Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula are justly known as having some of the best beaches in California, but the area offers so much more than the chance to get a tan on the sand or ride a wave. A visit to the area offers the opportunity to enjoy other activities out on the water or see what the shopping centers of Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza have to offer.
Rentals on the Boardwalk
People watching is great but jumping in and participating is more fun. Rent the famous beach cruiser bicycles or multi-passengers surreys for a fun trip on the boardwalk. Body boards and beach chairs are also available for rent.
Easy Ride Bicycle
(949) 566-9850
101 Palm Street • Newport Beach, CA 92661
Balboa Bikes 'N Beach Stuff
(949)-723-1516
601 Balboa Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92661
The Balboa Fun Zone
No trip to Newport Beach and Balboa would be complete without a trip to the fun zone. The fun zone is a small beach amusement area and sits on the Newport Harbor across the bay from Balboa Island. Since 1936, the Ferris wheel has been a landmark. The fun zone also has fun local shops and beach food treats.
600 East Bay Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Balboa Island Ferry
The Balboa ferry is one of most fun and unique things about Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula. The ferry has been in continuous service since 1919 taking autos, bikes and people on foot across the quarter-mile of the Newport Harbor from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula. The service is $2.00 for a car including a passenger, with cheaper rates for bikes and pedestrians.
410 South Bay Front, Balboa Island, CA, 92662 (949) 673-1070
Sport Fishing and Whale Watching
The beautiful Pacific Ocean has so much to offer beyond the waves and sand. Sports’ fishing is available for people of all skill levels for both half and full-day trips in search of red snapper, halibut, and sand bass.
For those who would prefer to spot, rather than catch, breathtaking sea creatures, a whale watching tour just outside the Newport shoreline can provide views of whales, dolphins and sea lions. Tours are offered year round.
Davey's Locker Sport Fishing, Inc.
400 Main Street, Balboa, CA, 92661
(949) 673-1434
Shopping
Orange County is a shopping Mecca with two of largest grossing shopping centers in the country. With a unique blend of restaurants, entertainment and shopping, travelers may want to bring extra luggage for the trip back home after spending hours picking up must-have items at stores like, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Miki Moto and MAC.
Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA, 92660
(949) 721-2000
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Gondola Ride on the Newport Harbor
Enjoy a romantic day or evening on an authentic Venetian gondola cruise. The cruise offers an intimate tour of the harbor and many options include a wine and cheese basket or a dinner package. Those who are feeling particularly romantic can make arrangements to “pop the question.”
3400 Via Oporto, # 103 Newport Beach, CA, 92663 (949) 675-1212
Gondola Adventures, Inc.
3101 West Coast Highway, # 110 Newport Beach, CA, 92663 (949) 646- 2067
Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula are the perfect place to enjoy the beach, rent a beach house, and enjoy eating beach treats, but also the perfect place to enjoy a number of activities beyond the beach.
Kathleen Curry - As a self-professed travel guru Kathleen Curry has spent many of her days and future retirement savings on travel. She has worked in the ...
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