Balboa Pier
Balboa Pier
4.5
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4.5
348 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
114
Average
37
Poor
4
Terrible
4
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 15 April 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.
Aubry C
Atlanta, Georgia, United States93 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We were staying further up the beach and went down to this boardwalk a couple different times- both times for sunset! We walked the pier, ate food, had drinks and one night even rented bikes for an hour and rode south for a bit and back. Rentals are easy and right there in the main square. Parking is horrendous though- get there an hour or so before sunset or who you will cruising around looking for a spot at sunset!
Written 30 July 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.
Dorothy S
Los Angeles, CA140 contributions
Apr 2022
Hopped the Island Ferry to Catalina, but always enjoy the Pier before/after! Fun, old fashioned wooden boardwalk/pier that feels like endless summer :)
Written 14 April 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.
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 25 March 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.
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 15 February 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.
PJB
Lake Elsinore, CA34 contributions
Sept 2020
A typical pier but heavily used during the summer months. On most days fishermen can be seen at its end. Available parking, though limited, depending on season is close for fees. Many small eateries close by.
Written 22 October 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.
Mary B
Little Rock, AR3 contributions
Feb 2020
We stayed at a bnb steps away from the beach and pier. It was Feb but the weather was perfect and clear. Restaurants and the marina were in walking distance. Perfect long weekend.
Written 16 March 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.
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 2 March 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.
Simone
Johnson City, TN1,613 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 8 February 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.
GixxerWoody
Xenia, OH204 contributions
Oct 2019
Just a normal pier but to me it is special since they caught a shark ray so it was a cool experience plus the laid back feel of Newport is my kind of spot.
Written 17 January 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.
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 (with Photos)
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) Main Street Surf Shop
- (0.03 mi) Seaside Bicycle Company
- (0.09 mi) Catalina Flyer
- (0.10 mi) Davey's Locker
- (0.07 mi) Segway Orange County