Located in the middle of Newport Harbor is the tiny, man-made Balboa Island. Though you can drive onto the island, we prefer to ride the ferry.
In operation since 1919, the Balboa Island Ferry transports cars, bicycles, and pedestrians from the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach to the island in under 10 minutes. No matter how many times I ride this ferry, the view never gets old.
Once you arrive on the island, head to Marine Avenue to go shopping and dine.
For generously sized breakfasts, grab a table at Wilma's Patio. Later in the day, enjoy a meal or a beer at Snipe Island.
And whatever you do, don't leave without trying a Balboa Bar, which is chocolate or vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and rolled in an assortment of nuts and sprinkles.