Balboa Ferry
The Balboa Ferry is a throwback to the good ole days of the Southern California coastal lifestyle. The ferry is a 5 minute ride
(much shorter than the 5 miles to drive around) across the Newport Bay that offers great views and one of the most unique
experiences available in Orange County. Built in 1919, the Balboa Ferry has operated continuously since then and operates
every day of the week. On its short trip from the peninsula to Balboa Island, the Balboa Ferry reaches land every 5 minutes,
docks approximately 22,500 times each year, and travels an astounding 3,000 plus miles annually! The Balboa Ferry has been
owned and operated by the same family for all of its nearly 100 years.
Take the ferry over to Balboa Island and enjoy the charming cape-cod style homes while you stroll around the island or visit
Marine Avenue for great shopping and restaurants or a Balboa Bar. The walk around the island is a charming 2 mile stroll with
amazing views, including the Grand Canal and the historic Balboa Inn. All of these attractions, and the low cost of the Balboa
Ferry combine for an excellent place to tour on bike or foot.
The Balboa Ferry is located at Palm Avenue on the peninsula, right next to the Fun Zone. The hours of operation are
6:30am-2:00am on Friday and Saturday, and 6:30am-Midnight Sunday to Thursday. During the summer, it runs 6am-2am every
day. The Balboa Ferry tickets cost just $2.00/car & driver, $1.50/motorcycle and rider, $1.25/bicycle and adult rider, and
$0.75/bicycle and child. Pedestrians are just $1.00/adult, $0.50/child 5-11 years old, and children under 5 are free! While this is
slightly more than the nickel that was originally charged back in 1919, the Balboa Ferry is still one of the most memorable and
inexpensive attractions to be found in Newport Beach. Contact Balboa Island Ferry for more information at 949-673-1070.
If you’re interested in more information about the Balboa Ferry or Newport Beach in general, please give me a call at 714-319-9751.
For more things to do in Newport Beach, please see 365 Things to do in Newport Beach or like us on FaceBook at 365 Things to do in Newport Beach on FaceBook.
Originally published at Balboa Ferry.