Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C
Welcome to the Balboa Lodge, where we swap skis for flip flops and snow for sand!
Our lovely rental was recently given a facelift in 2024, adding new paint, furniture, and amenities (like AC), but keeping the "mountain cabin"-like charm that is one of a kind on Balboa Island. Our corner of the island is both central and yet peaceful, making it a perfect fit for groups of all types!
With vaulted ceilings and open living spaces, this is the perfect spot to unwind with family and friends after a long day exploring Newport Beach!
The Space:
Enter into the foyer, where you can immediately access the ground floor bedroom with brand new King size bed and ensuite bathroom. This room is an excellent option for guests who have trouble climbing stairs!
Follow the wood cabin staircase up to our open plan living room, furnished with couches and comfy chairs, and decorated with vintage beach memorabilia. The HDTV is equipped with cable and several streaming options for all your media needs. Enjoy the brick-inlaid fireplace for the colder months. Step out onto the deck to catch some sunshine and use the charcoal grill!
The newly remodeled kitchen is fully equipped with anything you might need for preparing meals, including new appliances, multiple coffee-making utensils, and a dining table with bench seating.
Passing the powder room/half bath down the hall, you'll find our master bedroom with a brand new king size bed and full ensuite bathroom. Just across the hall is the third bedroom with two twin beds and a TV.
Finally, heading outside past the front door and the outdoor beach shower toward the alleyway, you'll find the garage with parking for 1 car (clearance ~6'6", shared with front unit) and new washer and dryer. The garage can also be accessed through the foyer, and contains a variety of beach chairs and toys which guests are free to use - please just make sure to return them!
Activities and Attractions:
Balboa Island is not only a great vacation destination itself but also an excellent base for Southern California's many other attractions and theme parks!
Our property is located just a few doors down from the beautiful Balboa Bay, boardwalk, and the Balboa Ferry that gives access to the Funz Zone, Peninsula beaches and Pacific Ocean. The ferry is a lovely 5 minute ride directly to the Fun Zone (with arcades, rides, and snacks), the Balboa Pier, shopping and restaurants, boating and fishing excursions (including transport to nearby Catalina Island), and bike/water sport rentals.
Agate is the only street on the island with a children's climbing gym and basketball court. On the island itself, Marine Avenue boasts fine restaurants and boutique shops which are only 2 miles away from even more fine dining, shopping, and movie theaters at Newport's famous outdoor mall, Fashion Island.
For those interested in seeing more of the Orange County coastline, Laguna Beach lies 7 miles further down the Pacific Coast Highway. Originally an artist's colony, Laguna hosts the Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Festival in the summer, art galleries, and fine dining and shopping along with wonderful beaches with tide pools.
Balboa Lodge is ~35 minutes from Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and an hour or so from Universal Studios, Hollywood, San Diego Zoo and Sea World. The Santa Ana/Orange County (SNA) Airport is only 10 minutes away and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 45 minutes away.
Management: Our managers Mitch and Neil, are available 24/7 to assist guests with any questions/needs
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Take out the trash
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SLP10386
Property # 255894
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Newport Beach
Located in Balboa Island, a neighborhood in Newport Beach, this vacation home is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove State Park. Newport Harbor Nautical Museum and Balboa Fun Zone are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
Balboa Pier - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Balboa Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Laguna Niguel Station - 21 min drive
John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
Harborside Restaurant & Grand - 5 min drive
The Galley Cafe - 5 min drive
Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - 2 min walk
Dad's Original Frozen Banana - 8 min walk
Wilma's Patio Restaurant - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C?
As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C on May 29, 2026 start from $523, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C located?
Located in Balboa Island, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone, and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Pier and Balboa Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Very clean Comfortable beds & pillows Ample parking Clean washer & dryer and dishwasher and stove Wonderful safe area Friendly people We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be booking again when we are in the area
The house had a very nice kitchen and living space. My only concern was the bathrooms do need updating but seemed clean. Our host was very responsive with any questions we had. The location is great and close to the ferry and a short walk to the shops on main street.
Marc D.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 3, 2026
Thank you for staying with us! We're glad that your stay was enjoyable. We do plan to make updates but did provide the listing as advertised- hope to have you back once those updates are finished :)
Clean, historic and a great place to relax and exactly where I wanted to be. It is kept up perfectly and the owners are friendly and wonderful. I'd totally stay there again.
The location was great. We were able to park on the street due to the open spaces (we had a large SUV and the garage was a little tight). The rooms were clean, and the kitchen was open and functional. This was a great place to stay.
Our family of 6 loved our stay at the cottage. It was a perfect blend of comfort and charm. The house was in a wonderful location within walking distance of so many fun things to do. We will definitely be back.
We really enjoyed our stay at this house. Everything was so clean and organized. The living room was really bright and sunny, and everything in the kitchen was so organized and updated.
Everything was as advertised. Be aware the garage is for small cars only so we had to park on street which can be a little stressful. Everything was nice and we enjoyed our stay.
Great stay in a charming house on Balboa Island! Good value for the location and close to the ferry. Parking in the area is challenging on busy weekend and my big truck didn't fit in the garage. Loved our time on the island.
Nicholas D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dennis
May 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very rustic but charming house..well supplied and great location..wife and kids loved our 3 day stay..my only complaint was no TV in the downstairs master bedroom..
Not fancy but so homey and comfortable. We loved it. Best deal on the island!
Very well stocked and had all the modern conveniences. Thanks for having us!
Very enjoyable. Loved the charm of being in a classic Balboa Island Home. Only visited for a weekend, but will have good memories of staying here. Thank you!
Nicole D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lysa C.
Mar 14, 2015
Great Location
We stayed here while our home was being remodeled. The owner is responsive and very accommodating. The home has a vintage feel and is equipped with everything you will need for a wonderful vacation. Everything is within walking distance.
Lysa C.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
I'm glad you enjoyed our home on the Island in your transition. I hope your new house is terrific!
The property we stayed in was clean, well stocked, and we had a great time. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to stay on Balboa Island for a week or longer. It is an older place, but well kept and very comfortable. It is also close enough to everything that walking is an option to most places you would want to go on the island or peninsula. The hosts are very responsive to any questions or concerns you might have as well.
My adult children and I stayed in this very comfortable Balboa Island cottage. My mother lives nearby and there was not enough room for us so we decided to take advantage of the family favorite location. The walking loop is so fun and the decorations never disappoint. Of course we had to have our Balboa Bar too. All in all a great stay!
Mollie B.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
About the host
Hosted by Mitch
Our grandparents bought this beach house on Balboa Island in 1951 and we have great memories of playing at the beach, body surfing at the ocean, going to the fun zone, eating frozen bananas, and endless hours of barefoot play time around the island. Today, Sally Landis is an artist in Oakland CA, and Bettie Sue Walters works at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn and lives in Aptos CA. We still get to Balboa Island as often as we can, but welcome others to enjoy our beach house when they can!
Why they chose this property
This unit was built behind the historic little yellow beach house with the idea to retain the island character, yet build with modern amenities. It has been decorated with family antiques and beach memorabilia. You'll feel like part of the island's history, yet have the comforts of a modern home. Put your feet up and relax, you're on Balboa Island now!
What makes this property unique
Just 5 houses from the calm sandy beaches and 2 blocks to the ferry, this house is perfectly situated to a relaxing vacation. Park your car in the garage, then walk to the ocean, the fun zone, and the main street with it's wonderful restaurants. You may want to walk to the 'Catalina Flyer' and spend the day in Catalina. Or take the short drive to the beaches of Laguna and Corona Del Mar. Maybe a 30 minute drive to Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm.