Balboa Island is a walkable harbor community in Newport Beach known for Marine Avenue shops and restaurants, waterfront paths, the Balboa Island Ferry and its famous Balboa Bars and frozen bananas. Visitors can walk the island, browse Marine Avenue, eat near the harbor, relax along small bayfront beaches or take the ferry across to the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Fun Zone.
Balboa Island at a Glance
- Location: Newport Beach, California
- Best for: Walking, harbor views, shopping, restaurants and a relaxed half-day outing
- Main shopping and dining area: Marine Avenue
- Getting there: Drive, bike or walk across the bridge from Bayside Drive, or take the Balboa Island Ferry from Balboa Peninsula
- Parking: Primarily street parking on the island; spaces can be difficult to find during busy periods
- Don’t miss: The waterfront loop, Marine Avenue, a Balboa Bar or frozen banana and a ferry ride
- Time to allow: About 2 to 4 hours for a casual visit; longer if you add dining or activities on the water
Things to Do on Balboa Island
Balboa Island works especially well as a walking destination. Most of the signature experiences are close together, and you can combine the waterfront, Marine Avenue, food and the ferry in one visit. For more nearby ideas, see our guides to Newport Harbor and things to do in Newport Beach.
Walk the Balboa Island Waterfront Loop
The City of Newport Beach identifies the Balboa Island Loop as a 1.70-mile paved pedestrian route with harbor views. The waterfront walk is one of the easiest ways to see the island, its homes, docks and Newport Harbor. Parking on the island can be difficult at busy times, and the City suggests parking at the Balboa Pier lot and taking the ferry as an alternative.
Shop and Eat on Marine Avenue
Marine Avenue is Balboa Island’s main shopping and dining street. It’s lined with restaurants, dessert shops, boutiques and small businesses, making it a natural stop before or after walking the waterfront.
Try a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana
Balboa Island is famous for chocolate-dipped frozen bananas and the Balboa Bar, a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and covered with toppings. Learn more about the island tradition in our Balboa Bar and frozen banana guide.
Ride the Balboa Island Ferry
The Balboa Island Ferry connects the island with Balboa Peninsula and carries pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. The short harbor crossing is both transportation and part of the Balboa Island experience. See the ferry section below for current operating information.
Enjoy the Harbor Beaches
Small public beach areas can be found around Balboa Island. Because these beaches are inside Newport Harbor, conditions are different from the open-ocean beaches on Balboa Peninsula. The amount of exposed sand can also change with the tide, so check conditions if beach time is an important part of your visit.
Visit Balboa Island Park
Near the ferry landing, Balboa Island Park on Agate Avenue has a playground, basketball half court and nearby public facilities. The Carroll Beek Community Center is also located in this area.
Explore Newport Harbor by Boat
Visitors can explore Newport Harbor by renting kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats or electric Duffy boats, or by joining a harbor cruise. Rental availability and operating requirements vary by provider, so check with the operator before your visit.
Visit the Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone is not on Balboa Island; it is across the harbor on Balboa Peninsula. Taking the ferry makes it easy to combine both destinations in the same outing.
Balboa Island Restaurants & Desserts
Most Balboa Island restaurants and dessert shops are concentrated along Marine Avenue, with additional options near the ferry. Businesses can change, so check current hours before making a special trip.
Restaurants & Casual Food
- 501 Park Avenue Bistro – 501 Park Ave
- Basilic – 217 Marine Ave
- Ciao Balboa – 223 Marine Ave
- Crocker’s – 211 Marine Ave
- Royal Hen – 311 Marine Ave
- Shanghai Pine Gardens – 300 Marine Ave
- Snipe Island Crafthouse – 305 Marine Ave
- Trattoria – 216 1/2 Marine Ave
- Wilma’s Patio – 203 Marine Ave
- The Village Inn – 127 Marine Ave
- Balboa Island Market & Grille – 500 S Bay Front
Desserts & Treats
- Balboa Candy – 301 Marine Ave
- Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop – 318 Marine Ave
- Sugar ‘n Spice – 310 Marine Ave
For the classic island experience, look for a Balboa Bar or chocolate-dipped frozen banana while you’re on Marine Avenue.
Balboa Island Ferry
The Balboa Island Ferry has connected Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula since 1919. It carries drivers and passengers in vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians across an approximately 800-foot stretch of Newport Harbor. The ferry currently lists vessel hours of 6:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Hours and fares can change, so check the official Balboa Island Ferry website before visiting.
Getting to Balboa Island
There are two primary ways to reach Balboa Island. From the mainland, drive, bike or walk across the bridge from Bayside Drive. From Balboa Peninsula, take the Balboa Island Ferry, which accommodates pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. Rideshare is another option if you want to avoid searching for parking on the island.
Balboa Island Parking
Parking on Balboa Island is primarily on the street and can be difficult to find during busy weekends, summer days and special events. Always follow posted signs, meter instructions and time limits rather than relying on a particular street being unrestricted.
Alternative: Park on Balboa Peninsula and Take the Ferry
The City of Newport Beach specifically suggests the Balboa Pier parking lot as an alternative for people walking the Balboa Island Loop. The lot is at Palm Street and Balboa Boulevard, and visitors can walk from there to the ferry. The Balboa Pier lot is paid parking 24 hours a day and rates vary by season and holiday. Check the City of Newport Beach parking page for current rates and rules.
Balboa Island Events
Annual and seasonal events add another reason to visit Balboa Island. Dates and details can change from year to year, so confirm current information with the organizer before attending.
- Summer Concert in the Park – Seasonal community concerts near Balboa Island Park.
- Balboa Island Artwalk – An annual spring event featuring local artists and music.
- Balboa Island Parade – A long-running island community parade.
- Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour – A seasonal tour of decorated island homes.
- Tree Lighting & Snow Day – A community holiday event.
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Balboa Island’s waterfront is one of several areas around Newport Harbor where visitors gather to watch the decorated boats.
Check the Balboa Island community calendar for current event dates.
Balboa Island Fishing & Public Piers
Fishing is possible from designated public piers and other legal shoreline locations around the island. California fishing-license requirements depend on where you fish: recreational anglers generally do not need a license when fishing from a qualifying public pier, while a license is generally required for anglers age 16 and older fishing from other locations. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before fishing.
Public Pier Locations
- Coral Avenue / South Bay Front
- Opal Avenue / South Bay Front
- Emerald Avenue / North Bay Front
- Sapphire Avenue / North Bay Front
- Park Avenue / East Bay Front on Little Balboa Island
Balboa Island Vacation Rentals
Balboa Island is a popular summer vacation destination with cottages and homes available for short-term stays, including inland and bayfront properties. Newport Beach regulates short-term lodging, so verify that a rental is properly permitted and review its parking and occupancy rules before booking.
One-Day Balboa Island Itinerary
2 to 3 Hours
Walk part or all of the waterfront loop, browse Marine Avenue, stop for a Balboa Bar or frozen banana, then take a round-trip ferry ride for harbor views.
Half Day or Longer
Add lunch or dinner on Marine Avenue, spend more time along the waterfront, rent a kayak or Duffy boat, or take the ferry to Balboa Peninsula and visit the Balboa Fun Zone.
Tips for Visiting Balboa Island
- Balboa Island is very walkable, so comfortable shoes are useful.
- Parking can be difficult during summer, weekends and special events; consider parking on Balboa Peninsula and taking the ferry.
- Marine Avenue is the main concentration of shops, restaurants and dessert stops.
- The waterfront loop is a pedestrian route, so allow time to walk rather than planning to see everything from the car.
- Small harbor beach areas change with the tide.
- Check ferry hours, parking rules and business hours before making a special trip.
- Allow extra time during major events and holiday periods.
Balboa Island History
Balboa Island developed from Newport Harbor mudflats after dredging in the early 1900s deposited sand and silt in the area. Development followed, bringing homes, businesses and waterfront improvements. Balboa Island became part of the City of Newport Beach in 1916.
Today the community includes Main Island, Little Balboa Island and Collins Island. The island’s compact streets, waterfront setting and Marine Avenue business district have made it both a residential neighborhood and a popular Newport Beach visitor destination.
Balboa Island FAQ
Is Balboa Island worth visiting?
Balboa Island is a good choice for visitors who enjoy walking, harbor views, small shops, restaurants and local treats. It is easy to combine the island with Balboa Peninsula by ferry.
What is there to do on Balboa Island?
Popular activities include walking the waterfront loop, shopping and dining on Marine Avenue, trying a Balboa Bar or frozen banana, riding the ferry, enjoying harbor views and exploring Newport Harbor by boat.
Is Balboa Island free to visit?
There is no admission charge to visit Balboa Island. You may pay for parking, the ferry, food, shopping or other activities.
How long does it take to walk around Balboa Island?
The City of Newport Beach lists the Balboa Island Loop at 1.70 miles. Walking time depends on your pace and how often you stop for harbor views, shops or food.
Where do you park for Balboa Island?
Street parking is available on Balboa Island but can be difficult to find during busy periods. Another option is paid parking near Balboa Pier on the Peninsula followed by the ferry to the island.
Can you drive onto Balboa Island?
Yes. Vehicles can reach Balboa Island by the bridge from Bayside Drive or aboard the Balboa Island Ferry from Balboa Peninsula.
How do you get to Balboa Island?
You can drive, walk or bike across the bridge from the mainland, or take the Balboa Island Ferry from Balboa Peninsula.
How much is the Balboa Island Ferry?
Fares vary for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and vehicles and can change. Check the official Balboa Island Ferry website for current fares before your trip.
Is Balboa Island the same as Balboa Peninsula?
No. Balboa Island is a harbor island and residential-shopping community. Balboa Peninsula is across the water and includes Balboa Pier and the Balboa Fun Zone. The ferry connects the two.
Does Balboa Island have a beach?
Balboa Island has small public harbor beach areas around portions of the waterfront. They are not open-ocean beaches, and the amount of exposed sand varies with the tide.
What is Balboa Island famous for?
Balboa Island is especially known for its waterfront setting, Marine Avenue, the Balboa Island Ferry, Balboa Bars and chocolate-dipped frozen bananas.