Balboa Island Ferry and Fun Zone

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Balboa Island Ferry and Fun Zone

Photo: CharleBernardo · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

🚂 Train · Newport Beach

2.5 hours · $ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 5.0
1–3 yrs
★ 5.0
3–5 yrs
★ 5.0
5–10 yrs
★ 4.0
  • 🚗
    About 60 min drive
    From Arcadia · Parking: City lots on the Balboa Peninsula (about $2/hour) or free street parking on Balboa Island (hard to find on weekends)
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Great on sunny days · Handles heat · Good on cool days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2.5 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter

A little ferry running since 1919, three cars and a few dozen people per trip, crossing Newport Harbor in three minutes; the peninsula side has the old Ferris wheel and carousel of the Balboa Fun Zone, the island side has chocolate-dipped frozen bananas and a harbor-front walk around the island.

💡 Tips
The ferry is about $1.50 per person (less for kids), cash or card, and even the line is fun. Strollers roll straight on board. Get ice cream on Marine Ave on the island, and ride back at dusk for the sunset.

What this place offers

✓ferry
✓Ferris wheel
✓frozen bananas
✓harbor
✓stroll
✓boat watching
✓restrooms

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This weekend's weather in Newport Beach

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 79–93°F · 0% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 77–87°F · 0% rain

Location

Newport Beach, California

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