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If you are planning a visit to Newport Beach, it is important to check out the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island has a lot to offer. This includes delicious restaurants, gorgeous weather, and some amazing shopping opportunities. Some people even say it has the best shopping opportunities in Southern California! If you are curious about the shopping opportunities in this beautiful portion of Orange County, take a look at some of the neighborhoods you should check out below!
Getting To Balboa Island: What To Expect
Before you can start your shopping adventure, you might be wondering how to get there. There are a few options available. You may want to take a Balboa Island Ferry to the Balboa peninsula. The ferry has been running for more than 100 years, and it still works great! It runs from 6:30 in the morning to 12 at night, and it runs even later on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you do not want to take the ferry, you can take your car along the Pacific Coast Highway. As soon as you see a community that feels like Cape Cod, you know you have reached your destination!
Take a Stroll on the Newport Pier
If you are looking for some quaint shops, start by going for a stroll along the Newport Pier. There are two separate piers along Balboa Beach. The first is on the north side of the beach and the other one is on the peninsula itself. As you take in the amazing ocean air, be sure to take a look at the gift shops along the way. This is a great spot to grab some souvenirs. You might even find a few specialty shops that carry things you can’t find anywhere else! If you need to cool off, dip your feet in the water!
Check Out the Luxury Shops Near the Pacific Coast Highway
If you really want to be wowed during your visit to Balboa Island, you should check out the cluster of luxury shops that are just a mile off of the Pacific Coast Highway. There are a number of famous fashion designers that have set up shop in this location, and even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you may want to try them on! This is the perfect way for you to put your look together, and you will certainly look your best if you walk out with a new top or accessory! If you really want to get creative, ask them if they have anything extra in the back!
Check Out Some of the Family Shops
If you make your way closer to the downtown area, you will explore a few smaller, family-run businesses. There are plenty of amazing goods you will find in these stores. For example, if you are looking for a surfboard you can use to take some lessons, you can probably find some in the downtown area! Or, if you are looking for some classic t-shirts that are perfectly emblematic of Southern California, you will certainly find them in these stores as well! There is something for everyone, so don’t rush! Be sure to check out a Balboa surf shop along the bayfront!
Grab a Bite To Eat While Checking Out the Outdoor Shopping
You will probably get hungry as you go walking or biking down Marine Avenue, so don’t hesitate to grab a bite to eat! There are plenty of delicious ice cream shops, donut shops, and bakeries that would be happy to provide you with a quick snack! Then, as you walk around outside and enjoy your meal, take a look at some of the small outdoor stands that might be set up! Some sell amazing olive oil! There are some amazing treasures you can find if you keep your eyes open near the donut & bakery shop!
Take Advantage of Balboa Island Shopping
These are just a few of the most important points you should keep in mind as you go shopping on Balboa Island! There are amazing opportunities along Marine Ave, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! If you want to spend a few extra days, check out some of the real estate opportunities! There are rentals that the whole family can enjoy along Long Beach!
Featured Image Credit: Jon Bilous
