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 Museum and Historical Society has a goal of preserving Island history and restoring the Old Balboa Fire Station to its original glory. Efforts are underway to acquire the historic building which you can see on Marine Avenue, not far from the base of the bridge which leads to mainland Newport Beach and Pacific Coast Highway. Information: (949) 675-9019.
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 , 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 Balboa Fire Station (1927) was for years, the only governmental building in Balboa. While primarily a fire station it did double duty on Saturday nights as an impromptu holding cell for the numerous citizens arrested for over-consumption of alcohol during the rowdy days of Prohibition. It was restored in 1993 as Balboa Island's active firestationIn 1993, the firestation was restored and to celebrate the restoration, the annual Balboa Island Parade was born, and is now celebrated on the first Sunday of June each year.
For information on travelling to Balboa , including a map of California, please consult our Maps & Travel section. These pages include a detailed map of Balboa Island, allowing you to see the exact location of events and festival activities on Balboa Island.