Balboa Village has great beaches, restaurants, water sports, shopping, art galleries, sport fishing, whale watching, the Fun Zone and more. Check out the Balboa Bakery & Donuts, catch the Catalina Flyer to Catalina Island or head to Davey’s Locker for some fishing. Savor fresh seafood and prime steaks at Harborside or Newport Landing. Snag a slice from Pizza Pete’s, grab sushi at San Shi Go or kick back with a craft beer at the Balboa Saloon. At the Fun Zone, one can enjoy a narrated harbor cruise, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, try the Ocean Motion attraction, play old-school Skee-Ball at the Balboa Arcade or discover more activities at the Discovery Cube’s Ocean Quest. Balboa Bars' frozen bananas are a must. There are all sorts of watercraft available at Boat Rentals of America- Balboa Boat Rentals and Balboa Water Sports. Stroll along the Bayfront Boardwalk, Balboa Pier and Ocean Boardwalk, make it a beach day or rent bikes for the whole family at Seaside Bike Rentals.
Huntington Beach: Walk around the pier and check out Pacific City or Main Street for great shopping and restaurants. At Pacific City, you can even stop by the awesome outdoor bar, The Bungalow, one of Tammy and Joey’s favorite spots. Newport Beach: Just down the Pacific Coast Highway from Huntington Beach, this area is known for its restaurants and shopping with some of the nicest beaches in the area. Laguna Beach: A quieter and more secluded beach that is especially gorgeous. Be sure to check out Thousand Steps Beach for ultimate relaxation or Treasure Island Beach if you like exploring tide pools.
Daily (Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm) Price: up to $16/ticket Explore this nationally recognized research center with over 60 exhibits including a replica of Nixon’s Oval Office, an extensive collection of memorabilia, artifacts, formal clothing, and photographs. https://www.nixonlibrary.gov/
Fashion Island is a great place to explore the most popular styles! Shop at a wide range of stores, catered to the whole family, while enjoying a great outdoor atmosphere. Fashion island also offers exquisite dining. Stop by the large koi pond right at the center by the food court.
Enjoy a beautiful scenery of a typical southern California vineyard while also indulging in a glass of your favorite wine. In just under a 30 minute drive, Laguna Canyon winery is one of the closest vineyards to Balboa Village.
Enjoy some local craft beers and wonderful food just less than a mile away from the Balboa Inn!
The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve also just known as “The Back Bay.". Boasting 1,000 acres of preserved and pristine wetlands that attract naturalists, scientists and nature lovers, it is home to over 200 endangered species and 35,000 migratory birds. Bike or hike along the 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop to visit the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center for exhibits and interactive displays about the unique ecosystem. Rent a kayak or standup paddleboard (SUP) at Newport Aquatic Center or Pirate Coast Paddle to get up close to the Back Bay’s aquatic life. SUP yoga, moonlight paddles and glow-in-the-dark paddleboard tours are unique experiences to add to your trip!
Also known as the Cannery Village, Lido Marina Village is home to old warehouses, canning factories and working docks that have been converted into charming restaurants such as Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Bluewater Grill and Sabatinos which all offer stunning harbor views and the freshest seafood. The Lido Theater was recently restored to its early 1930s glory, paying homage to the past with vintage posters and décor, while featuring modern flicks and amenities. Farmers Market at Lido Marina Village is open each Wednesday from noon to 5pm and is great place to meet locals and sample delicious organic fare.
Roger’s Gardens is a destination home and garden store for customers seeking creative ideas and unique products for outdoor and indoor living. The grounds are filled with foliage and flowering plants, fountains and authentic Italian pottery, fine home furnishings and collectables. A landmark of Corona del Mar for more than 30 years, this family-owned business features a passionate staff to provide excellent advice and service, as well as hundreds of decorative plant arrangements designed in-house, each absolutely unique.
Lyon Air Museum exhibit is comprised of authentic, aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia, with emphasis on the event of the 20th century – World War II. Through captivating and thought provoking exhibits based in historical scholarship, visitors gain a better understanding of the important role the United States plays in shaping world history.
A Premier and Treasured Art Gallery located on charming and historic Balboa Island. They are celebrating 21 Years of Excellence in Plein Air and Studio works from the top Artists in the country. Their featured gallery Artists include; Debra Huse, Michael Obermeyer, Lisa Skelly, Kim Lordier, Karl Dempwolf, Daniel Marshall, Mark Fehlman, Calvin Liang, John Budicin, Amanda Fish, Randy Sexton, Jim McVicker, Colin Page, Camille Przewodek, Yun Wei and Kenn Backhaus. They offer workshops throughout the year and an Art Concierge Service where we bring Art to your home.
Sherman Library & Gardens is a 2.2. acre horticultural oasis. The gardens are set among patios and a conservatory linked together by wide brick wall ways, beds blooming with seasonal flowers and decorative tiled fountains.