Day Trip to Balboa Island & Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, CA

 

Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach are wonderful destinations for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Balboa Island is the largest of three artificial islands in Newport Harbor, while the Balboa Peninsula, often referred to simply as “Balboa,” is a three-mile-long stretch of land between Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Whether it has been years since your last visit or you’re coming for the first time, now is a great time to plan a return trip and explore this beautiful area of Southern California. Here are some points of interest to include in your itinerary.

Take the Balboa Island Ferry Across Newport Bay

Getting to Balboa Island is part of the fun. In the past, the only way to travel between the island and the Peninsula was by auto ferry. The Balboa Ferry has operated since 1919 and can carry a few cars and pedestrians, providing a scenic crossing across the harbor. The journey across the harbor is just 800 feet wide, but it allows visitors to imagine what it was like in earlier days before the roadways were built. The ferry ride costs only a few dollars, and the view is fantastic. The ferry is facing challenges due to new CA emissions regulations. They must transition to zero-emission engines by the end of 2025. The ferry operators are seeking a further extension of the rule.

Balboa Fun Zone Newport Beach Peninsula

Although the Balboa Fun Zone may not be as vibrant as it once was, it is still worth a visit. Enjoy a Balboa Bar as you stroll along the boardwalk, ride on the Ferris wheel, and savor a famous Balboa Bar or a frozen banana. Additionally, a Fun Zone Arcade has replaced the Balboa Bay Arcade, which closed in 2017 after 70 years of operation. There are also various shops and restaurants in the area.

Although the Fun Zone may not be what it once was, there are still plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. One historic building that remains is the Balboa Pavilion, which was built in 1906. The pavilion features a popular restaurant, and visitors can catch the Catalina Island Flyer, which offers daily trips to the island from the Fun Zone. Whale-watching and fishing trips can also be booked at the Balboa Pavilion. Due to the Fun Zone’s long history, parents and grandparents can bring their children to enjoy the area, just as they did in their youth.

Balboa Fun Zone 1950s

This image captures the Balboa Fun Zone in the 1950s, likely taken during Bal Week (Easter Week). Bal Week gradually declined in the mid to late 1960s due to increased pressure from law enforcement and resident complaints. Consequently, students began to shift their gatherings to other destinations. However, weekends during the Fourth of July can still get wild on the Peninsula.

Fun Zone Boat Company Balboa Peninsula

The Fun Zone Boat Company has been offering narrated harbor cruises since 1948, making it a popular attraction in the area. While a Sea Lions Tour is available, we recommend the Celebrity Homes and Yachts Tour. This tour passes by multi-million dollar homes and yachts and is complete with narrations about their famous residents and past owners. The harbor cruise is not just for tourists; it’s also a delightful outing for locals. During the celebrity tour, you can also see sea lions all over the bay. The Fun Zone Boat Company is near the Balboa Fun Zone at 700 E Edgewater Place, Newport Beach, CA—Fun Zone Boat Company Website.

Balboa Pier On The Peninsula

The Peninsula’s west side faces the ocean and includes the Balboa Pier. The Pier dates back to 1906 and was constructed along with the Balboa Pavilion. Soon after the Pier was built, Pacific Electric Railway’s Red Car Trolley line brought visitors from Long Beach to enjoy a day on the beach. Today, the Balboa Pier is a popular fishing spot. At low tide, many starfish can be seen on the pilings. At the end of the Pier is Ruby’s Diner, where you can tuck into a burger or thick milkshake in a nostalgic 1950s setting with great ocean views. The Pier is a short walk from the Fun Zone.

Newport Beach Peninsula Park – Beach Trail

Peninsula Park is a relaxing grassy area just south of the Balboa Pier. It is a beautiful spot for picnics, flying kites, or relaxing under the Southern California sunshine. A paved trail runs the length of the Peninsula, an excellent place for walking and riding bicycles. Bring your bike or take advantage of one of the bike rental vendors in the area. After riding the Peninsula, hop the Balboa Ferry over to Balboa Island and ride the compact streets for a change of scenery. It is possible to ride to Huntington Beach along the beach trail; however, some sections along the Newport Peninsula require a detour onto the street.

The Wedge Newport Beach

The Wedge is a world-famous surf break at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula. The rock jetty on the west side of the Newport Beach Harbor entrance creates this famous wave several times yearly. Huge crowds line the beach to watch surfers, bodyboarders, and body surfers challenge the giant waves. For the rest of the year, The Wedge is a peaceful beach. Fishing and boat watching are popular activities from the jetty that protects Newport Harbor.

Catalina Flyer: Departing From the Balboa Pavilion

The Catalina Flyer is a passenger ferry service between Newport Beach, California, and Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. The Flyer makes one round trip daily, leaving Newport Beach in the morning and returning from Avalon in the early evening. The crossing takes approximately 75 minutes each way. The Catalina Flyer offers a unique experience for visitors to Catalina Island, whether for a day trip or a longer stay—Catalina Flyer website.

Balboa Island Newport Beach, California

Balboa Island is primarily residential except for the shops along Marine Avenue. You can use the Balboa Ferry from the Balboa Peninsula or cross the Balboa Island Bridge to get to the island. Jamboree Road becomes Marine Avenue once you cross over Pacific Coast Highway. Racine Avenue is lined with gift shops, galleries, and restaurants. Whether looking for sun, sand, water, or rides, a day trip to the Balboa Peninsula will have you covered.

Directions To The Balboa Island Ferry

To access the Balboa Island Ferry, take Jamboree Road west from I-5, I-405, or SR-73. You will cross the Pacific Coast Highway and proceed downhill to Marine Avenue. To reach the Peninsula, follow Newport Boulevard from PCH. Newport Boulevard turns into Balboa Boulevard and runs along the Peninsula. Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula offer a unique Southern California coastal experience with exceptional charm, attractions, and activities.

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