Newport Beach Guide: Balboa Island Ferry, Fun Zone & The O.C.
Drive Across the Water in Newport Beach – the Setting of The O.C.!
When you think of beaches in the United States—or in California—what places come to mind?
Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu… Even just around Los Angeles there are countless famous and much-loved beaches.
For Beach Feature Vol. 5!! we’re spotlighting the beautiful city of Newport Beach, best known as the backdrop for the TV drama The O.C.!
1. What Is Newport Beach?
Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California.
It’s roughly a 50-minute drive (about 45 miles) from LAX.
The city includes the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island, and is famed for its crystal-clear beaches and chic streetscape.
2. Newport Beach — The Setting of The O.C.
Newport Beach is the backdrop for the hugely popular drama “The O.C.,” which aired from 2003 to 2007.
For instance, protagonist Ryan Atwood ends up living in the Newport Beach home of lawyer Sandy Cohen!
Although Newport Beach is the story’s setting, many scenes were actually filmed at various beaches around Los Angeles.
This spot is irresistible for fans of The O.C. who want to soak up the show’s atmosphere in person!
Check the Instagram post for photos of Newport Beach!
3. Lighthouse Café — Dining Overlooking Newport Bay
First up on our list of recommended spots is this popular waterfront restaurant on the Balboa Peninsula!
Here you can savor delicious seafood-focused dishes while gazing out at Newport Bay and the yachts bobbing on the water.
The building itself is shaped like a lighthouse, adding plenty of charm!
I tried the eggs Benedict this time, and the combination of runny eggs, salmon, and crispy bacon was absolutely perfect.
Weekends can be especially busy, so it’s best to secure a reservation through the website!
4. Frozen Bananas at Sugar n Spice
This second recommended spot is a long-standing dessert shop that opened in 1945 on Balboa Island.
Here you can enjoy frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and other coatings, as well as “Balboa Bars” — ice-cream bars covered in chocolate, nuts, and more!
The area around the shop features a beautiful shopping street and residential neighborhood, so it’s lovely to stroll around while savoring your treat.
Sugar n Spice also appears in The O.C., so fans of the show should definitely stop by.
5. Handel’s Ice Cream – Newport Beach
The third spot on our list is an ice-cream shop located just a short walk from Newport Beach Pier.
We visited the Newport Beach branch, but Handel’s operates in a dozen states, and each shop makes its ice cream fresh every day!
I tried the cherry flavor for the first time—sweet-tart and refreshingly reminiscent of the cherries in a cherry cola, and absolutely delicious.
Grab a cone here and enjoy it on the sun-splashed sand by the beach!
6. The Balboa Fun Zone – Retro Charm & Nostalgia
Our fourth recommended spot is a small amusement park on the Balboa Peninsula.
Opened in 1936, it has been loved by tourists and locals alike for decades.
The park features a compact Ferris wheel that offers sweeping views of Newport Bay, as well as a building filled with vintage arcade games!
It feels like a retro amusement park straight out of a movie—perfect for a leisurely stroll and a dose of nostalgia.
7. Cross the Water in Your Own Car!? Balboa Island Ferry
The fifth recommended spot is the ferry that links Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula!
On the peninsula side, the dock sits right inside The Balboa Fun Zone.
The cool part is that you can stay inside your own vehicle while the ferry carries you across the bay—an experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
With the windows down, you can soak in sweeping views of Newport Bay and feel the sea breeze—pure bliss!
You can take the ferry on foot or with a bike, but if you have a car, be sure to enjoy the ride without leaving your seat!
Check out the Instagram video to see what it’s like to drive onto the ferry and make the crossing!
8. Conclusion
Newport Beach has it all—gorgeous, laid-back beaches, great food, and a unique auto ferry to enjoy!
It’s safe and perfect for families, so consider adding it to your travel itinerary.
Orange County has many more beautiful beaches and sights—check out my Instagram for extra ideas!
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