Balboa Island Day Trip Things To Do

Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula area of Newport Beach is a fun destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. If you have not visited Balboa, add this historic place to your calendar. Even if it has been years since you visited, now is a great time to plan a return trip to explore this area of Southern California.

Getting to the Balboa is part of the fun. Today, bridges connect Balboa Island to the Peninsula. In the past, an auto ferry was the only way to get between the island and the peninsula.

Balboa Island Ferry

With a history of 100 years, the ferry is still taking passengers and cars on the 800-foot journey. Plan on taking the Balboa ferry at least once to imagine what it was like in the earlier days before the roadways were in place. The ferry only costs a few dollars, and the view is fantastic.

Balboa Fun Zone

Now that you have arrived on the Balboa Peninsula, plan to have some fun. The Balboa Fun Zone is one of Southern California’s last coastal amusement areas. People have visited the Fun Zone for generations to enjoy rides, eat sweet treats, and take in the lovely bay and ocean views.

The Ferris wheel is the defacto landmark of Newport Harbor and makes for a fun daytime or nighttime ride. There is a variety of little shops and curious along the boardwalk. Due to its long history, it is not uncommon to see parents and grandparents bringing little ones here to enjoy the area.

Balboa Pier

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, to attract local buyers to the area. Today, the dock 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.

Peninsula Park

Peninsula Park is a relaxing grassy area just south of the pier and provides a beautiful spot for picnics, flying kites, or just relaxing under the beautiful Southern California sunshine. The flat, long peninsula makes it 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. The flat topography makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the ride.

The Wedge Newport Beach

Surfers, bodyboarders, and body surfers know the area because it is home to The Wedge. This is a world-famous surf break at the extreme east end of the Balboa Peninsula. Human-made improvements to the rock jetty on the west side of the Newport Beach Harbor entrance helped shape this famous wave.

Catalina Flyer

Balboa Peninsula is home to the Catalina Flyer, the boat that takes you to Catalina Island. Based on the Balboa Pavilion, Catalina can be a great side trip if you extend your stay in the Newport Harbor area.

If you want to get on a boat but are not interested in a trip to Catalina, you may enjoy a bay cruise around the harbor. Daytime, as well as nighttime, dinner cruises, are available.

Balboa Island

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 your cross over Pacific Coast Highway. Marine Avenue is lined with gift shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Whether you are looking for sun, sand, water, or rides, a day trip to the Balboa Peninsula will have you covered.

Getting There

To access Balboa Island Ferry take Jamboree Road to the west from I-5, I-405, or SR-73. You will cross the Pacific Coast Highway and proceed downhill to Marine Avenue. To access the Peninsula, follow Newport Blvd from PCH. Newport Blvd. turns into Balboa Blvd and runs along the peninsula.

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