Balboa Island Things to Do for Fun and Adventure -

As a child, one of my favorite family summer outings was when my family would take a drive to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. We owned a timeshare in San Clemente, so this was a day trip we would do every year during the summer. And it was one of my favorite things to do in San Clemente. If you are planning a visit, these are my absolute favorite Balboa Island things to do.

Balboa Island is located right in the heart of Orange County, but somehow has the charm of a sleepy beach town in a more remote location (although the parking definitely feels more Orange County-like). It’s a place where you can enjoy a day filled with Ferris wheels, pizza, beach and ice cream… it is what I can only imagine would be a West Coast version of Coney Island. Now as an adult, I love keeping the tradition going and taking my own kids to Balboa Island.

Balboa Island has many houses on it, several of which are rentals. I have never stayed on the island, but I imagine it would be a ton of fun to rent a house on the island and be steps away from a calm shoreline for the kids to enjoy.

In fact, I didn’t add it to the list, but we love strolling along the boardwalk, looking at the all the cute houses and dreaming about which ones we would love to own (any of them!). Below is my recommendations for the top 6 Balboa Island things to do.

1. Take the Balboa Island Ferry

Take the ferry--one of the best Balboa Island things to do

Taking the Balboa Island Ferry is a novelty that I definitely recommend. We typically drive onto Balboa Island (you drive over a short little bridge and will find yourself amongst shops on the main drag). We find parking in the residential streets, and then catch the ferry over to the Balboa Peninsula.

The Balboa Island ferry can hold 3 cars in addition to several passengers and bicyclist’s (you can rent bicycles on the peninsula, but you won’t be able to ride them on the sidewalks), and it only costs a couple of dollars per person. The kids always find it fun to be on the short 5-minute “boat ride”, and you get nice views of Newport Harbor, maybe even spotting some seals along the way.

2. Ride the Ferris Wheel – One of my favorite Balboa Island things to do

Riding the ferris wheel is one of the best things to do on Balboa Island

Just across the water from Balboa Island, you’ll find the iconic Ferris wheel. This Ferris wheel has been giving rides since 1936, so it’s a long-standing staple of the Balboa Island area. While you’re enjoying the ride, you’ll also be treated to nice views of both the harbor and the ocean.

3. Spend some time at the Fun Zone

Balboa Island things to do: the arcade — Fun at the arcade

You can get giant pizza as something to do on Balboa Island — Fun at the arcade

Located right next to the Ferris wheel, you’ll find the Fun Zone, complete with rides, an arcade, classic food items and ice cream. The kids always love spending some time here.

4. Go to the beach

Hitting the beach in Balboa Island--one of the top things to do

One of the most obvious Balboa Island things to do is enjoy the beach. My kids like to play in the water while we’re on the peninsula, although sometimes the waves are really big and crash right on the shore. You can also enjoy a stroll on the Balboa Pier to enjoy some nice ocean views or to grab lunch at Ruby’s Diner, which is located at the end of the pier.

Back near the Fun Zone, there are also boat rentals and parasailing outings that you can book if you want to get out onto the water. Newport Beach is the first place I ever parasailed! The boat ride itself was a blast, but the parasailing was definitely a highlight of the day.

5. Shop

Balboa Island is home to many cute shops and boutiques. You’ll find children’s boutiques, beach apparel, home decor, candy shops and many other shops lining the streets of Marine Ave. There’s something for everybody!

6. Have a Balboa Bar – My favorite of the Balboa Island things to do

Balboa Bars are at the top of my Balboa Island things to do list — Image from Sugar ‘n Spice website

No trip to Balboa Island is complete without a famous Balboa Bar. There are many shops that will offer Balboa Bars, frozen bananas, and other sweet treats. Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop and Sugar ‘n Spice tend to be the two we find ourselves at the most. A Balboa Bar is a traditional vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with your choice of topping. They even let you mix and match toppings. I always choose rainbow sprinkles and I am never disappointed.

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