Balboa Island is a wonderful place for both tourists and locals alike. Located in Newport Beach, and adjacent to The Village of Corona Del Mar off of Jamboree, it is connected by bridge to the mainland and offers ferry rides to the Balboa Peninsula on the other side. There is a charming main street - Marine Avenue, with some pretty great foodie restaurants like Mr. G's Bistro and the Royal Hen, some seriously legitimate Mexican food at Picante Martine's and the quintessential breakfast spot - Wilma's Patio.
Don't forget to stop at Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop for a famous Balboa ice cream bar or frozen banana (and they have amazing donuts and cookies too! Try the hippo sugar cookies!). There is a footpath that circles around the island along the beaches and harbors making for such a beautiful run, stroller walk, or bike ride. We love to take our kids to the Ruby Street beach when the weather is nice. It's a generous strip of sandy beach with shallow ocean and no waves since it is on the bay. It is never too busy, but just busy enough for your kids to find playmates and is a coveted secret that locals enjoy. I highly recommend spending a lovely day on the island or just heading there for a nice walk or yummy meal!
