Balboa Island

Balboa Island is one of Southern California's most beloved and distinctive communities — a small, man-made island in the heart of Newport Harbor that has retained its authentic small-town character despite being surrounded by one of the most affluent zip codes in America. The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with Marine Avenue serving as the main commercial strip: a compact, walkable collection of independent boutiques, ice cream shops, restaurants, and galleries. The residential streets are lined with charming cottages and more substantial homes, many with private docks where boats bob gently in the harbor. The Balboa Island Ferry, one of the oldest operating ferries in California, connects the island to the Balboa Peninsula in a three-minute crossing that feels like a small adventure.