improving the island since 1918
This is the Balboa Island Improvement Association's guide to Balboa Island. This guide offers listings of accommodations, activities, activities, maps, and travel information. Hopefully, this guide shall assist our visitors in enjoying the best of what Balboa Island has to offer. Stop by and stay a while, and see why many refer to this beautiful island as "The Host of the Coast".
Balboa Island boasts some of the finest beaches in California. Balboa's beach scheme is a California standard for beaches and marinas and is assessed on an annual basis. The criteria for qualification include water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services.
Location: Maps, Island Map
Framed by Pacific Coast Highway inland and Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island is accessed by Jamboree Road or a ferry from the peninsula.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parking: $7 maximum in the lot west of Balboa Avenue on the peninsula; limited parking on the streets of Balboa Island.
Phone: (949) 644-3309
History of Balboa Island - Come see what made this historic island great.
In 1918 the Balboa Island Improvement Association was started (and is still going strong). The BIIA was a strong motivating force in working with the City on bulkhead repair, ferry service, a sewer system, water, gas, electricity, paved streets and sidewalks, and street lighting.
The small beaches on Balboa Island are public, but parking is so tough that your best bet is to bike or skate in. The Fun Zone and Balboa Island are a classic OC beach experience (if you don't mind the heavy summer tourist traffic). The arcades, shops and dining make for great fun for families and others of all ages. Bike and skate rentals are widely available, but neither are permitted on the Island's boardwalk or the Fun Zone.
Food/Dining: Concession stands, restaurants, cafes, etc. are plentiful.
Surrrounding area facilities: Lifeguards, marina, fishing, bike paths, bus stop, food stands, playground, rentals.
Restrooms: Clean and neat public restrooms are found near the ferry landing on each side of the harbor. On the Island, there are public restrooms at the firestation on Marine Ave. On the peninsula., some are located in the Fun Zone, near the merry-go-round, and at Palm Street and Bay Avenue.
Dogs: Allowed in parking lots and on pavement only; not allowed on the sand. A walk around the waterside sidewalk on Balboa Island with your dog is a recommended and fun experience.
Begin your tour of Balboa 's beach on the Balboa Island Ferry, at the western tip of Balboa Island. This beautiful beach is a stones throw accross the penninsula, Balboa Island Ferry is a perfect way to access its pacific waters and feeds directly to beach parking.