Top 5 Things to Do on Balboa Island (2024)

Jul 10

Balboa Island is a small man-made island in Newport Beach, CA made up of homes, commercial businesses, and waterfront.

Balboa Island is sometimes confused with the Balboa Peninsula. However, the peninsula is an extension of land located directly across from Balboa Island.

How to Get to Balboa Island

There are two ways to access Balboa Island:

1. Drive across the Marine Avenue bridge (free)

2. Take the Balboa Island Ferry from the Balboa Peninsula for a small fee.

Top Things to Do on Balboa Island

1. Try a Balboa bar or frozen banana

2. Check out Marine Avenue shops & restaurants

3. Hang out on the beach

4. Rent a duffy boat

5. Walk along

6. Take the ferry to the Balboa Peninsula

Top Things to Do on Balboa Island

1. Try a Balboa bar or frozen banana

A Balboa bar is a bar of vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate. Frozen bananas are also a popular choice.

There are two Balboa bar/frozen banana establishments side-by-side: Dad’s and Sugar & Spice.

2. Check out Marine Avenue shops & restaurants

If you enter Balboa Island via the bridge, you’ll drive through Marine Avenue, which is lined with various small businesses.

3. Hang out on the beach

Much of the Balboa waterfront belongs to private homeowners, but there are a few strips that have public access.

4. Rent a duffy boat

Local businesses rent out duffy boats and equipment for water sports like paddle boarding.

5. Walk along Bay Front

This is a popular walking route with views of the beach and Balboa’s waterfront real estate. During the holidays, houses are decked out in extravagant Christmas decor.