Balboa Island & Balboa Peninsula

Newport Beach is made up of a number of quaint villages offering landlubbers or water lovers a unique and unforgettable Southern California experience.
Balboa Island:
A charming island with narrow streets and more than 1,500 beach cottages; Balboa Island entices both visitors and locals throughout the year. With more than 70 boutiques, a gallery, gift shops, cafes and restaurants, this small island has much to offer. The historical Balboa Ferry departs from the Balboa Peninsula seven days a week, throughout the day and evenings, and arrives at Palm Street, providing a memorable ride across the bay. The ferry carries up to three automobiles and 30 passengers, charging a nominal fee for the ride.
Balboa Peninsula:
A short drive or a seven-minute ferry ride from Balboa Island The Balboa Peninsula is home of the historic Balboa Fun Zone which has served as entertainment for people of all ages since 1936. The Fun Zone features a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bumper cars, as well as bicycle, boat and skate rentals. The Balboa Pavilion, dating back to 1905, is Newport Beach's most famous landmark. Completely restored, the Pavilion houses the Tale of the Whale Restaurant, specialty shops and chartering outlets. Harbor boat tours, sport fishing expeditions or whale watching trips can be arranged and the Catalina Flyer catamaran departs daily from the Pavilion for a 26 mile cruise to Santa Catalina Island. For fresh seafood, visitors can wander through the Dory Fishing Fleet open-air market, a landmark since 1891, to select their favorite catch. Newport Pier and McFadden Square are known for fresh clam chowder and delicious fish tacos.