Best Things to Do on Balboa Island in Newport Beach

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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. We chose to camp at the Newport Dunes RV Park in Newport Beach last summer. It was within walking distance to Balboa Island, and that made for easy entertainment for the kids.

Parking on Balboa Island

Parking can be tough, so be patient and be prepared to parallel park. We typically drive onto Balboa Island and park on one of the neighborhood streets. Everything is super walkable, so once you snag a spot, you’ll be able to hit the main stretch of shops or head to the ferry.

We usually walk along the boardwalk to the ferry and then head to the Fun Zone and beach. 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 are my recommendations for the top 7 Balboa Island things to do.

Best Things to Do

1. Take the Balboa Island Ferry

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

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. Visit the Fun Zone

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 Newport Beach

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. Shopping on Balboa Island

One of the best parts about visiting Balboa Island is wandering through the charming shops along Marine Avenue. The main street is lined with locally owned boutiques, surf-inspired stores, gift shops, art galleries, candy stores, and cozy cafés that make the area feel both upscale and relaxed at the same time.

You’ll find everything from beachy home décor and coastal clothing boutiques to toy stores and sweet shops that kids will love exploring. We love simply window shopping there as well.

6. Have a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana – My favorite thing to do on Balboa Island

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.

7. Dining on Balboa Island

Balboa Island has a surprisingly great food scene for such a small island, with everything from casual cafés and waterfront seafood restaurants to ice cream shops and local dessert favorites. Many of the restaurants along Marine Avenue have a relaxed coastal atmosphere that perfectly matches the laid-back Newport Beach vibe.

Whether you’re grabbing brunch, enjoying fresh seafood with harbor views, or stopping for a sweet treat after walking around the island, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Balboa Island Quick Guide

• Best for: Families, couples, day trips
• Time needed: Half day to full day
• Parking: Street parking + nearby lots
• Don’t miss: Frozen bananas, ferry ride, Marine Avenue
• Best time to visit: Weekdays or mornings

FAQs About Visiting Balboa Island

Is Balboa Island worth visiting?
Yes — Balboa Island is one of the most charming areas in Newport Beach. It’s great for kids and adults alike.

How long do you need on Balboa Island?

One day is plenty to spend on Balboa Island. However, there are plenty of house rentals in the area that would allow you to have more time relaxing on the coast. We usually spend about 4-5 hours there depending on how long we spend at the beach.

Can you walk around Balboa Island?

Yes! Balboa Island is extremely walkable. It’s flat, and small enough that you can walk from one side to the other. There are plenty of shops and coffee shops to pop in to as well.

Where do you park for Balboa Island?

You can park on the island or find parking in Newport Beach and take the ferry across. One side of the island also has a short bridge that you can walk or drive across.

Do you need to take the ferry to Balboa Island?

No, you can drive or walk onto the island via the bridge. Just follow Marine Avenue over the bridge and onto the island.

What is Balboa Island known for?

Balboa Island is known for being a charming beach town in Southern California. There are many boutique and art galleries on the island. And it’s near the Newport Beach pier, giving you a lot of options of things to do during your visit.

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