Looking for something to do? Visit Balboa Island, and take the Newport Ferry between Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island.

From its precious bays to streets named after gemstones--Ruby, Opal, Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Topaz and Pearl, Balboa Island is a treasure you'll discover when you visit and wander on foot. It's a walking town where the beachfront path goes on for well over a mile, and the Balboa Island bayfront path loops around the island past luxurious homes also for a mile or so. Once you visit Balboa Island, you'll discover that while the downtown (Marine Ave.) is the hub of shopping and dining, Balboa's big on its little beaches, as well. They are what draw tourists to the island.

Balboa Island is part of Newport Beach, Calif. It began as swamp land and sand pits. The manmade island was dredged and filled prior to World War I and like so much of Southern California, when developers tried to sell the parcels, it often took convincing customers that their investment would be worth it.

Balboa Island is a community of Newport Beach, as are other communities named Corona del Mar, Newport Coast, and even Little Balboa Island. The island has a downtown business association that sets out flower baskets, hosts special events, and creates a more pleasant place to visit. From an annual 4th of July Parade to the tree light in front of the Fire Station on Marine Ave., the parking may be challenging but the events capture the essence of a California beach town.

Marine Avenue is home to more than 75 gift shops, galleries and restaurants filled with boutique clothing for women, children, nautical casuals for men, and some specialties such as candles, olive oils, and pet products. 

Where to eat: See Full List of Restaurants

Balboa Island Picante Martin Mexican Cafe
Balboa Island Shanghai Pine Garden Chinese Restaurant

The restaurants feature two traditions: Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas and Balboa Bars. People who went on summer vacations with their parents over 30 years ago remember going to Marine Ave. to get their frozen treats, and they talk about it as they bring their own kids & grandkids even.

Seafood at Amelia's restaurant, Italian, Swiss Fondue, Chinese, Mexican, American cafe favorites at Wilma's and a variety of menus from new restaurants popping up all the time provide exactly the diverse menus tourists seek. A Starbucks shop helps round out your yearnings for pick-me-ups.  Here's Barb's Top 10 Food "Joints" on Balboa Island, California.

Things to see:

Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society - Volunteers give freely of their time to archive the Island history. Hundreds of pictures, wall signs, collectible items and souvenir t-shirts can be found at the adorable museum run by some incredible volunteers. Get the historic homes map and enjoy a casual stroll around the Island to see the cottages with their oval plaques. Location: Marine Avenue.  Information: 949-675-9019.

Debra Huse Gallery - The fine arts painter has beautiful artwork for sale and hosts an annual Plein Air Paint Out on the Island.

Fashion Island Shopping Center - Just up the hill on Pacific Coast Highway at Newport Center Drive is a shopping mall with a carousel, koi ponds and major department stores.

Balboa Island Parade is one of California’s most charming seaside events.  Balboa Island draws more than 5,000 residents, merchants and community neighbors during its annual parade down Marine Avenue. Shop in the quaint shops and unique boutiques in the morning, then find a spot to watch the spirited procession of star-spangled floats, festooned tricycles, live marching bands, antique cars full of dignitaries, fire trucks, decked-out golf carts, be-dazzled dogs and more!

The Christmas Boat Parade celebrated each year in December began in 1908. Ceremoniously sailing around the bay, a gondolier named John Scarpa organized eight canoes and his own gondola, all lighted with Japanese lanterns. Nearly 100 years later, the tradition continues with residents lighting their sailboats and yachts and parading them up and down the waterways. Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Dick Powell, Shirley Temple, James Cagney, Mae West and John Wayne are few of the famous celebrities who once owned yachts in the Newport Harbor.

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