Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach

Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach make me think of the good 'ole days at the beach.

There are always families wandering around the shops and restaurants, kids riding bikes, and tourists visiting from out of town.

On the summer day we visited, Junior Lifeguards were there, in force. This park is always popular because of its location, but it was updated in 2024 with a new playground.

Directions to Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach

There are two piers on the Newport Peninsula: the Newport Pier and the Balboa Pier. The Balboa Pier is the furthest towards the end of the Peninsula.

From Interstate 405, take the 55 Freeway towards the beach and it will take you right onto the peninsula on Newport Blvd (eventually turning into Balboa Blvd).

You'll travel past all the numbered streets to the lettered streets. Get there early to get a spot in the lots off Palm Street or B Street (turn right to get to the lots). Pay at the machines or on your phone with the ParkMobile app by the hour or by the day. (Address: 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach) MAP TO BALBOA PIER AND PENINSULA PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

Lots to do here besides the beach and playground! The playground is on the sand at the base of the pier next to the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard headquarters building which had a ribbon-cutting in June 2024!

Families will love the lifeguard and rescue theme of the new playground! Especially the rescue boat and the lifeguard vehicle. I can see all sorts of pretend play happening here.

Play equipment is designed for 5-12 year olds, but younger ones were there playing in the sand and in the boats + vehicle.

This park has always been one of the best for the sheer number of swings!

1 inclusive swing
3 baby swings
4 bench swings

I think the best part is the rescue board leading up to the slides. And it's kind of a surprise because it's hidden as you approach from the parking lot.

I know this area as Balboa Fun Zone, but there is a re-branding in the form of an arch over Balboa Blvd that says BALBOA VILLAGE - Home of Balboa Fun Zone. There are lots of restaurants and shops within walking distance of this park including Ruby's Diner at the end of the Balboa Pier.

The blue horizontal climber is still there, it just got moved a bit!

Ride bikes on the Newport Balboa Bike Trail along the peninsula.

Take the Balboa Ferry to Balboa Island for a stroll.

Peninsula Park has a huge lawn area appropriate for kite flying or soccer games, plus gazebo for bands or entertainment. It's on the other side of the junior lifeguard building from the playground. This is a photo from before the new permanent headquarters went in!

Be Aware:

The Peninsula can get extremely busy on weekends and holidays, especially because there's only two streets to get off the peninsula (back the way you came or via Balboa Blvd)!
Get there early to grab a parking spot and stay for the whole day. Or during the summer, take the Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley on weekends.
The beach can have big waves and I noticed a pretty sizable drop-off where it gets deep very fast. Conditions change throughout the year and based on the weather and tides. I always talk to the lifeguards before I take a dip at a new beach, they always seem happy to give me pointers on any hazards BEFORE I get in!
The playground is right near the restrooms and the parking lot. There are benches in between the play area and the parking lot to serve as a barrier, but you will want to be cautious on busy summer days.
Junior Lifeguard camps happen on summer days right next to this playground. I got to the playground right at before 9am when the "big kids" from camp were playing on the playground. Right at 9am, they gathered for camp and the playground was empty. You may want to time your visit for after camp starts during the summer?
Fee for parking.

Checklist:

Parking in dedicated lots ($3.75 per hour - or $5.15 on holidays - with a max of $37.50/day or $51.50/day on holidays). Click here for up-to-date parking info from Newport Beach. (I find it helps to create a ParkMobile account ahead of time - where you enter your license plate and credit card number. Then, when you get to the beach, all you have to do is enter the parking lot number on your phone app. It will send you reminders about when your meter will run out and you can re-load directly from the app.)
The Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley usually runs starting Memorial Day Weekend. You can read my post about our fantastic experience on the Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley. Check for hours, but in the past it's ranged from 10am to 9:30pm.
Play surface: Sand
Restrooms right next door to the playground
Nice to have lifeguards nearby in summer, in case a need for first aid arises
Picnic on the beach or find a nearby restaurant
Bring bikes if you want to ride the trail (also available to rent)
31 fire rings (about half designated for wood burning and about half designated for charcoal only) available from 6am-10pm on first-come, first-serve basis (consult Newport Beach's fire ring page for details and charcoal recommendations)
Official Newport Beach website beach information page
Nearest public library branch: Balboa Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library system

Nearby parks:

Would you like to play at other beach playgrounds in Orange County?

Photo archive of old playground (pre-2023)

A playground replacement happened during Fall 2023-Spring/Summer 2024! Description of project said: “Removal of existing playground equipment and replacement with new lifeguard themed structure, swings, ground elements and rubber surfacing.” These are photos from before the replacement before the new permanent headquarters were put in!

Originally posted August 2011.

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About Michele Whiteaker