Newport Beach, California is known for its upscale shopping and fancy restaurants, but its real charm lies miles along the coast. Where the city meets the Pacific Ocean, the Balboa Peninsula reaches from the mainland creating a natural harbor dotted with small, human-made islands. Balboa Island was originally a sandbar that developer William S. Collins reconstructed between 1905 and 1913. Today it’s home to about 3,000 residents. But, the population swells as visitors from all over the world venture out to this gem.  Balboa just could be your new favorite day trip! Below are some pro tips on how to make the most of your visit.

1.  Ferry Fun

There are two ways to get onto Balboa Island; by road or by ferry. Starting in 1910, the ferry has been shuttling guests between the island and Balboa Peninsula in various vessels. On a t

ypical day, it accommodates three cars at a time alongside pedestrians and cyclists for a mere $2.25 per vehicle. Riders are treated to a lovely view of Newport Harbor while being able to relax and unwind for the duration of the ferry. However, as of now, pedestrians and bicycles may continue to ride back and forth on the ferry between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula, but cars must take the land route. The closure is in conjunction with an underground utility project, according to the city of Newport Beach Public Works Department, and is opening car travel on January 28th. 

2. Float Your Boat

Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational boat harbors in the United States. In the absence of your own watercraft, there are places to rent a boat and float at your leisure. Visitors often rent small electric Duffy Boats and ride around in awe of the impressive yachts and seaside mansions. Voyagers Rentals is located next to the ferry and makes the process of renting easy! Not a fan of boats? The calm waters of the harbor are a great place to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Whether you have experience in one of these paddle sports or not, it’s trouble-free to get out on the water in Newport Harbor. Newport Beach Boat Rentals, located in the Fun Zone, offers hourly rentals.

4. Go Paddling 

The Balboa Fun Zone is a seaside amusement park that offers rides, games, and plenty of food.  The Ferris wheel has been providing lovely views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean since 1936. Also, make sure to check out the arcade for a few rounds of various classics like skeeball. When it’s time to eat, you’ll find anything from hamburgers and corndogs to cotton candy and ice cream. At the end of the Fun Zone, you’ll see the historic Balboa Pavilion. This Victorian-style building was completed in 1906 and has long served as a navigation point for local boaters. Each night it’s lit up with 1,500 lights.

5. Shop Til You Drop

One of the highlights of Balboa Island is the selection of charming shops along Marine Ave. Unlike the nearby Fashion Island Shopping Center loaded with big-name department and designer stores, here there’s a selection of locally owned boutiques selling men’s and women’s clothing, crystals, rings, home decor, and beach gear.

6. Excellent Eats

The island is home to several excellent restaurants. Head to Wilma’s Patio, a longtime local favorite, for the best home-cooked-style meals. A few hundred feet from Wilma´s is a popular lunch spot, the Village Inn. Snag a table in the outdoor garden for a great experience with even greater food. Make sure to save room for Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop. Since 1990,  this spot has been serving frozen bananas, ice cream bars, donuts, sandwiches, and their famous hippo cookies. These cookies have been an icon of Balboa Island for many years, and a favorite to all locals. Sidewalks are always full of people enjoying their treats.

7. Parking & Pics 

Parking is limited on Balboa Island, so if you’re coming for the day, arriving early might be best to claim a spot. Weekends and summer can be very busy, so consider visiting on a weekday or during another season. Fortunately, the weather is nice year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Sunsets in balboa are always a showstopper in addition to the architecture of the houses and stunning yachts on the water (as you can see in the image above). Balboa is a great place to take pictures and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.