Balboa Island is located in Newport Beach, California, USA.It lies between the Pacific Coast and the Newport Harbor, situated in Orange County, and is famous for its waterfront homes, boardwalk, shops, and scenic harbor views.
Balboa Island Location Map,Newport Beach, California

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Top Attractions Inside Balboa Island
- Marine Avenue – Main street lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques perfect for strolling and shopping.
- Balboa Island Ferry – Short ferry ride connecting the island to the Balboa Peninsula, offering scenic harbor views.
- Balboa Island Boardwalk – Waterfront promenade ideal for walking, people-watching, and enjoying the harbor.
- Little Balboa Fun Zone – Family-friendly area with arcades and small attractions for children.
- Beaches – Small sandy spots along the island for sunbathing and relaxing near the water.
- Waterfront Parks – Green spaces with benches, picnic areas, and views of boats and yachts.
- Frozen Banana Stands – Iconic local treat stands offering classic frozen banana desserts and snacks.
Balboa Island Facts
| Official Name | Balboa Island |
| Location | Newport Beach, Orange County, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 33.6081° N, 117.8866° W |
| Total Area | 0.52 square miles (1.35 km²) |
| Established | 1906 (developed as a residential and recreational island) |
| Managed By | City of Newport Beach |
| Region / Concept | Residential and recreational island, waterfront community, tourism |
| Main Features | Balboa Island Ferry, boardwalk, waterfront homes, small shops, restaurants, beaches, harbor access |
| Visitor Activities | Walking along the boardwalk, dining, shopping, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, seasonal events, photography |
| Accessibility | Accessible by Balboa Island Ferry or bridges; pedestrian-friendly; parking available at key locations |
| Nearby Towns | Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, California |
| Entry / Fees | Public access free; ferry fee $1 per pedestrian/vehicle |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall for mild weather; weekends for local events and festivals |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1–2 million (estimate, including seasonal tourism) |
| Nearby Airport | John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 10 miles (16 km); Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 18 miles (29 km) |
| Transportation | Balboa Island Ferry, private vehicles, bicycles, walking, rideshare services |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks/beaches/balboa-island |
| Famous For | Balboa Island Ferry, waterfront homes, boardwalk, small shops, and recreational activities |
| UNESCO / National Status | Local municipal park and community island; no UNESCO designation |
Distances from Balboa Island to Nearby Landmarks
- Balboa Peninsula – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Balboa Pier – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Newport Beach Ferry – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Balboa Fun Zone – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Newport Harbor – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Corona del Mar State Beach – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Fashion Island Mall – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Little Corona del Mar Beach – 8 km (5 mi)
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve – 5 km (3 mi)
- Crystal Cove State Park – 15 km (9 mi)
- Newport Back Bay – 5 km (3 mi)
- Mariners Mile – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- Newport Beach Civic Center – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Old Port District – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Bay Island Park – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Balboa Island Ferry Landing – 0 km (0 mi)
- Newport Aquatic Center – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Pacific Ocean Promenade – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Balboa Island Village – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
- Corona del Mar State Park – 7 km (4.3 mi)
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