Island Tour

You could relax on the front patio with some friends for drinks or cook on the gas BBQ. Today, however, we are headed out to see some of the near by attractions. Let’s leave our quiet neighborhood complete with friendly neighbors. Just turn left toward the bay you see at the end of the street. See the boats are sailing by calling to you.

You have arrived at the Boardwalk that encircles Balboa Island. If you look carefully on the right of the picture, you will see the bottom of two of the four Palm Trees. Remember them, as upon your return they tell you you have walked all around the Island and should now turn down Garnet Avenue to your house.

This is the sand at the end of our street. You should definitely set up your beach chair and log some sun time here. But for now you can carry on down the boardwalk.

Oh look! You have walked down the boardwalk a few blocks and found the entrance to the ferry. (Also a great take-out restaurant and a small grocery store)

Balboa Island has three ferries like the one pictured. You could continue to walk Balboa Island and pass through Main street for morning coffee or you can ride this ferry to the Pacific Ocean. The ferry takes pedestrians and three cars. Let’s go for a ride!

The view from our 10 minute Ferry ride is beautiful. Look for the fun zone and the Pavillion to see where we dock.

The historic building you are looking at from the Balboa Ferry (just below) is called “The Pavilion.” Back in the day, when the railroad brought vacationers from Los Angeles to Newport this building was the end of the railroad track. Today you can enjoy a nice meal with an ocean view, book deep sea fishing tours and whale watching tours or just stop by to see the museum.

Now that we are on land again, Newport Peninsula to be exact, lets pass by the Fun Zone, shops and restaurants and major party zone. Let’s head straight for the Pacific Ocean to check out the waves. Do not get distracted by the many restaurants, bike and skater rentals and yet another boardwalk that goes for miles along the Ocean.

As you scan the Pacific Ocean you will see a large and most wonderful beach. However, let’s not stop here. I can see the Pier. If we walk out on the Pier we could eat at Ruby’s Diner located at the end of the Pier. Enjoy the view and the many fisherman along the way. Because it is a beautiful day Ruby’s is serving drinks on the roof. We must stop to enjoy this treat.

What a great meal and view and sea air. It is now time to head back to our Island.

Now that you have seen some of the Newport Peninsula as well as the Pacific Ocean it is time to take the Ferry back to Balboa Island.

Take a look we can see our four palm trees that tell us we have arrived at Garnet Avenue and will soon be home.