I walk in Balboa Island in Newport Beach at sunset. Here is what it looked like…
This is one of those rare spots where small-town charm and coastal beauty collide. It was actually created in the early 1900s—an entirely man-made island dredged up from the bay and turned into a cozy community. Today, it’s connected to the mainland by a little bridge, a ferry, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Walking down Marine Avenue, the island’s main street, feels like stepping back in time with its old-fashioned candy shops, boutiques, and tiny cafés. One of the quirkiest traditions there is the Balboa Bar and frozen banana rivalry—you have to try both to decide which side you’re on.
The island is also famous for its picturesque boardwalk that circles the perimeter—about 1.6 miles—perfect for a stroll with views of bobbing sailboats, colorful cottages, and sunsets that look painted onto the horizon.
In December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade turns the harbor into a floating festival of lights, drawing crowds from all over. Despite its popularity, Balboa Island still feels like a tucked-away gem: part beach town, part storybook village, and all charm.
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