Welcome to Balboa Peninsula
Balboa Peninsula is a narrow stretch of land extending in front of mainland
Newport Beach, creating the protected waters of Newport Bay. Balboa Peninsula is mostly residential, with many beautiful and highly-sought-after beach homes. The area is also known as "Balboa" or "The Peninsula" and offers residents and visitors a fantastic array of attractions, ocean views, and beachside properties.
Balboa Peninsula Real Estate Information
Homes on Balboa Peninsula are long, narrow, and close together, reflecting the high demand for real estate in the area. Home styles run the full range of California coastal styles - and more! Don't be surprised to see wood-shingle cottages standing next to sleek and modern new-builds.
Common styles on the Balboa Peninsula real estate market include Spanish-revival villas, California beach bungalows, and even Tudor.
Most homes on the peninsula fall between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet in size. Homes with more than 2,000 square feet of floor space are usually at least 2 levels high, and homes above 2,500 square feet in size are usually 3 stories high.
Balboa Peninsula's most charming cottage homes can be as small as 600 square feet in size.
These homes have an abundance of rooftop decks, patios, and courtyards to enjoy the weather and views.
Balboa Peninsula Location & Directions
Balboa Peninsula is connected to the mainland at its western end and is accessible off Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) at Balboa Boulevard, and via a short bridge at Newport Boulevard.
There are a number of smaller masses that connect off the peninsula: Newport Island,
Lido Island, Lido Peninsula, and Bay Island. Balboa Peninsula itself is almost 4 miles across, end-to-end. Almost the entire Pacific front of the peninsula has more than 500 feet of beach between the homes and the sea.
At the center of Balboa Peninsula is Balboa Village, while the eastern end of the peninsula is known as Balboa Peninsula Point.
Balboa Peninsula is connected to
Balboa Island by a number of private ferry lines. The trip between the two is very short, as Balboa Island is located only 800 feet from Balboa Peninsula.
Things To Do On Balboa Peninsula
Balboa Peninsula is home to some of Newport Beach's most iconic attractions, like Newport Beach (the actual beach part), Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Pier, and the Balboa Fun Zone.
One exciting feature and community attraction on Balboa Peninsula is the
Marina Park Playground, which includes a restaurant and community sailing center.
There are many more parks on Balboa Peninsula, including:
- Thirty-Eighth Street Park
Balboa Peninsula is also home to many restaurants, cafes, bars, and unique stores.
Balboa Peninsula History
Balboa Peninsula was named after the Spanish explorer, Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
In 1888, the McFadden family built McFadden's Wharf on the peninsula to improve their shipping business. After shifts in the local shipping economy, James McFadden sold part of the peninsula in 1902. The area was purchased by William Collins, with the intention to develop it as a recreational area.
There are still a number of historic buildings from the early 1900s on the peninsula, including the Balboa Pavilion, Balboa Theater, and Balboa Inn.
