Balboa Island, a sun, Southern California, one day adventure.

Balboa Island, a sun, Southern California, one day adventure.

Newport Beach- an iconic stretch of southern California coastline that has picture homes and beautiful beaches. Being a Southern California resident, it’s always fun to go visit each town up and down the coast from us. A little over an hour's drive from San Diego is the darling little spot of Balboa Island. Only a mile around, it’s a fantastic way to spend a summertime day. Walking around the streets, soaking up some sun, delighting your eyes in the beautiful homes, and getting a full day of your steps in.

How to get there?

In this day and age, all you need to do is put Balboa Island in Google maps. I would recommend that when looking at the options to getting there you do take the 73 Toll Rd. It is much closer than trying to go from the 405 from San Diego into Newport Beach. Going into Balboa Island there is a little bridge. I circled it in red above just so you can get an idea of what to expect. Its a small bridge, nothing like Coronado. Depending on the day, parking most likely will be a bit hard. But don’t give up you will find something. You do not need to take the ferry to Balboa Island. Once you are there you can take a ferry ride over to the penensula to get to the Balboa fun zone, but you can drive there from the other side of Newport as well. The ferry is cute and fun though and you can board it from the end of the street on Agate Ave.

What is there to do there?

Did I mention how cute the streets are:

For me, I’m all about looking at the beautiful homes. Each one is unique, but holds a Southern California style of white siding, a little bit of brick and a clean crisp beach vibe. Think the cataloge for Serena & Lily. Most streets have American flags that go from one house across the street to the next only to zigzag back-and-forth the whole distance of the street. It is beyond adorable! Once you find parking no matter where you are on the island you’re going to want to take a walk while looking at the homes and make your way to see the main street of town.

The main street has some boutiques and more importantly, the famous frozen banana. This tasty treat is a frozen banana that you dip in chocolate and get to pick the toppings that it is rolled in. I love the chocolate-covered banana with toasted coconut and almonds, but you could try also a vanilla ice cream bar with Oreos or sprinkles, graham crackers, peanuts, heath bar crumbles or a combination of all they have to offer.

Once you have your frozen banana or ice cream treat, take a stroll down to the water to walk around the island, looking at the beachfront homes on one side of the walkway and the cute Duffy boats out in the water. You can also rent a Duffy boat while you are there , if you want a fun three-hour tour. (cue gilligans island song)

Here is the link to rent a Duffy boat on balboa island: (simply click the button)

Duffy Boat rental

The island does have vacation rentals, but make sure if you want to do that you secure it in advanced. This is certainly a high demanded vacation spot.

VRBO- Balboa Island

You can bring scooters or bikes to even make your day trip more fun. So many options just have fun with it. Whale watching? Well of course they have that too. Plenty of options for adventure or just a mellow stroll. It’s always so nice to just hop in the car and be able to change your scenery for the day. Getting out and about doesn’t need to cost much. Some gas in the car and away you go to change up the scenery to make a quick day trip up to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. It gives you a day that feels like a trip out of your bubble that is so refreshing. You feel like you went somewhere different, but still get to make it home and sleep in your own bed after sunset.

I might’ve been there and I know that. Happy Adventuring...

Xo,

Mama