Newport Beach - Balboa Island

Newport Beach - Balboa Island: The island that time forgot

Balboa Island is a charming harborside community in Newport Beach, California, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally a mudflat surrounded by swampland, the island was created through an ambitious dredging project spearheaded by land speculator W.S. Collins.

In 1899, Collins purchased 1,000 acres around Newport Bay, envisioning its potential as a resort and recreation destination. He partnered with railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington to extend the Pacific Electric Railway's "Red Cars" to Newport Beach in 1905, providing easy access for visitors from Los Angeles.

Collins began dredging a channel on the north side of the bay in 1906, depositing the sand and silt onto the tidelands that would become Balboa Island. By 1908, the island had taken shape, and Collins started selling lots, many of which were purchased by residents of Pasadena, thanks to the Red Car connection.

The island's development was further boosted by the construction of the Balboa Pavilion in 1905, a Victorian bathhouse and terminal for the Red Cars that later became a popular dance hall and entertainment venue. The Balboa Pier, built in 1906, also attracted visitors and potential lot buyers.

In 1917, Joseph Allan Beek launched the Balboa Island Ferry service, initially operating a small rowboat to transport people across the harbor for a nickel. Beek's family continues to run the iconic ferry service to this day, shuttling cars and passengers between the island and Balboa Peninsula.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Balboa Island gained popularity as a getaway for Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne, who were drawn to its charming seaside atmosphere and the lively entertainment scene. The island's iconic Frozen Banana stand also opened during this period, and can still be found on the east side of Marine Avenue!

Today, Balboa Island remains a popular destination, with its picturesque boardwalk, quaint shops and restaurants, and amazing views of the harbor.

Our walk takes you through the middle of town, onto the boardwalk that circles the edge of the entire island, past a multitude of beautiful boats docked in front of even more beautiful houses, and back again. It reminded us of our honeymoon in Cape Cod. Except warmer. And the accents are easier to understand!