Balboa Pier
Balboa Pier
4.5
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432 within 3 miles
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145 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
348 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
114
Average
37
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Simone
Johnson City, TN1,615 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Love walking this pier! It’s so relaxing and enjoyable, watching people fishing & eating at Ruby’s & staying for a sunset. We sat in Ruby’s and watched dolphins swimming around. So extraordinary. Great place for pictures.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanan C
California643 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
It’s nice to walk on the pier during Covid because it is less crowded. It is a short pier and at the end, there is a Ruby’s Diner. There are a lot of fishermen on the pier catching mackerel. There are also a lot of wooden benches along the pier to sit and take the view. The view of the beach from pier is really nice. The pier has restrooms.
Written February 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrGaucho1987
Santa Barbara, CA1,002 contributions
Feb 2022
Here are some Pro Tips. Include the pier as part of your overall Balboa experience. Walk out to enjoy a nice view of the coast and maybe grab an expensive lunch. Then move on to the rest of the island (e.g. ride the ferry). Unlike other [opular Southern California piers like Santa Monoca and Santa Barbara, there is not much to do out here. Bring a layer of clothing as beach weather can be unpredictable.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sainbasha
Irvine, CA2,794 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This is a nice and quite pier on Newport Beach. There is ample parking available as well as small and cute hotels for staying. Ample green space also to walk around. The pier is next to a quite town which has nice little shops. On the pier itself you will some fisherman trying to catch some fish. If you are lucky you may see some dolphins swimming in the sea also. Good to spend a couple of hours with the family.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion Coddington
Newport Beach, CA40 contributions
Feb 2020
I have walked this pier for many years. In my youth, I swam around the pier.
It’s fun to walk all the way to the end, because there is so much to see, and a fantastic restaurant at the end. I love to watch the fishermen, the fisherwomen and the surfers.
It’s fun to walk all the way to the end, because there is so much to see, and a fantastic restaurant at the end. I love to watch the fishermen, the fisherwomen and the surfers.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobbydee2015
Shelby Township, MI62 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
We stopped to walk the pier and enjoy the beach. Fun time was had by all. Parking was close and inexpensive. Double bonus! 🙂
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Daytona Beach, FL27 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
I live 2 blocks from the pier and have the pleasure of enjoying the area daily. Peninsula Park right as you get to the pier is a great place to picnic. Beautiful setting, Ruby's at the end of the pier and lot's of restaurants within walking distance. Balboa fun zone a two minute walk. Plenty of parking and you can even take the ferry for a couple bucks and go over to walk around Balboa Island. Bikes and Surry's for rent to cruise the boardwalk. Not the heavy bar scene like the Newport Pier, a little more "family"
Written June 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted M
Fort Lauderdale, FL95 contributions
Sep 2019
Views of the Wedge and the coastline are great, and a stop in Rubys for a burger and a shake is always fun. The pier is getting kinda dirty and the restrooms at the base are horrible.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA1,300 contributions
Jun 2019
Balboa Pier is a classic and awesome California pier that will give every visitor a delight, with forever views of the California coastline.
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli N
Montgomery, AL97 contributions
Jun 2019 • Business
We walked the bike/walk/run boardwalk for almost 2miles! Then ended up on the Balboa Pier- what a great free outing! We looked at houses, watched lifeguard training, walked down to the diner, it was great!!!
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris c
London, UK1 contribution
I hear Balboa beach has one of the warmest sea tempretures in Californing, could anyone advise me if it be a good time of year to visit in May or June? weather wise/ would the sea be bearable to swim in, also atmosphere vibe ( Ive been some beaches at wrong time so have felt like ghost towns).
Steve B
Provo, UT230 contributions
Depends on what you consider warm. Really the best spot is Ocean Beach (San Diego) in July/August. Balboa will be warmest in July/August. It will really depend on how warm it is outside. Won't really make the ocean warmer, but is much more refreshing if it is hotter outside.
MotherOfTwins11
Woodland, CA2 contributions
Are there barbecue pits and picnic tables to have a family outing?
Melissa K
Fernley, Nevada23 contributions
I didn't see any but that doesn't mean they weren't there.
Millie C
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Are there bike rentals, particular;y Surrey bike rentals? Where and what are the hourly rates?
What are things to do at the Balboa Pier?
James Weaver
Irvine, CA2,171 contributions
Yes there are! Just before you go up onto the pier. In the small retail area, you will find rentals of all human powered means. As for rates, I have never rented, so I could not say.
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Claim your listingBalboa Pier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Balboa Pier
- Hotels near Balboa Pier:
- (0.03 mi) Stay at the Center of the Balboa Pier Promenade & Walk to All the Fun!
- (0.03 mi) Stay at the Balboa Pier Promenade & Be Walking Distance to Everything!
- (0.03 mi) Balboa Inn
- (0.07 mi) Sandy Toes Retreat
- (0.10 mi) On the Boardwalk with views of the Ocean & Balboa Pier--steps to the Fun Zone
- Restaurants near Balboa Pier:
- (0.00 mi) Studio Cafe
- (0.01 mi) Cabo Cantina
- (0.03 mi) Siena Ristorante
- (0.03 mi) Tacos Cancun
- (0.07 mi) Great MEX
- Attractions near Balboa Pier:
- (0.03 mi) Seaside Bicycle Company
- (0.03 mi) Main Street Surf Shop
- (0.10 mi) Davey's Locker
- (0.09 mi) Catalina Flyer
- (0.07 mi) Segway Orange County