Balboa Beach

Being one of the pristine beaches in Newport Beach, Balboa Beach is found on the Balboa peninsula. The beach faces the Pacific Ocean, and is actually just a few blocks from the well-known Balboa Fun Zone and the yacht harbour.

Balboa Fun Zone: One of California's oldest and greatest coastal amusement parks, the Balboa Fun Zone is a great place for your entire family. With plenty for the entire family to do, the Fun Zone can make the time just fly by. Perfectly situated on the Balboa Peninsula along Newport Beach, the Balboa Fun Zone has always managed to rival with top amusement park giants such as Sea World, Disneyworld, and even Belmont Park.

Swimming Lessons: From basking on the sandy yet pristine beaches to exploring the Fun Zone areas, you'll quickly find that there's always something to do here. In the summer, the beach is very popular for swimming lessons.

Balboa Pier:

You can go out on the Balboa Pier as well, which was built in 1912 as a way to go from Balboa to Catalina Island. The 920-foot pier was voted to be the best throughout Orange County. The pier is also one of the few to survive the well-known yet destructive coastal storms California endured during the 1980's.

The 920-foot pier is simply incredible to look at. Walking down it is great any time of year, especially at night when taking a moonlit stroll. For honeymooners or married couples, the pier beckons out for romance.

The Balboa Pier is open from 5 AM until midnight. There are restrooms located near the entrance, with lights and fish cleaning stations located on the pier. At the end of the pier, there is even a small restaurant.

Walking along the pier you can see many different lights illuminating the sky. The Balboa Pavilion can be seen as well, adding to the already magical time that the lights help to add to the pier.

Balboa Pavilion: In many ways, the Balboa Pavilion is a sister attraction to the pier. They were both built in 1906 and designed to attract people to the Newport area. Even in those times, the pier and the pavilion helped to bring travellers to the area.

Cataline Flyer: Those of you looking for adventure and travel would enjoy the Catalina Flyer, which is actually one hour to Catalina Island.

The beach is also well known for its no entrance fee. Although there is a parking fee, the free admission more than makes up for it.

Others: Along Balboa Beach you'll find a bike path and even places for bonfires. Surfing is also welcomed here, although it's banned from 11 AM to 6 PM in the summer months. Bodyboarding is also great here, along with swimming. During the summer, there is a lifeguard on duty during the hours of daylight.

With plenty of sand and warm sun here, Balboa Beach is one of the superb beaches in the Newport Beach area. If you visit Newport Beach in the summer, make sure you drop by Balboa Beach and see just how good life can be.