Is Balboa Island on your radar for a quick weekend getaway or a day trip? This artificial island, situated in Newport Harbor, is a beautiful destination in Orange County any time of year. Balboa Island is the perfect home base for you and your friends or family to enjoy the many activities in and around this area. Are you looking for autumn travel inspiration? These tips may convince you to check out Balboa Island this fall.
Visiting Balboa Island
If you look at a map of the Newport Beach area, you can see why Balboa Island is both convenient and separate from the busier beaches around it. While you can easily get there from the Pacific Coast Highway, you may enjoy going back in time with a ferry ride. The ferry began operation in 1919 and is still going strong. If you prefer a private boat ride, you can take one to the marina and disembark for your visit.
Once you are on the island, you can dine by the water, shop to your heart’s content, or indulge in cool treats such as the iconic Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana, both of which you can find at Sugar N’ Spice, a sweet shop that opened in 1945. They are the perfect ending to a fun or relaxing day on the island.
Activities to do during Fall
If you need more ideas for fall activities on Balboa Island, here are a few to get you started:
• Raise the sails. Rent a sailboat on the island, or, better yet, go sailing near me and work your way through Newport harbor to Balboa or beyond. It’s a great way to see the SoCal coastline away from the crowds.
• Dabble in the arts. Every September, Balboa Island hosts its annual ArtWalk along the South Bayfront Promenade. Stroll along the walkway to see works by local artists and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
• Have a whale of a time. Whale watching is always in season between Newport Beach and San Diego. Why not make time to see the dolphins, sea lions, humpbacks, and blue whales as they play and move along the coast?
• Stick your oar in. Stand-up paddleboarding is another wonderful watersport that you can try at Balboa Island. Rent your equipment at one of the local shops and make your way around the harbor.
• Catch a wave. You know those crazy 30-foot waves you have never seen? If you go to The Wedge, you can cross them off your bucket list. This local surf spot may be more than a beginner can handle, but you can always sit and watch more experienced surfers hang ten.
• Ride off into the sunset. No trip to Balboa Island would be complete without taking time to catch the gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Kill two birds with one stone by scheduling a private dinner on a boat to enjoy a gourmet meal with a stunning view.
Are you ready to plan your fall visit to Balboa Island? Get started now to fit in everything you want to see and find the best selection of accommodations and restaurants during your stay.
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Sounds great!