Balboa Island is one of Southern California’s most well-known tourist destinations. Located on the coast
of Newport Beach, in beautiful Newport Harbor, its quaint and charming appeal is the reason many
choose to call it home.
Balboa Island is an area of Newport Beach, California actually comprising three modified or artificial
islands in Newport Harbor: Balboa Island, the largest; the smaller Little Balboa Island to the east of
Balboa Island, joined by a two-lane bridge; and the smallest Collins Island to the northwest of Balboa
Island, joined by a one-lane bridge. The Balboa Island community is joined to the mainland by a short
two-lane bridge on the northeast of Balboa Island, and a privately-operated fleet of three, three-car
ferryboats (Balboa Island Ferry) which provide access across the harbor to the Balboa Peninsula which
lies to the south.
Balboa Island is one of the most expensive real estate markets in North America outside of Lower Manhattan. A two-bedroom house with a water view from the living room can cost about $3 million.
Over the years, Balboa Island has developed into a wonderful community, home to professionals, families,
retirees, students and celebrities.
And yet, Balboa Island maintains its charm and small-town feel. In the Summertime, the Bayfront is lined with joggers, children and summertime visitors eating Balboa Bars. In the serene winters, sometimes all one can hear is the sound of halyard lines beating against their masts and an occasional seagull. The Island has undergone significant improvements, thanks in great part to the Balboa Island Improvement Association. Balboa Island continues to be a wonderful place, both for residents and visitors alike.
