Entire home
Balboa Lodge, Steps from Island Ferry to Beach - newly updated with A/C
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Balboa Island, CA
- Place, Balboa Peninsula Beaches8 min walk
- Place, Balboa Pier10 min walk
- Place, Balboa Beach10 min walk
- Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)13 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Downstairs Bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
Master Bathroom
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet
Outdoor shower
Shower only
Powder room
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
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 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
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (35 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number SLP10386
About the area
Newport Beach
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday 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 Orange County Great Park. Balboa Fun Zone and Bren Events Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Balboa Island, CA
What's nearby
- Balboa Fun Zone - 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
- Fashion Island - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - 2 min walk
- Harborside Restaurant & Grand - 5 min drive
- The Galley Cafe - 5 min drive
- Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - 9 min walk
- Wilma's Patio Restaurant - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
29 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Marc D.
5 Jan, 2026
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marc D.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rachel S.
29 Feb, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Rachel S.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sharon M.
27 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa Vacay
Sharon M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chris M.
4 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chris M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Blake M.
30 Jan, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Property and Location
Blake M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amanda D.
14 Mar, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay, great location
Amanda D.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael P.
1 Apr, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great home and location
Michael P.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Wendy P.
5 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for family to gather.
Wendy P.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Hans W.
15 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa Island Vacation
Hans W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dan R.
2 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quick Weekend
Dan R.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer M.
12 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Vacation
Jennifer M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kathy E.
30 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property
Kathy E.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nicholas D.
18 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming House
Nicholas D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael J H.
30 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place for small group
Michael J H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Grant H.
2 Apr, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and clean.
Grant H.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dennis
8 May, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Dennis
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Suzy T.
15 Apr, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
a little getaway
Suzy T.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robert C.
12 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Classic Balboa Beach House
Robert C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nicole D.
28 Jan, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely and Charming
Nicole D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Lysa C.
14 Mar, 2015
Great Location
Lysa C.
10/10 Excellent
Dan W.
3 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place to Enjoy the Beach
Dan W.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mollie B.
26 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family overflow space for Thanksgiving week
Mollie B.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Lee W.
28 Jun, 2017
Enjoyable Stay
Lee W.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2017
10/10 Excellent
Amy C.
28 Feb, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whimsical cottage in a magical place
Amy C.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 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.
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