarding or do something at the marina.
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Review from J D.
Phoenix, AZ
Stumbled across this island while driving around Newport Beach showing the family around....was glad I found it. It's a cozy little island with a small strip of stores & restaurants surrounded by dozens of houses bordering a marina full of boats and yachts.....very cool!
The family instantly fell in love with the island and we decided that we want to rent a vacation home on the marina sometime soon for a family vacation. Better yet, I'd like to buy a house here someday. Many of the homes were built pre-1950's and have been renovated over the years. It has an East Coast feel to it, which is different and hard to find in So Cal.
We enjoyed walking down the main street, Marine Ave, walking into every store and enjoyed a day in the sun. Parking is hard to find though.....we parked a few blocks away.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Can't wait to come back.
Return Factor - 91%Listed in: Cool Places & Events
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Review from Christina K.
Irvine, CA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Let's go for a walk! (Because that's what everyone here does. Well that's all you can do because there aren't enough streets to drive on. I guess you could ride your bike in the alleys, but then you can't see the water, and what's the point of being this close to the water and not being near it? Overpriced homes, overpriced shops, overpriced cars. Yup, the place is full of high rollers who think they own the road. Why did we want to go here again?)
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Review from Irene Y.
12/30/2011
Take a stroll down multi-million dollar houses lane. They all have their different personalities and the homeowners definitely take pride in their unique homes. Come during the holidays and check out the holiday decor winners. Some of the houses really go all out!
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Review from An C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/15/2011
I came here with my child in the middle of the day (around 80 ish degrees) and took the ferry over here. The ferry ride, first of all, did not go well. You had to ride with the cars, and some cars did not turn off their engine (they're supposed to). I felt uncomfortable about this, since my son was in the stroller right in front of the cars, sometimes (we're extremely health conscious..or try to be!).
When we got off the ferry, I assumed there would be some type of boardwalk immediately right there...but there wasn't, so I followed a few people going right. My son was not happy in his stroller (probably the heat). Anyway, I didn't know it would be such a long walk to get to the "main section" of the island...there really isn't much right when you get off the ferry except for some very small looking houses. Also, I didn't like the "smell" while we were walking..it didn't smell very fresh.
I asked a young woman if we were going the right way, and she said to keep going. I must have been distracted by my son, because after a while, I asked another person where the "frozen bananas" and other sights were..and she said to go in the opposite direction. We just came back where we started from. I'm not sure what we would've reached had we kept going, but after a day like today, I don't know if I want to find out. Sorry Balboa Island..I tried! I don't know if I like you. Maybe I'll come back in a few years...or maybe not. -
Review from Sarah C.
San Diego, CA
6/4/2011
A tiny little island surrounded by gorgeous houses, yachts in backyards, and sunny beaches...what more could one want in life? Um, maybe a few million dollars so that one could afford a tiny house on said island?
The bf, dog and I came here for a quick day trip and this place did not disappoint. There were tons of cute little shops to poke through, picturesque houses to gawk at and even a little bit of water and sand to round it all out.
Overall, it was a nice place to visit for a quick day trip. -
Review from Beau H.
Sacramento, CA
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great place to see multi-million dollar homes and yachts up close. The island is small, maybe two miles to walk around it, and there is a great path around the whole thing. There's also some good beach areas to be had, you can set up and watch boats and people go by. Most of the houses are right on the path, so you can see right up close what a $4M beachfront home looks like. Parking can be difficult and there's only two ways onto the island - the ferry or a single bridge. Most days it's pretty crowded so plan on looking for a while or going into the far corners of the island. You'll also be parallel parking, so bring your mad parking skills.
Dad's ice cream is the best frozen bananas and ice cream bars, don't miss them. -
Review from Kiril K.
Santa Ana, CA
2/12/2011
I visited the island in the Summer of 2003, and these were my impressions of that visit.
From million $$ yachts to cheap canoes, it's all on display here.
The American Flag can be seen flying everywhere.
As I stand on the bridge, & gaze around, I C a seagull launch itself from a nearby boat & make a rising bee-line right @ me.
I stare into its eyes as it flaps its wings & builds up speed, & I say to myself: "He damn well better NOT take a dump on my new straw hat!"
I look up @ his belly as he passes over & heaving a sigh of relief wish the bird a safe journey.
The beach side of Bay Front Dr. is lined w/many private piers, as is every side of the island, & as U walk along the paved path U can gaze into the living rooms of the many quaint homes you pass.
Some R fancy, & some R even 2 story. Some R even only lived in during summer. The same variety applies for residences all over the island.
The architecture is varied & unforgetable.
Ea. of the beach front homes has its own patio looking out onto the water.
Very interesting sights for a 2 mile walk around a man-made island. :-D
Locals & visitors mix on the limited sandy beach spots, but I get the impression that many know the folks who live in the houses next to their particular spot.
As I walk along I see....white people. Lots & lots of white people.
Joggers & walkers rule the sidewalk, & they come in all sizes, though, @ least on this day, during this time of day, only 1 skin color.
I come around the north end of the island & begin to walk south along the west side, & @ 1 pier stands a 6ft. tall turquoise Statue of Liberty holding aloft a white flame.
My Cat would be envious of what I saw next.
I spot a gray & white Cat on a wall & watch a man pick him up & gently lay him in a box in the shade under a chair below a yellow beach umbrella, & then sit down himself.
The Cat is obviously living the Life of Riley & I learn that he's a 7 yr. old, former stray who's lived here all of his life & sort of just "adopted" the man.
As I continue I come upon the FERRY LANDING & a Union 76 Gas Station...for boats.
The 1st Ferry was in 1909, & takes you acroos to the town of Balboa.
It's here I FINALLY see a non-white. 2 Latinos behind the counter @ the Island Market, a couple of Latinas ordering @ the Island Grill, & 2 African-American ladies looking for the bathroom.
City councilman Dick Nichols, who had been in trouble for complaining abt Mexicans on nearby Corona Del Mar State Beach ( "With grass we usually get Mexicans coming in there early in the morning & they claim it as theirs & it becomes their personal, private grounds all day" were his comments. ), would love THIS place. :-D
(2 B fair, I did C a few folks of various ethnicities shopping & eating, & not getting a negative glance from anyone, along the shopping district.
The Pigeon is King as much as the Cat is.
I stood & watched 1 brave bird amble along the sand amongst sunbathers stretched out on the beach.
The island is actually 2 (Little Balboa) w/a bridge over a canal connecting the 2.
There's a sign on the bridge admonishing folks not to jump or dive. :-D
It's along the canal that I come across proof that life here has truly gone to the Dogs.
It's quite startling 2 C a huge Pit Bull leap off a private pier, & into the water over, & over, & over again.
For a 1/2 hr this Dog leaped in, w/a joyous bark, paddled to the stairs, climbed up, shook himself off, & dashed over the side once again. :-D
The Ducks stayed safely on my side of the canal obviously of the opinion that this Mutt was a total nutcase. :-D
The owner said he was 5 yrs old & did this all the time.
The look of joy on his face as he goes over the side will put a smile on the face of everyone lucky enough to witness the spectacle.
St. Vianney Catholic Church sits in the middle of the 2 Block shopping district, surrounded by small shops of various types.
Ethnic restuarants, donut shops, candy stores, juice shops, help U get sinfully fat or healthy....
For the sinfully fashion conscious, & unconscious there R more than a dozen shops full of clothing from bras, & shoes to t-shirts, & hats.
If your passion is novelty items from greeting cards 2 magnets, toys, stuffed animals, & dolls, this is the place.
If U like jewelry, sculpture, & artwork then there R stores & galleries.
The prices can be sinfully expensive, or sinfully cheap, depending on your point of view &/or the contents of your bank account. :-D
Buy your Dog something @ The Barkery.
Eat your fill of Frozen Banana's @ 2 competing shops & then go to confession @ the church, situated right smack between them. :-D
After saying your Hail Mary's for all your indulgences this day go to the local museum for some history before heading home.
Nearly everyone has a patio garden of some type, & there are so many variety of plants there that something is bound 2 B blooming every day of the yr.
I plan to come back again! -
Review from Kari G.
11/27/2010 3 photos
All I have to say is if you haven't gone here yet, you need to. They have a dock here that's open to the public and free to use. If you like fishing, this is a good spot. You can even take a $2, 5 minute ferry that takes you across the harbor that has a small ferris wheel, and a bunch of little arcades and shops. They're also famous for their Balboa Bars, but I have yet to try it. I'll be sure to update this when I do.
If you haven't been convinced yet, look at the picture I uploaded. How can you say no to that? The perfect sunset! -
Review from Rob B.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2011
ATTENTION PLANNERS!! Notice what happens to a neighborhood when you make it very dense, and put the garage openings in an alley in the back, and put social spaces in the small front yards. You get a wonderful walkable neighborhood, where you can relax on the sidewalk and not worry about your kids getting run over. You meet your neighbors and exchange BBQ tips and babysitting. You share their garden tools or invite them sailing, and you can WALK to your sailboat, or the grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. It's close to perfect, and people LOVE being there. It's actually URBAN! It's almost European in scale, but definitely California in feel.
I love taking the ferry across from the peninsula, where I usually stay with friends, and the bike riding is su-preme! Also, if you go during the summer, the eye candy is un-beatable! It's shirtless buff surf-dude land!
The missing star is b/c of the congestion of idling cars waiting to get on the ferry at both ends. The Island doesn't need cars, and people shouldn't drive there. The ferry is much more fun on a bike or on foot, and carting all those tourist cars across to the island is a big waste of space and fuel. If Island and Peninsula car traffic was limited to residents and guests, but open to bikes and peds, this place would be 6 stars. -
Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
what an adorable community.
i can't believe in my entire life of a so cal girl...i had never even heard of balboa island. it took meeting an AZ sweetheart with a family beach house here to finally be awakened to the charm of this man-made island off newport beach. and i can't think of a more perfect destination for 4th of july weekend =)
my first observation was that it almost seems too nice to be true...like a movie set town. every single front yard is perfectly manicured with colorful flowers of all kinds. im not sure ive ever seen so many flowers walking down a street. tranquil and innocent, it has that air of "simpler times" of a small town right in the middle of southern california. people walking dogs, beach cruisers, hand holdings...seriously its straight out of the truman show.
i had been told that 4th of july weekend is definitely not the norm...it attracts tons of visitors and tourists. the drive into the island was quite backed up all weekend, but nothing horrible. good luck finding parking on these busy summer weekends!
fun things to do:
hang out on the main drag of marine ave: full of cute-sy shops and restaurants and just the place for tourists to drop some $$. im a sucker for chocolate dipped frozen bananas - they prepare them right in front of you and you get to pick from a wide range of toppings.
stroll around the island parameter: during the day or at night...its a lovely walk thats takes less than and hour and a chance to see all the unique and charming homes...and basically, smell the roses!
beachin' it: obviously you can't go wrong hanging out on the bay. most of the docks are privately owned, but there is a public one for use. we got to borrow someone kayak for a bit and that was a lot of fun. the people out boating is pretty mindful of you, too.
this is definitely a great place to visit, esp during nice weather.Listed in: So Cal travels
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Review from Cass B.
Parker, CO
10/3/2011
This place is pretty boring. My mother likes to come here when we visit CA because she used to come as a kid, and maybe when she was kid it was a lot more exciting than it is these days. Walking around looking at other people's big houses and nice yacht's isn't really fun for me. This street with a couple little shops on it, while charming, isn't a must see.
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Review from Jason O.
Garden Grove, CA
12/11/2009
Let's get straight to the point. This place is cute, and girls love cute shit.
After you get them warmed up from your already spectacular drive down the coast, your sweet serenades to your "love jams" playlist in the car, and a trip on the Balboa Island Ferry; you arrive in Balboa Island. Take them to Marine Ave., park and walk around. Enjoy aimless wandering and useless trinket shopping. Sit down for a cup of coffee and enjoy the subtle scene of passerby's. Have a nice lunch or dinner here.
And after you have done all that, do what my boy Shao Kahn would do and...
FINISH HER!
F-A-T-A-L-I-T-YListed in: SoCal PANTIE DROPPERS
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Review from Barry W.
11/4/2008
*** a slice of east coast liv'n in sunny scal? ***
ok, i concede, this lil man-made island is charming.
it's got that east coastal "je ne sais quoi" for sure,
but it's just across a lil bridge from newport bch.
and it is completely self-sufficient from shops,
restaurants, fire dept to residential homes.
i go to balboa island once per week just to run ...
it's almost 3mi round, so 2 laps is a good workout.
if you have got the moola, it's a cool place to live too. ;)
the only downfall that i have been able to identify is that
the homes are extremely close together...no privacy at all. -
Review from Dave D.
Thousand Oaks, CA
One of our favorite getaways! Time seems to slow down and life just feels BETTER here. No matter how long we stay, it's never long enough!
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Review from Sasha R.
Dartmouth, MA
5/15/2008
They said, this is California's answer to Cape Cod.
HMF!!! said I. Um, 'scuse me?! said I. There can be only ONE Cape Cod! said I.
After visiting, I begrudgingly concede. Despite the fact that this is a man made island, it has tons of charm, beauteous views of the harbor, gorgeous little bayfront homes with private docs, and a quaint Main Street, all of which, yes, carries a certain reminiscence of the Cape, namely, Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket Island flavor.
Enviacs like us will have a gay old time walking around the habor peeking into windows of the 7 million dollar cottages lining the Grand Canal. Additionally, scenic sunsets makes for romance. I can't believe people live year round amid such beauty, and don't go nuts of happiness. -
Review from Michelle O.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2011
A walk a long the pier, hitting your favorite candy shop full of old nostalgic candies you have longed for as a child. This is what Balboa is all about. There are several stores, some very nice boutiques, ice cream shops and many tourist shops. There is something for everyone.
Many of the stores are not cheap, however it is Newport, you can't expect anything less.
After taking a walk around the shops, stop by around the pier, not only do you have a great view of the water but the beautiful houses around the area as well. Keep walking down and you hit the ferry which takes you across the water to the "island" part of Balboa. (please be aware that it is quite a few blocks down).
Also know that parking can be a pain! So be patient, know you might have to walk a bit.
Overall, a place for everyone to enjoy! -
Review from Sukhraj B.
Lake Forest, CA
Recession? What recession? The word simply doesn't exist for Balboa Island residents. Nope, not when you can hire a private chef to BBQ a great meal off your balcony and make the tourists salivate, when you can't bother with curtains for your floor to ceiling double paned windows so that the whole world can marvel at all the cool things you have in your home, and when you have your own private dock that you sit and read from with a brightly colored rainbow umbrella.
Life is good for Balboa Island residents. We like to come to this private little getaway in Newport Beach that sits at the end of Jamboree Road off the 405. We park in the Rite Aid shopping center, walk across the bridge, and pretend we're one of the locals or dream of owning our own little 3-story house by the water front.
The shops are unique and creative. There's a cool shop right when you enter on your left called Peace Frogs. The owner custom creates all candles and of course, Martha's Bookstore - the quaint tea shop like bookstore. There are also plenty of cozy restaurants, a ferry that takes you across to the other side to explore a bit further, and overall an awesome place to just sort of get away. The shop owners are pretty friendly here. The residents not so much.
We had a great time checking out people's home, taking some cool shots, and just getting away from it all. Balboa Island is a great SoCal treasure.Listed in: Parks and Recreation, Balboa Island
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Review from Lily A.
We came here on a recommendation from a friend who suggested we walk around the whole island and do some house-watching. Getting there was pretty simple, take Jamboree all the way down and then follow the signs.
It was a Sunday late morning when we arrived, and parking could be such a bitch. Luckily we got some prime street parking on Park ave. and Marine. There were a lot of cute little speciality shops + restaurants. I was a bit sad because I didn't notice until we were on our way out that there was a "Life is Good" store!! I absolutely love their shirts!
We did the walk around the whole island. Tons of very expensive and beautiful homes. It's nice to drool over these homes that I could never ever afford. But then when I think about it, I don't think I would want to live there. I think it would get boring. I did notice that I was probably the only asian person there. Everyone was old, white and rich...it was interesting to see how the difference...I heard some bach or traichovsky playing from some home...I totally would have been rockin' some Madonna or 80s music! I was just surprised at how quiet it was...these homes seem like such a great party place, but no parties here.
I would definitely recommend to come here, grab some food and then take a nice walk around the island...enjoy the homes and architecture of some. Take a little seat on a bench which are plentiful on the island and just sit and enjoy the sun warming you up, a nice breeze keeping you cool and you'll notice the complete silence! It's pretty peaceful, so come to de-stress from your chaotic life because you deserve it!Listed in: What should I do this fine…
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Review from Keiko C.
12/19/2010
Balboa holds a TON of nostalgia for me.
My dad used to bring my brother and I here as children and we would walk around the neighborhoods checking out the houses, people watching and finally making our way down to the "fun zone."
Now I only make my way out there on special occasions... Namely because now I live on the East Coast. But really, what use do I have for cheesy gift shops and a lack of parking. The good outweighs the bad and I'll most likely find myself here at least once during each visit out west... But I'll more likely than not be making my way out specifically for a dipped banana and vintage candy now that they took away the photo booth from the fun zone. -
Review from L M.
Irvine, CA
1/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The first time we came down to Balboa Island was around Christmas time. We loved looking at the lights and seeing all of the houses all decked out. Now that Christmas is over we come down to the island for our weekend walks with our pup. The waterfront path is perfect and sometimes we hop on the ferry to continue our walks on the other side.
We also like the frozen banana shops and the Barkery. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2009
Living in this area, I can say that no one who actually lives here really goes to Balboa Island.
Me and my friends occasionally come to this area to eat, but that's about it. The people who ride the ferries and visit the island are usually tourists because they are not aware that there is actually little to NOTHING to do on Balboa Island.
So you get there and you take a couple pictures (of what I've always wondered), maybe you buy a Balboa Bar (an ice cream bar famous on the island. It's literally just vanilla ice cream with chocolate) and then you walk around. It's not like there are a lot of quaint shops or anything, if I remember correctly there's a Diane's, Starbucks, and a couple credit unions.
Boring. If you're into a small island ferry kind of feel, go to Shoreline Village in Long Beach. -
Review from Ash W.
Irvine, CA
4/20/2010
This is a cutesy place to just walk around. There are some casual restaurants around the place, an arcade, carousel, and ferris wheel. If you're too lazy to drive to the other side of the island, you can even take a 5 min ferry ride for just a few bucks...apparently you can even drive you car onto the ferry (my bf and i have done it...it's not all that exciting trust me).
But I must say, if you do go, you have to try the balboa bar. It's just a chocolate covered ice cream bar, with your choice of toppings of either nuts or sprinkles, which I'm holding up in my photo - i chose sprinkles...it was a bit sweet , but delicious nonetheless. I got it at the stand next to the ferris wheel. Balboa Island is also known for its chocolate covered bananas...haven't tried any yet, but will definitely yelp about it once i do.
It's definitely worth checking out, but not a hang out place I would die to go all the time. Although, it is a nice place for a date. -
Review from Amanda S.
Northridge, CA
6/2/2008
I loovvee Balboa island. it's so cute! It's a little man-made island, but it's still really charming. There are gorgeous homes with their own private docs (i'm so jealous). It's a great little place to go if you just want to walk around and relax. Not much shopping, but i still enjoy it.
At sunset its really nice. Great picture opportunities.Listed in: Ta Ta, Dating Anxiety
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Review from Judy W.
Corona del Mar, CA
11/23/2008
Everyone wishes Grandma and Grandpa lived on Balboa Island. Summers on the Island are small town quaint with Riviera weather. You can't find this atmosphere anywhere else in Southern CA.
The holiday festivals are fantastic starting with the Christmas Boat Parade. Bundle up and arrive early so you can enjoy a walking tour of the fantastic holiday decorations. (Traffic and parking can be a mess. I'd advise entering from Corona del Mar and driving down Bayside Dr. Park on Bayside and walk over the bridge. Jamboree and PCH will have no turn lanes and it's a disaster.)
http://www.christmasbo...
Halloween is my second favorite holiday on the Island. Residents go all out turning the streets into a trick-or-treat paradise full of animated haunted displays. Every year I stop at Starbucks and spend a few hours walking the boardwalk (really cement) and taking in that year's most creative costumes. You wont be able to park on the Island so be prepared to drop the family on Bayside and walk up to a mile back to the bridge.
Residents line the two blocks of Marine Ave in June for the Balboa Island Parade. An excellent parade that some how they miraculously fit onto this tiny island. Most years a USC alum pays for some of the Trojan band to march - full uniform for 2 blocks. They might be followed by the golden retriever brigade which a few years ago had to have been over 100 goldens. Tons of fun. Different every year. Stop in at Pain du Monde for a pastry and coffee and sit down and enjoy.
Everyday activities on the island include shopping and dining. A cement 'boardwalk' surrounds both the big island and little island and makes a great trail for walking or jogging. The Balboa Island Ferry transports pedestrians and autos across Newport Harbor to the Balboa Fun Zone on the peninsula. The Sea Lion's are great fun to watch from the ferry even though they are quite bothersome to local boat owners.
Enjoy the Island. It's one of a kind. -
Review from Rachael T.
7/21/2009
Balboa island is a quaint little town with a street of boutiques, cafes, and nice views. Home of the frozen banana - I was able to get one.... after seeing many diffferent places, I noticed that some offered multiple sizes from Small to Extra large.. ranging from $2.50 to $3.75.... the place I bought it from only had one size... it's a frozen banana dipped in chocolate with the option of the following toppings - peanuts, rainbow sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles. It was interesting beacuse it feels like you're eating ice cream, but a more healthier alternative.... kinda haha.
There was also cheesecake on a stick which sounded mind bogling.... but I'll have to hope I get to go back to try that another time!
