Newport Beach and Balboa Ferry

The Balboa Ferry is a fun part of visiting the Newport Beach area that delights our kids, and we have to admit it's pretty cool too!

The Newport Ferry or Balboa Island Ferry has been around since 1919 and continuously shuttles back and forth between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach, crossing the lovely Newport Harbor. The fun thing about it is that you can drive your car, motorcycle or bike right onto the ferry and for only a couple bucks get deposited on the other side. It runs in both directions and both sides of the trip have fun things to experience.

On both Balboa Island and the Peninsula there are an abundance of cute shops, restaurants and fun things to do. Right at the peninsula end of the Balboa ferry is the Newport Beach Fun Zone or Balboa Fun Zone, a quaint little boardwalk full of games, rides and food. It is also only blocks from the beautiful beach along the peninsula. The other end of the ferry route is not far from the Balboa Island strip of cute little restaurants and shops.

If you think there is nothing special about driving your car onto a boat, go with a kid! While the excitement of the event may be lost on some of the more jaded amongst us, the look in a childs eyes when you tell them they are going to go onto a boat in a car is enough to make the whole thing worthwhile.

Newport Beach and Balboa Island are not far from Los Angeles and make an excellent day or weekend trip for a family or an amorous couple.

Balboa Island Ferry
410 South Bay Front
Newport Beach, CA 92662

Hours of Operation:
Sunday Thru Thursday 6:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday and Saturday 6:30 AM - 2:00 AM

Fares:
Pedestrians:
Adult $1.00
Children (5 to 11) $0.50
Children (under 5) Free!

Vehicles:
Car $2.00
Motorcycle $1.50
Bicycle and Adult $1.25
Bicycle and Child $0.75

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