Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45%
Sunny fully-furnished, one-story Balboa Island beach cottage with all-important GARAGE PARKING, added bonus of A/C, GREAT LOCATION! Just 1-1/2 blocks to the beach in either direction and one block over from Marine Avenue restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. WEEKLY stays beginning May 30, 2026. WINTER MONTHLY available Sept. 26. Looking for 6-8 month winter renter. Discounts 30%-45% (LONGER STAYS = BIGGER DISCOUNT. Please message me for availability and monthly rates.)
Bright & airy feel, open-beam ceilings, wooden shutters and hardwood floors throughout, skylights and fully-stocked kitchen with dishwasher. There is a 55" Flat-screen TV with Cable in the living room, WiFi, gas fireplace. Two bedrooms (1 queen, 2 twin beds) and two bathrooms, ideal for a couple, a family with two children or two couples. Washer/dryer in attached garage (shared with couple living in the above-garage apartment). Fenced front brick patio with outdoor tables and bistro set surrounded by roses, other flowers and trees. French doors open off the dining area to a private courtyard with a gas Weber BBQ that is perfect for small casual dinners or relaxing after a fun day at the beach.
"The City of Newport Beach defines short-term lodging as the rental of a residential unit for less than thirty (30) consecutive days." STAYS OF LESS THAN 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS require I collect 10% City of Newport Beach Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax (Lodging and Accommodation Tax will be included in Quote).
WINTER LEASE - NO Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax on stays of 30 consecutive days or longer.
WINTER LEASE AND LONGER-TERM MONTHLY STAYS, PLEASE CONTACT ME for rates on specific dates — Monthly Fall/Winter Availability & Pricing — (Bigger discount & more flexibility on longer stays).
STEPS: While the house is one-story, there are a few steps: 3” step-down in front entry; 3” step-up into the living room; 8” step down into the master bedroom; two steps (6” & 7-1/2”) from attached garage to the courtyard; two 6” steps from courtyard patio to back entrance of cottage at French doors.
SHARED Washer and dryer in the garage. Renter/s in apartment over the garage have access to the washer/dryer. Garage apartment renter/s have private entrance. The courtyard is private with entrance from cottage French doors, garage and back alley.
NOTE: Permitted Occupancy 6. Though not recommended for more than four adults. Master bedroom has one queen bed and the second smaller bedroom has two twin beds. The living room couch is NOT a sofa-bed. Children who can comfortably double up in twin beds or babies in cribs, for example, would be fine. -- Note: I have a Pack-n-Play for babies and toddlers available upon request.
One block from a charming 2-block main street in the quaint downtown village, easy access to boutique shopping, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants. Easy on/off the island. Small, sandy beaches and a 1.6 mile walkway around the perimeter, perfect for strolling and people watching – all just steps from the front door. And it’s just a short walk and a 5-minute ferry ride to the famous Balboa Fun Zone, complete with Ferris wheel, arcades, boat rentals and guided boat tours of the beautiful homes on Newport Harbor, or you can catch the Catalina Flyer to Catalina Island.
Balboa Island is just off the coast of Newport Beach and is a short drive away from many Southern California attractions, including Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Hollywood, San Diego Zoo, and much, much more. Only 6 miles from SNA Santa Ana/Orange County (John Wayne) airport, and 45 miles south of LAX Los Angeles International Airport. Come and enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle, a safe haven conveniently located in the middle of coastal Orange County.
Keywords: Updated, Bright, Beach, Cottage, house, home, Balboa Island, dog, pet friendly, garage, parking, air conditioning, A/C, fireplace, BBQ, washer, dryer, near Marine, location
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Dog’s breed and size requires pre-approval
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
NO smoking or vaping allowed on property
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Lock the doors and return the keys
Please make sure to return one house key to the combo lockbox on the front door and second key and garage door opener to the basket on the dining table. Thank you.
If you brought a dog, please make sure your dog did not leave any waste in the flower planters. Thank you.
If you used the kitchen towels, potholders etc. from the drawers, please leave them out so cleaners know to wash them.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NO INSTANT BOOKINGS on stays 28+ days. Pre-Approval required. Bigger discounts on longer stays. Contact me for WINTER (Sept-May) monthly rates.
Summer rates are weekly (7-night min), Saturday to Saturday, requires 10% City of Newport Beach Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days
Dog’s breed MUST be pre-approved before booking (landlord's insurance policy requirement).
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SLP10725
Property # 261418vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
About the area
Newport Beach
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this cottage is next to a golf course 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. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Is Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45% pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45%?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45%?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45%?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Balboa Island Cottage: Summer weekly/Winter Discounts 30%-45% located?
Located in Balboa Island, this golf cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pier. Newport Dune and Balboa Peninsula Beaches are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Was a really nice stay at the cottage. Love that it is like the original Balboa Island homes. So cozy with areas to relax both in the front and in the back patio. So well stocked too! Kari was very easy to communicate with and accommodating.
susan C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept, 2025
Hi Susan - Thank you for the warm review. There aren't many cottages remaining on the island so I am always happy to treat my guests to a special bright and airy beach experience -- and the upgraded comfort of AC too. Susan, I hope you return again next summer. Please note that prime months of summer 2026 are almost booked. So don't wait long. Take care. - Kari
Communication and check in was very smooth. The cottage is in a great location and is well stocked with all the supplies you will need. It is also an easy walk to multiple restaurants and shops- as well as the ocean.
Struggled with wi-fi but overall it Is absolutely charming the best location and I had the funnest time of my life and the bed was very comfortable
Heidi F.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
I so glad you and your friends had such a fun time at my cottage and on the island. I am sorry to hear you struggled with the Wifi. I wish you would have let me know since your issue could be quickly solved. (Running 3 iPads, 3 iPhones and laptops all at once can stress any bandwidth). After you checked out and told me of your problem, I thoroughly tested my WiFi, ran diagnostics and confirmed with Spectrum that my service was without interruption and that my NetGear Orbi Mesh Home System tested out perfectly with excellent signal strength. I took my iPad, laptop and iPhone over and all worked perfectly with excellent speed. Anyway, I so happy you had the "funnest time of my life" -- Can't beat that! But I'd love you and your friends to come back next summer and try. Ha!
Balboa Island is the perfect vacation spot for small children! Kari takes such great care of her home, we love staying at her house! Hope to be back next year
Megan H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Hi Megan - I'm so happy you and your family came back again this summer to your favorite vacation spot -- my Balboa Island cottage! After two years in a row! I hope to see you again next summer and as your annual tradition for many years to come. See you next year! - Kari
We had a wonderful stay in this cottage. Kari was wonderful to work with and everything was super easy. We enjoyed spending time on the front porch and the house had everything we needed to eat in and live comfortably. The location is perfect! We enjoyed our stay very much!!!
Our second time staying at this lovely Balboa cottage - perfect location, just the right size for my husband & I & pups, and all the amenities you need for blissful week on the island. Thank you for another great vacation, Kari!
Emily P.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Hi Emily - Thank you for your kind words. It has been a pleasure to host you and I look forward to you returning next year. 
Verified
8/10 Good
Judith O.
25 Oct, 2018
A great place to stay
The home is cozy and comfortable. It is close to everything you need. The bathrooms were a little tired but perfectly adequate. We have a great time
Judith O.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
HI Judith,
I am so happy you had a great time on the island and that you were able to extend your stay a few extra days for a full week at my cottage. It always seems to take a few days to slip fully into vacation mode. I look forward to your return.
Best,
Kari
Everything was great! 3rd time staying in this house and plan on making it a 4th next summer!
Anne F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
HI Anne - Thank you for another 5-star review! And your kind text message as you left Saturday: "It was amazing!!!...We love the little cottage on Onyx!" I'm so glad you had a great time!
I look forward to seeing you next summer. Take care.
It is an older home but I can't say anything negative. We loved the location and we had a wonderful time.....
Sandra B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Archival
8/10 Good
Gail D.
14 Sept, 2016
Lovely Balboa Island cottage - simply charming!
We had a wonderful stay at this Island Cottage with a modern, well stocked kitchen, great skylights and two lovely patio areas both bright and sunny and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. Bathrooms are well stocked and beds VERY comfortable! Easy walking distance to Marine Avenue. A delightful place to stay!
Gail D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Hi Gail, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy that you and your family loved my cottage so much that you came back a couple weeks later for a mini-vacation! And now you are coming back again next summer! That warms my heart. And I do hope you come back every summer. Until then, Kari
This is my second time staying in this cottage. The location is great (one block from town). The price is competitive and the owner is very professional w/ quick responses and information.
Planning on staying in 2020 as well.
Anne F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Hi Anne, It was an absolute pleasure to have you stay again at my cottage - as always. See you next summer!
The cottage is accurately shown in the photos. It is well-stocked and obviously well-cared for by Katie, who is easy to work with. The garage is a HUGE plus, as parking can be challenging. Great location near Marine Avenue, too.
The stay and location all was perfect for us. We enjoyed walking around the island each morning. One block from cute boutiques and restaurants. We plan on making this at min annual. Went whale watching, rented small boat, and jet skiing out in ocean. Always something to do.
Linda K.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Hi Linda! Thank you for the great review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay at my cottage and had such fun adventures! I look forward to your family's return. Enjoy your summer. - Kari
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Billi S.
7 Aug, 2018
Great island and location
Loved the cottage feel if this house. Plenty of room for family to spread out and love both the front porch and courtyard!! Would certainly go back but would stay longer next time ! Got to meet Kari and she was very nice and happy to give us suggestions. Little Corona beach with tide pools was a hit! Go early.
Billi S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
HI Billi -
I so enjoyed meeting you and your family. It looked like you were having such fun on your SoCal adventure. I love Corona del Mar beach and am happy you had enjoyed the waves and water (so warm!).
I do hope you stay longer next time. There is so much more to see -- hiking Crystal Cove, biking to Huntington Beach and beyond, bonfire on beach and on and on. And I'd be happy to give you more suggestions.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Kari
Lovely little cottage just off the Main Street shopping and food area of Balboa Island. Comfortable beds and home with great patio inside the fence. Perfect location to everything and fun to stroll across the alley to Main Street any time for food and shopping. Host was excellent and very communicative. Perfect spot to go out biking daily on back bay and to walk down to the North or South Bay beaches and sit under the umbrella or go kayaking on the quiet bay water. Will definitely stay there again.
I really can’t say enough about this property. It’s the second year in a row that my three daughters and I stayed at this house for Spring Break. The host is very responsive. The house is super clean and very well appointed! The location to town is perfect. The access to garage parking is incredibly convenient and washer dryer a complete bonus. Thank you Kari for another absolutely amazing vacation!! Looking forward to our next stay!! ❤️
Suzanne A.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr, 2024
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for the amazing review. I'm so glad you and your daughters came back this year and look forward to your return next spring. Have a fun summer! - Kari
This is our second time staying here, with our 9 year old daughter and 2 golden retrievers. It’s a perfect spot - comfortable, clean, close to everything and especially the bay and beach. The front patio is so relaxing - we work out there, eat there and entertain there. Really wonderful overall.
Kari’s great, responsive and nice. This is our go-to now whenever we come to Balboa Island. We’ll be back soon!
We had a wonderful stay.
Kari's cottage is located in a prime location. It's literally a 1 minute walk, and you are in the center of town.
Having use of the garage is a lifesaver. And made coming and going a breeze. All of this plus pet friendly what's not to like?
Kari was delightful and a pleasure to deal with.
We hope to stay again.
Rob and Jasmine
ROB H.
Stayed 60 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2023
Rob & Jasmine, Thank you. With the new restaurants and other new additions on Marine Avenue, I'm glad you were able to take full advantage of my cottage's great location. And the garage parking is especially important during the busier summer months. I would love to have you and your sweet pooch back for another stay. - Kari
I stayed at Kari's cottage for nearly 4 months, as I had taken a temporary work assignment in Orange County, and wanted a safe, easy place to work and play. The cottage is exactly as shown and was comfortable and cute! The master bedroom had tons of storage, and the bed was comfy. Walking distance to all the shops on the island, the ferry, and the ability to take a daily walk around the island was a huge bonus. Kari was always available when I needed her (which wasn't much). The community is friendly, and I wouldn't hesitate to return to this quaint little cottage on this sweet little island!
Miriam Z.
Stayed 112 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2024
Hi Miriam, Thank you for your kind review. I am so happy you had such a wonderful time at my cottage and on the island — and that you are planning to move back to the area! It would be a pleasure to host you again. — Kari
Verified
6/10 Okay
Rebecca S.
19 Jun, 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location
this property needs a lot of renovations
* Many of the seasonings provided in the kitchen are expired.
* kitchen utensils were greasy and unclean
* many pedestrians were passing by out the front door and it was very noisy.
Rebecca S.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2024
After Rebecca left my cottage, the cleaning crew found a puddle of pee on my recently refinished hardwood floors in the master bedroom and alerted me to the guest having a dog without asking permission. When I messaged Rebecca there is a $200 Pet Fee that should have been charged at booking. Rebecca said she did not bring a dog but that an elderly friend had spilled her adult diaper. I understand this is an embarrassing situation for her friend but they really should have not just left urine on the floor. I told Rebecca the cleaning crew had to take extra time to clean but I did not pass on an extra charge to her.
This is a 1955 beach cottage and consistently receives 5-star reviews. After the urine incident, Rebecca probably expected to get a less than great review from me and felt she needed to come up with something to say. I care deeply about the guest experience and have had the same excellent cleaning crew for 20 years. Yes, there are many pedestrians walking along the sidewalks and around the island. That is one of the many charms of Balboa Island, a very friendly place. Between guests, I went through the drawers and cabinets. I found that she or her friend had put utensils and coffee mugs away dirty. I pulled everything out and hand-washed. I expect Rebecca would have given me a typical 5-star review if I hadn't questioned her on the urine puddle.
About the host
Hosted by Kari
I moved to Balboa Island 30 years ago and fell in love with the warm, relaxed and friendly lifestyle.
Why they chose this property
I loved everything about it -- the location, the bright, open feeling, the kitchen upgrades, the hardwood floors, layout of the house and TWO patios. It just feels like a happy place. Please check out my reviews. They can tell you why so many come back year after year as their annual summer tradition.
What makes this property unique
Drive over the bridge onto Balboa Island and you will sense an 'ahh' feeling of leaving the stresses and noises of the outside world far behind. I'm not kidding. I've lived on the island for 20-plus years and I still feel it every time I drop into the village. And a stay at my beach cottage will remind you of simpler times -- bike riding, walks along the beach, frozen bananas, friends over for BBQs -- life's simple pleasures in a bright and airy setting that turns cozy by night around the warm fireplace.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests