How To Spend A Fun Day At Balboa Island In Southern California

You don’t need to travel far from home to spend the day at a fun and festive island getaway. Centrally located in Southern California, this island in SoCal will surely bring back some memorable moments from your childhood.

Welcome to Balboa Island!

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There’s something about Balboa Island that feels like a special vacation getaway even if you live right here in town in Southern California.

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Located in the city of Newport Beach in Newport Harbor, Balboa Island can be reached by bridge, boat, or ferry.

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My personal favorite is the Auto Ferry. Skip the drive and save yourself a ton of time.

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Once you arrive on the island you’ll have a ton of choices to make for how you’ll spend your day.

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I suggest starting on Marine Avenue. This main thoroughfare is where you can shop and dine to your heart’s content.

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Your first stop should be at Sugar ‘N’ Spice – the legendary home to the original frozen banana that’s been around since 1945.

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Or head into the Balboa Island Museum and experience a little slice of history.

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If you time your visit right you can take in one of the small town parades.

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Once you meander away from Marine Avenue you’ll definitely want to take a stroll along the boardwalk. I promise your jaw will drop when you see the charming houses along this paved path.

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You can even rent a bike – or bring your own – and cycle through the island to take in the sights.

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Make sure to head toward Balboa Fun Zone and hop on the Ferris Wheel.

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The view from the top is one angle of the island you won’t want to miss.

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And last but not least is a visit to the pier. Everyone knows that a trip to Balboa Island isn’t complete without a stroll down Balboa Pier…

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And then a pit stop at Ruby’s Diner for a bite to eat.

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No matter what you do, make sure to stick around long enough to see the sunset. Nothing compares to this colorful sky at the end of a magical SoCal day.

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If you haven’t had the chance to explore Balboa Island, make sure to add it to your list of SoCal adventures not to be missed.