Entire home

Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio

Photo gallery for Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio

A house with a porch, a blue door, and a white picket fence.
A house with a porch, blue chairs, and a white picket fence.
A bedroom with a bed, a television on a small table, a window with curtains, and a lamp on a bedside table.
A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a television, and a window with blue curtains.
A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with a view of buildings, and a lamp on the left side.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Balboa Pier

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Street parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Internet access
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Newport Beach, CA
  • Place, Balboa Fun Zone
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Peninsula Beaches
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Starfish Cottage-Large, private front patio. Come relax and enjoy! 1Blk to Beach
Starfish Cottage-Charm/Comfort, Remodeled, Clean, 1 Blk To Beach,2 Blks To Bay
West Newport
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (166 reviews)
Starfish Cottage-Charm/Comfort, Remodeled, Clean, 1 Blk To Beach,2 Blks To Bay

About the area

Newport Beach

Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this cottage is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Orange County Fair and Events Center and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Ready for a night out? Consider The Wayfarer and The Observatory. Looking to get your feet wet? Sailing, fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
View more Cottages in Newport BeachOpens in a new window
Map
Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

  • Balboa Fun Zone - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Balboa Pier - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Balboa Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Fashion Island - 4 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Laguna Niguel Station - 20 min drive
  • Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Balboa Saloon - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dad's Original Frozen Banana - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio located?

Located in Balboa Island, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Pavilion and Balboa Pier. Balboa Beach and Balboa Peninsula Beaches are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 106 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Balboa

Best house to stay in at balboa peninsula, 5 out 5 stars!! Very beautiful and very close to the downtown peninsula, we were also able to walk and take the ferry across balboa and went to the balboa fun zone with my family and back, would recommend this place to all my friends and family, thank you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home was clean , comfortable , and very peaceful. Located in a perfect neighborhood, just what we were looking for
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and super cute. We had a great time. Host was very responsive.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! It has all the amenities you need for a family vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Balboa Cottage was perfect! Kitchen was well stocked. Location was excellent and allowed us to walk everywhere. We are so grateful for our visit. Thank you for the memories!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is in an excellent location and very comfortable. The only issue that we had is a horrible fly issue outside and inside. We bought 3 fly traps because of the number of flies we encountered. If the property had screens on the windows downstairs the inside wouldn’t have the fly issue. I would recommend this property! We will be back. Thank you!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location for the house is great. Two short blocks to Balboa Island’s downtown. The host was great and very responsive and helpful. Just know the property is 100 years old, as are many of the houses on the island. I do feel the property could be more updated (update the bathroom, remove the carpet, maybe add a dishwasher) but it wasn’t bad. Just be aware of these things so you’re not surprised. Also, although it was great the property allows dogs, I don’t think Balboa Island is very dog friendly. There are no lawns or grassy areas for the dog to go to the bathroom and most houses have signs up about no dogs on their property. So keep that in mind if you’re bringing a dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

1st time on Balboa Island

The cottage on Amethyst street was perfect for our short 4 day visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful location and property

We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It’s the perfect distance from the water, shops and restaurants. We loved the family room and porch areas for hanging out as a family. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location very comfortable

Loved spending time on the island. Cottage was comfortable and nicely decorated.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good vacation

It's a great place to stay. It's a historical building and furnished accordingly. It was very close to the beach. We enjoyed our time there.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location

Excellent location close to shops, restaurants and the bay. The house is very cozy. Family and I had a great time. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Didn't need to drive anywhere. It was relaxing and enjoyable. Great location. Great value. Enjoyed our 45th anniversary.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage perfectly located

Had a wonderful stay. The cottage was neat as a pin. Great for a family with small kids. Perfectly located — a short walk to downtown and the bay shore, and a good walk to the ferry.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cottage

Quaint little cottage on Balboa Island. Clean and well located for visiting the coast.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Vintage cottage

This is a beautifully cared for and convenient cottage. The location is perfect and the home is well stocked with everything that you would need to start your vacation. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming original cottage

The cottage is vintage and delightful.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great place to relax

We had the best time in this very relaxing cottage. It’s located very close to all the shopping and restaurants which makes for a nice walk. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Balboa Island Vintage Cottage

Location awesome! Balboa Island quaint and picturesque. Just as I remember from the 1950’s and 60’s.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

My HAPPY Place

Staying at the cottage in Balboa is the best time of the year. Hanging out on the front porch or a quick walk to Main Street feels like I’ve landed in a Dickens novel.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Beach Cottage for our family of 5

This beautiful cottage was exactly as described. It was the perfect place for our family of 5 to make so many memories of long beach days and sunny skies at the end of summer break before heading back to school. We especially enjoyed the porch, the quiet neighborhood, and the quick walk to the Balboa ferry. We’ll be back!
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a wonderful time at Amethyst Avenue. It's fantastic to know that the cottage provided the perfect setting for creating lasting memories during your end-of-summer getaway. We're glad you enjoyed the porch, the peaceful neighborhood, and the convenient access to the Balboa ferry. We look forward to welcoming you back for more sunny beach days and memorable family moments!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

I stayed there for a week with my family and it was in the perfect location. We were able to walk to downtown shops and restaurants on Balboa Island and we were just a short drive to other great locations in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. I couldn't have asked for more.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Great location, charming cottage.

Great location, charming cottage. Good value. We felt welcome and would rent again.Clean, but livingroom furniture & upholstery needs "spring cleaning" or replacement.iTrip was very responsive to questions.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thomas, thanks for the review and comments. We are alway working to improve this location and expect to make more changes in the future. It is one of the best values on Balboa Island....location, parking are the best!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfortable and charming. Clean, convenient, and has the joy of an off street parking space!

Ezpz! Everything in the cottage worked. Off stree parking spot was wonderful! Great location and very charming cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Thanksgiving Week stay

My family and I have stayed in this property for a few years now, always Thanksgiving week. Upon arrival, a couple small things were in need of attention, emailed Scott, and were addressed rt away. This location is a 3 minute walk from Marine Ave (village), which is very convenient. The amenities of the house all work and function which makes eating in very doable. Balboa Island is a special place for all of us, and look forward to more stays.
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback