Riding the Balboa Island Ferry Transforms Your Car into a Vessel: The Surreal Journey Explored
Experience a unique maritime journey by boarding the Balboa Island ferry in Newport Beach, California. Upon arrival at the dock, a gate swings open, and a crew member signals you to drive onto the boat's flat deck.
Along with a handful of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, you embark on this short yet remarkable voyage. The gate closes, and the ship sets sail, offering a surreal feeling akin to being at the helm of a vessel while seated in the comfort of your car.
Established over 60 years ago, the Balboa ferry serves as a smaller car and pedestrian ferry, shaving about 15 minutes off the driving time between Lido Key and Balboa Island, nestled in the heart of Newport Harbor. A crossings' duration barely tops five minutes, making it an effortless commute between the peninsula and the island.
Riding on this vintage watercraft is an affordable adventure, with fares costing approximately $10 for a car full of passengers, and significantly less for pedestrians and cyclists.
Upon reaching Balboa Island, you'll notice an array of New England-style bungalows, remnants of a former artist colony that now boast million-dollar price tags. The island's main street is bustling with restaurants, tourist shops, and saltwater taffy stores.
Navigating around the island via golf carts is popular among locals, yet parking for your vehicle can be found on side streets. Turnover is relatively frequent, ensuring you'll find a spot with some patience.
Don't miss the iconic banana stands, a generational establishment that inspired the show Arrested Development. Here, you'll find delectable chocolate-covered bananas dipped in assorted toppings and the famous Balboa Bar, a one-of-a-kind ice cream treat exclusive to the island.
The Balboa Island ferry has played a significant role in the charm of this nautical destination for nearly a century, from its hand-painted black-and-white signs to the boats themselves. Although a bridge links Balboa Island to the more central sections of Newport Beach, the ferry excursion presents an enchanting prelude to your island visit, offering an enjoyable and reasonably priced experience in an otherwise expensive area.
As you disembark and explore Balboa Island, visit the Bear Flag Fish Market on Lido Key or rent a Duffy boat for a leisurely cruise around the harbor before returning on the ferry.
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Sources:
- "Balboa Island Ferry." Newport Beach Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://nblandmarks.org/project/balboa-island-ferry/
- "Balboa Island Ferry." Balboa Peninsula Historical Society. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://balboa-peninsula.org/balboa-island-ferry/
- "Little Boat, Big History: Balboa Island Ferry." Voices of OC. (2019, January 14). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://voiceofoc.org/2019/01/little-boat-big-history-balboa-island-ferry/
- "Balboa Island Ferry." Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balboa_Island_Ferry
The Balboa Island ferry offers an affordable and delightful alternative to driving, with fares starting at $10 for a car and significantly less for pedestrians and cyclists, making it possible to explore the picturesque island lifestyle of Newport Beach, California. A short ride on this vintage watercraft, dating back over 60 years, provides a glimpse into a unique travel experience that is part of a rich home-and-garden history, as the island is home to charming New England-style bungalows and quaint shops.
