Discover the Magic of Balboa Island
Explore Balboa Island's picturesque waterfront, unique shops, and vibrant dining scene in Newport Beach, California - a must-visit coastal paradise.
Nestled in Newport Beach, California, Balboa Island is a charming coastal oasis known for its picturesque waterfront, vibrant shopping, and delightful dining options. Tourists will find a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a must-visit destination.
A brief summary to Balboa Island
- Newport Beach, California, US
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos.
- Don’t miss out on the famous frozen bananas; they are a local treat you must try!
- Consider renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk to fully appreciate the scenic views and charming architecture.
- Check the local event calendar for festivals or markets that showcase local artisans and food vendors.
- Plan to spend a full day to explore the island and its surroundings, as there's plenty to see and do.
Getting There
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Bus
From Long Beach, head to the nearest bus stop and board the Long Beach Transit bus number 111 heading towards 'Anaheim'. Stay on the bus for approximately 40 minutes until you reach the 'LAX / Long Beach Airport Transit Center'. Here, transfer to the Metro Link train service towards 'Oceanside'. Ride the train for about 30 minutes until you reach 'Santa Ana Station'. From Santa Ana, board the OCTA bus number 1 towards 'Newport Beach'. After about 25 minutes, get off at the 'Balboa Island' stop.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from one of the rental stations in Long Beach. Start your ride by heading south on the beach bike path towards Seal Beach. Continue along the path until you reach the bridge leading to the Pacific Coast Highway. Cross the bridge and follow the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) northbound. Stay on PCH until you see the signs for Newport Beach. Follow the signs to Balboa Island, where you can park your bike and explore the island.
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Walking
If you are feeling adventurous, you can walk to Balboa Island, although it will take a while. Start at Long Beach and head towards the beach. Walk along Shoreline Drive towards the east for about 4.5 miles until you reach the pedestrian path at the beach. Follow the signs towards Newport Beach. Once you reach the Newport Beach pier, continue walking south along the coast until you reach the entrance to Balboa Island. Enjoy the scenic views along the way!
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Taxi or Rideshare
For a more direct route, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply open the app, set your pickup location in Long Beach, and enter 'Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA' as your destination. The driver will take you directly to your location. The trip may take around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Discover more about Balboa Island
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
70 Newport Pier
2.9 km
Experience the beauty and charm of Newport Pier, where stunning ocean views meet vibrant beach life in Newport Beach, California.
Corona del Mar Historical Society
3.0 km
Explore the captivating history of Corona del Mar at the Historical Society, where stories, artifacts, and community come together.
Paseo 17
3.6 km
Discover Paseo 17: Costa Mesa's premier shopping mall featuring dining, beauty, and wellness experiences for a delightful day out.
Triangle Square
4.4 km
Discover Triangle Square, Costa Mesa's premier shopping destination blending retail, dining, and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.
Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center (main entrance)
5.2 km
Explore the beauty of California's wetlands at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach, a nature preserve filled with educational experiences.
Costa Mesa Foundation
6.4 km
Explore the Costa Mesa Foundation - a cornerstone of community spirit, engagement, and local initiatives in the heart of Costa Mesa.
Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
6.4 km
Discover a captivating blend of history and natural beauty at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, where vintage cottages meet pristine beaches and scenic trails.
Infinity Fountain
6.5 km
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Talbert Regional Park
6.5 km
Explore Talbert Regional Park: A serene nature preserve in Costa Mesa, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and discovering diverse wildlife.
Google Irvine Building 1
6.7 km
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Beall Center for Art + Technology
6.8 km
Experience cutting-edge art and technology fusion at the Beall Center, UC Irvine's innovative space for contemporary creativity.
Travel Costa Mesa
7.3 km
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Original Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark Plaque
7.9 km
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Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art (Langson IMCA)
8.0 km
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William R Mason Regional Park
8.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Balboa Fun Zone
0.6 km
Experience the thrill of rides, games, and seaside fun at Balboa Fun Zone, the quintessential amusement park of Newport Beach.
Castaways Park
1.6 km
Explore the beauty of Castaways Park in Newport Beach, a serene escape with stunning ocean views and outdoor activities for all.
Newport Beach- The Wedge
2.0 km
Experience the thrill of surfing and stunning coastal views at Newport Beach's iconic The Wedge, a must-visit for beach lovers and adventurers.
Newport Beach
2.2 km
Explore Newport Beach, California – a coastal gem with beautiful beaches, shopping delights, and outdoor adventures for every traveler.
Sherman Library & Gardens
2.3 km
Experience the tranquility of Sherman Library & Gardens, a botanical paradise in Corona Del Mar, California, perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Ocean Front W
2.3 km
Experience the vibrant coastal charm of Ocean Front W in Newport Beach, where sun, surf, and relaxation await you in Southern California.
Bunnyhenge
2.4 km
Explore Bunnyhenge, a whimsical installation of charming bunny sculptures in Newport Beach, California, perfect for family fun and memorable photos.
Corona Del Mar
2.5 km
Experience the stunning beaches, upscale dining, and vibrant atmosphere of Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach's coastal treasure.
Marina Park
2.5 km
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Marina Park in Newport Beach, a perfect destination for relaxation and family fun amidst stunning waterfront views.
Inspiration Point
2.9 km
Discover breathtaking ocean views and serene landscapes at Inspiration Point, a must-visit scenic spot in Corona Del Mar, California.
Newport Beach Pier
3.1 km
Explore Newport Beach Pier for stunning ocean views, local cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Southern California's coastal lifestyle.
Little Corona Beach
3.2 km
Explore the serene beauty of Little Corona Beach in California, a hidden gem with sandy shores, tide pools, and stunning ocean views.
Lions Park
4.3 km
Explore Lions Park, a serene Costa Mesa oasis with lush greenery, playgrounds, and scenic paths perfect for relaxation and family fun.
Costa Mesa Historical Society
4.6 km
Explore the rich history of Costa Mesa at the Historical Society, a captivating museum showcasing the city's vibrant past through engaging exhibits.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
5.3 km
Experience the beauty of nature at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, a scenic haven for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers in Newport Beach.
Essential places to dine
Wild Goose Tavern
2.8 km
Experience the lively charm of Wild Goose Tavern: where American cuisine meets vibrant nightlife in Costa Mesa.
Playa Mesa
2.9 km
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The Country Club
3.2 km
Experience upscale American dining at The Country Club in Costa Mesa—where culinary artistry meets vibrant nightlife.
Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa
3.2 km
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Restaurant
3.4 km
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The Crack Shack - Costa Mesa
3.7 km
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Eat Chow
4.2 km
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Black Knight Lounge
4.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at Black Knight Lounge in Costa Mesa—where great food meets live entertainment for an unforgettable night out.
Cafe Sevilla of Costa Mesa
4.4 km
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Yard House
4.4 km
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SOCIAL Costa Mesa
4.6 km
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Pasta Connection
4.8 km
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NORMS Restaurant
5.4 km
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Great Mex
5.5 km
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Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market
5.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Open House Gifts
2.3 km
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Lovely Curated Things
2.7 km
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Shop Common Thread
3.0 km
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Fleur De Lys
3.1 km
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The Latest Thing
3.7 km
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Costa Mesa Shopping Center
3.8 km
Experience shopping and dining like never before at Costa Mesa Shopping Center, a hub of vibrant retail and entertainment in Southern California.
So-Lo Boutique Consignment
4.2 km
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Lil Posh Resale Boutique
4.2 km
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Costa Mesa Courtyards
4.4 km
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Wicked Chamber Boutique
4.7 km
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Five Below
5.6 km
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At Home
5.6 km
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T.J. Maxx & HomeGoods
5.9 km
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Shop For Investors
6.3 km
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University Center
7.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pie Society Bar
3.1 km
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The Harp Inn
4.0 km
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The Boulevard
4.2 km
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Goat Hill Tavern
4.3 km
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Tiki Bar
4.5 km
Experience the vibrant Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, where tropical vibes meet live music and delicious bar and grill cuisine for a perfect night out.
Our Bar and Kitchen
4.6 km
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Three-13 Bar
5.2 km
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Landers Liquor Bar
5.3 km
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Madeleine's
5.5 km
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Anthill Pub & Grille
6.9 km
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Patrick's Pub
7.2 km
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Ruin Bar
7.9 km
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Kitsch Bar
8.1 km
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The Huddle
8.1 km
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Mesa
8.1 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sevilla Nightclub of Costa Mesa
4.4 km
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Time Nightclub
4.4 km
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STRUT Bar & Club
4.9 km
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The O Lounge
6.7 km
Experience the luxurious ambiance and vibrant nightlife at The O Lounge in Newport Beach, where unforgettable moments await.
Legacy Nightclub and Lounge
7.6 km
Discover Newport Beach's vibrant nightlife at Legacy Nightclub and Lounge, where affordable drinks and an exciting dance floor await.
Tin Lizzie Saloon
7.9 km
Discover the inclusive nightlife at Tin Lizzie Saloon, a vibrant gay bar in Costa Mesa, offering cocktails, entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Arena OC
8.0 km
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Costa Mesa at Arena OC, where unforgettable nights of music and dancing await you!
Access
9.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Access, a chic lounge in Costa Mesa offering handcrafted cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Plush Karaoke Lounge
10.7 km
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SULTANA Ultra HOOKAH LOUNGE
12.1 km
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Surf City Hookah Lounge
12.4 km
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3AM
12.6 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 3AM Night Club in Huntington Beach - where unforgettable parties and vibrant music collide.
Focus
13.8 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere and dynamic nightlife at Focus Night Club in Huntington Beach, the ultimate destination for unforgettable nights out.
Rooftop Lounge
14.0 km
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The Circle OC
14.0 km
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