This is our favorite place! My in-laws were coming from Texas and we suggested to meet at Newport Beach to enjoy the fireworks show and beach together. The weather was perfect the entire time we were there. It was really nice to get away from the heat. The beach and the water was clean. The waves were a bit high which was perfect for boogie boarding for the kids and some of us adults. (I am totally sore from boogie boarding and maybe broke something... but totally worth jt!) There was a bit of traffic around the beach area when we first arrived in the morning (9 am). Some streets were small so you have to be extra careful driving because pedestrians darted into the street whenever they wanted to... We were able to find parking in the parking lot and we got charged around 32 for the entire day. 6 hours was the max before having to add more money to our parking pass but easily done by using our phone, just remember your car license plate number and zone number. The area was very nice and got front row on the sand. We had 16 people in our group, we all got to have our space. But as people started coming they started crowing around so it was tent to tent next to each other around noon. So make sure you get there early if you want a nice view. There was a bathroom close by with washing stations and even swings and playground for the kids to enjoy. We were able to take a short walk (5-7 minutes toward the fun zone and ferry area). We left our stuff on the beach for a few hours and it everything was still there when we returned. We just love Newport and wish we weren't four hours away but we do not mind the drive. It truly is relaxing when we get there. We spent about 12 hours on the beach and enjoyed every moment. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Really nice, relatively new park. Located in the perfect location right next to the showers, bathrooms, parking lot, and the lifeguard HQ. The park has swings, slides, tic-tac-toe, and a wall climbing area. The kiddos really enjoyed it and it's about a one minute walk through the sand to the ocean. read more

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We used the address from yelp and it directed us right to the smaller parking lot. We got there about 10:30 AM on a Sunday and found about 6 spots open right by the playground. There is another lot right before it but you can't access it from the small lot. I'm not sure where you have to turn to get to it. Check the map of you would rather park there. The park has swings, surf board to climb up, slides, a rope climbing area. Recommended age is 5 - 12 I think but my 2 year old had fun chasing his cousins around. The bathroom with showers are right next to the park and you can sit at the beach and watch the waves too. You have the pier right next with Ruby's at the end of the pier. Convenient and something for everyone. read more

Nice and unforgettable afternoon! I really enjoy the view and worth my one hour and a half hour drive! Relaxing and peaceful! read more

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Clean spaces for family picnicking. Access to bathroom and parking spaces. Parking is 1.48 per hour which is not bad at all. Lots of restaurants and stores nearby read more

Ample parking and great clean boardwalk, just a great place to visit! Lots of things to do or chill out. Not that crowded on a Sunday morning. read more

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Diana and I stopped at Balboa Peninsula Park 100 Main St. at Oceanfront in Newport Beach. We wanted to see what amenities the park offered. They had a nice children's play area. They also have volleyball courts on grass, surrounded by beautiful plan trees. They also had several park tables with BBQ pits. They also have a large gazebo that they use to have outdoor concerts. Also two large men's and women's restrooms for beach and park users. A very nice place to hold gatherings for family and friends. And of course plenty of parking. Then we left the park to find my next review. Robert H. read more

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Dirty restrooms with no doors in the toilet area. Men's restroom needs major updating.

This park is awesome, it's pretty much what you would imagine what So. Cal beach would be like. Sunny skies, fluffy sand, humongous grass area, super high palm trees, dual type fire rings (wood and charcoal)....sans the bums who lives here of course. And of course as a result, the bathrooms here is better if you don't use it. Of course after I have gone, I did notice the portable potties at the start of the pier walk. They were immaculate! So make sure you use those instead but I'm sure they close the doors during after hours. As for parking, if you can find it on the street it's great. If find it at the lot close to the beach, an hour (minimum charge) will run you $2.25 now. A little steep considering we were only there for 30 minutes. There is a tiny playground with swings here geared more towards kids five and under. The pier walk is nice, just like Huntington they have a Ruby's at the end. Definitely can see myself having a bonfire here. Because you can have a super short walk depending on where you parked. The only drawback is there is not really a lot of retail shops around so make sure you pack everything with you. read more

The only downside to this park, is the nasty restrooms. There are no doors on the restroom stalls. All restrooms in N.B. are the same. Get a beverage or something at one of the nearby restaurants if you need to use the facilities. If you are lucky, you can get a BBQ pit they are first come first serve. There's a large grass area. I've seen a rugby tournament there. The junior lifeguards also train there. Also in the park is a gazebo. You can probably reserve it for weddings and other events. Go for a swim, or a walk on the Balboa pier. The fun zone is just across the street. There's also a lot of parking. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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This is if you are a hopeless neoromantic but with a zero budget. This is one those places in the world. Where not much is needed except maybe a bag pack of fishing gear and some sandwiches. I call this in the "Land of the gods" and that is because if you look around, starting with the sky, everything is drop dead gorgeous. Some benches are available with I think only one little table. Bring your bikes and any wheel toy for that matter. Parking is around in the neighborhood and do I need to say this? Please be mindful of the local residents as they are cool just be respectful especially with noise pollution. I have NEVER had a problem with parking except yes peak times can be tricky. Otherwise, respect goes long ways! It is super clean and super safe. It is perfect for a walk with hubby or just a friend. Perfect to just gaze away and for most everyone is friendly. In the last 30 yrs this is perhaps one of my favorite stops to just catch my breath. But seriously not much money is needed to have some good old fashion fun. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My only real complaint about this lovely park is parking can be quite a hassle. Especially during peak summer days. And as the sun sets and people start using the bonfire pits, expect tons of double parking while people offload supplies. I really wish someone was there to patrol the lots because that makes it near impossible to get around. Especially on some of the smaller side lots. But beyond that, this park is a wonderful place to spend the day. Beyond huge grass areas to run around & play in (especially for the kids) it's right next to the shore so you can just walk over and take a swim. Honestly if it was easier to get in and out of this area, I'd be here just about every chance I could. It's just a lovely lovely area in Orange County read more

I grew up coming here and enjoying this beach and park. I even remember when they had the kite flyers on B street! We take the boys here to walk the pier. (5 and 2). Play at the playground. Please check the temperature of the slide. It can get hot!!! There is a ferry boat that can take you across for 50cents. Ferris Wheel Ride. (Hold on to ur kids. It's an old ride!) There are yummy balboa bars (chocolate dip ice cream bars that you can cover with nuts or sprinkles). One thing we really enjoy is renting the cool tourist bikes. We will take it to Newport Pier and Back. It's fun for the kids! Bring ur sunblock. Bring some chairs. Bring ur picnic. This place whole area can be ur little day trip!!! ;) Enjoy!!! read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Rented this!!! And took it to Newport Pier and back and ate a ice cream! I enjoy being a tourist at my local beach!!! - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I came here actually for a bonfire after work. First time in the area, it was easy to find. Just straight down from exiting the 55S...keep going and then once you hit B street you'll swing a right into a small little parking lot. The great thing is parking is free after 6pm. Otherwise it's metered parking. There are firepits set out around the beach/park area...it's first come first serve, but I saw some firepits still available when I arrived around 7pm. The playground area is cute, great for kids...the beach is nice and clean. The grassy area is fairly large for some picnics. It all sort of reminded me of mission bay down in San Diego with all the grassy areas by the water. You can't get any better than hanging out by the beach/fire with friends and smores. There was no drinking on the beach, however there are plenty of bars within walking distance...which is always nice. It closes down at 10pm...I wish it was open longer. *remember to bring lots of blankets because it gets cold at night *please remember the lighter fluid to light up your wood, we had annoying kids borrowing ours *come early to reserve a firepit *bring anti-bacterial cause the bathrooms are your average beach toilet *come in time to watch the sunset...it's romantic I will definitely come over to this area...it's not as crowded, i like it! read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - View of Pier from the Balboa Peninsula Park - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

2 Yelp Pages for Balboa Peninsula Park in Newport Beach. What do I like about Peninsula Park in Newport Beach? The answer is simple. Location, location, location!!! It is right beside the beach. Balboa Pier is also close by. The park is also walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and the fun zone. Nice park to hangout and relax with the family. There is a playground right by the beach for the kiddos to enjoy. The park also has a large grassy area. Good area to fly a kite or play soccer or other uses. On weekends, you better get here early because parking fills up fast. Parking is not free at the lot here. Balboa Peninsula Park is a fine place for chillaxin. Have fun! read more

We drove down to Newport Beach from L.A. this past Saturday, for a birthday picnic for my cousin Scott Y. It was a long drive, and we kind of felt like we should be staying for the weekend instead of for two hours, but we had a lovely time at the Peninsula Park. It was a cool day in L.A., but Newport was sunny and beautiful. This park was right at the beach, and we were surprised to find parking was plentiful and reasonable, in a pay lot with a good number of open spaces. The park was small enough that we found our family right away. We set up at a picnic table on the grass and grilled mounds and mounds of Korean barbecue. It was great. My only complaint is that there was a really whiny basset hound leashed a few feet away from us. I may have brought that basset hound, though, and I appreciated that the park was dog friendly. I don't know what other options there are for a picnic situation in Newport, but Peninsula Park worked quite well. I'd recommend it for a sunny barbecue get-together by the beach. read more

Great place for kids to play! My niece and nephews love this playground - they have this cool rope climbing thing, swings, slides and a TON of other kids to play with. The rope climbing tower is definitely the most popular draw, with all the kids scrambling to the top and cries of "mommy, daddy, look at me!" It's not a huge playground, but definitely a great place to chill for awhile and let the kidlets run around. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Popular jungle gym - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Not including the beach, not really much of a park, but just a big grassy area next to the beach. I don't really have much to say about it, but it's a Hell of a place to shoot a sporting event. For once, I didn't want a game to end because it was such an awesome backdrop for photos! read more

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With all the awesome reviews of Balboa Peninsula park I think the only thing worth mentioning is that its about as 100% anyone might need as either a park or beach. This is a long long beach...with sand, and boardwalk, lifeguards, pier, big stinking waves, and yes.. lots of boats. There are showers and bathrooms and some grassy knoll like areas to hang. Pets: You are allowed to have dogs at this park...but not the beach. People: There are people everywhere and a California beach scene to surpasses all others. Go there, hang, make a film, show off. Loads of fun. read more

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Wonderful park for people of all ages. Paid parking, make sure you pay for how long you will be there and leave your receipt on your dash where it's visible, 6 hours I believe is the longest time you can pay for but I'm sure if you add more time you can stay in your spot for much longer. Has a lovely pier with a Ruby's at the end of it, seems most piers in orange county have a Ruby Restaurant at the end. Parked here and walked over to the boardwalk which is a few blocks away, you have plenty of places to eat and drink around the area. Grounds are clean and nice. Once we were done eating and taking a whale watching tour we had a chance to see a sunset at this park while standing on the pier, it was awesome. I think I'm returning to just chill out and relax here during the afternoon next time. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Sunset - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

There is plenty of parking, the park area is very clean and perfect for picnic and chilling. The beach area nearby is great and not too crowded. There are lots of little shops with nice merchandise to buy souvenirs from, great little places to munch on or lots of ice cream places to grab something cold near by. The pier nearby gives you the open space to observe and absorb the view of the water, mountains and Palm trees. read more

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Doesn't it seem to you like most piers in the OC have a Ruby's at the end? If this is a truth that you too have embraced, then you'll feel right at home here ;-) Tip: All the parking here is paid, so make sure you pre-pay for the correct amount and leave your receipt in plain sight on the dashboard. That way you'll ensure you don't get a ticket. This is a delightful park, which is perfect for adults and children alike :-) read more

A big grassy area next to the beach, with lots of fun all along the coast. There are no dogs allowed on the beach, but its a great place to hang out with friends, play football or bring your kids. There are some firepits along the beach and even if you don't want to party with friends, you can walk down to some local bars/clubs and restaurants. Also it would be a good idea to get lunch or dinner at local bar/restaurant since they have nicer bathrooms and are cleaner than the local bathroom at this park. Its a great little park in the Balboa area. I even decided to write some poems. Enjoy! --------------------------------------------------- Dinner for Two I had a fancy dinner after work last night I sat at the bar and got my favorite steak I saw all these couples eating through out the tables. And then I saw you... The waiter asked how many, and I heard "Dinner for two" Sitting Alone, waiting for your date to come... When the music played, I saw you singing across the room, I watched your lips silently sing the songs. Everyone danced and I just watched you... Sitting Alone... Eating alone... Singing alone.... Waiting alone.... Leaving alone.... If you only knew that you weren't alone, That was the best date I ever had. --------------------------------------------- read more

I came here for a bonfire after work to celebrate the start of the Labor Day weekend with friends. Thanks to Andy P. for organizing. The park is located between streets A & B and there is a small lot where you can park. The fire pits are first come, first serve so get there early and stake out a spot if you want to have a bonfire. Bring lots of wood, lighter fluid, and charcoal (some pits allow it, some don't), food, chairs, blankets, and towels. There's a park ranger that comes by to double check that people are following rules. There are public restrooms by the playground. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby as well so when the park closes at 10 pm, you have a place to go if you don't want the party to end. read more

This is just a review for the firepits/beach as that's the only place I ever hit when I come here. Parking is aplenty, and after 6pm is free. I think there's 12 firepits (might be 16?) available so if you're coming on Friday or Saturday make sure you get there in the late morning to reserve one for later...if you're arriving after 5pm you're going to be sorely disappointed. The beach and firepit area are always clean -- rarely find any trash in the sand or the adjacent areas. Bathrooms aren't too close but they're not terribly far either...cross the parking lot, and they're over by the pier. Having a bonfire raging as the sun sets here is heaven...literally my favorite place to be in the world. The view is beautiful and the water is the cleanest and best in the area. Please clean up after yourself when you leave to keep this place as lovely as it has always been; beach closes at 10pm. Patrols do go up and down the surf on quads and will def kick you out, but you may be able to squeeze another few minutes until they make their way to the pits. Only downside is the annoying high school kids in massive groups, but most will mind their own business save the group or two begging for wood or lighter fluid. If you love going to the beach and don't know what to do after sunset, the answer is to go here, lay out some blankets, make s'mores and enjoy the view and company of your friends. read more

Great beach, not nearly as crowded as some places nearby. Great parking (free in the evenings), fun ferry nearby, and good food within a short walk. The sand is clean and fires are allowed in the firepits (but those fill up fast) read more

This place is truly lovely. The water appears much cleaner than other local beaches, the sand is nice too, the grass is green, just how I don't even remember when I was a teenager. There's no way I will willing drive my ass to Newport Beach. Just getting off the 55 S was a mess. And I'm a L.A. County native so I know what slow... no very slow moving traffic, construction, oh I'm sure it's an accident--traffic looks like, and then there was this. A giant cluster *quack* that made my ass cheeks unbearably tired. Keep in mind I spent 1 freakidy hour on the 405 S because the 22 was closed. So there I was driving with my numb pompies, and the feeling of jet-lag, which tends to make me laugh for no apparent reason. Right when we finally left the stagnant traffic, we made it to the moving traffic toward Peninsula Park. Absolutely no available parking whatsoever. There is street parking... yeah nowhere! So, I made the brave attempt of circling the tiny parking lots 3 times, and what irks me more than anything, when there's a tiny lot, are people who literally park their car along the driving path waiting for someone to get out. That's just rude, and inconsiderate. Luckily, my tía (aunt) called, and found someone that was leaving. Sure enough I bypass all the ::blank::, and park my C-Rolla. Hahaha! In yo face foo! I'm sure it's just bad timing to come during warmer seasons, but there's no way I want to add to the herd of locals and visitors, and scare them thinking "oh my lord, what's going on? There are so many tourist!" I will gladly stick to a backyard kiddy pool with the added bonus of drinking whisky anytime, thank you very much. And for family parties... any house party will do. Trust me, we'll go because we want to see the family not the fancy crowded beach with its xenophobic stares. read more

Love this park. We just taught our 7 year old to ride a bike here and it was awesome. The large paved area gave us lots of room to practice and not run into anyone. The grassy areas are tremendous, the view of the ocean is awesome and it is just a great place to hang out. read more

This feels like the center of Newport Beach, although it isn't, really. The pier is great fun, although it is hard to believe with that many people with fishing poles in the water that most catch anything worth the time waiting. Nearby is a boardwalk that goes along the back of the beach sand up and down the condos. The gazebo and the local bars and restaurants nearby, including the Cabo Cantina, are lots of fun. The pier has a Ruby's at the end of it, which is genius and very popular and crowded on nice days. If you head from the end of the pier straight, you cross all of Balboa Peninsula and end up at the Balboa Fun Zone near the Ferry and the Ferris Wheel and all that goodness. read more

Nice and fun! Kids will love it. Tandem bike experience is great!

This is a cool little park near the pier, I have seen a few live concerts there in the past during the summer. It also seems like the place to lock up your bikes since there are a lot of palm trees that can be used as an anchor. There is a memorial in the park, take the time to go look at it. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park - Parks Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The beach is okay. Parking and traffic is way, way overcrowded with a-holes, not worth the view, there are many more beaches in LA. A parking spot jacks up $80 for a day parking in some place. Better come early morning or park far away. read more

Wood fires are no longer allowed in the fire pits at balboa peninsula. Only charcoal is allowed there now. We went down like we had so many times before with our wood from Albertsons & had a great little fire going. All ready to make s'mores & beach patrol came over & said we had to put it out right away or we would be fined. We went back & tried the charcoal but it was such a disappointment. Still have a lot of Love for balboa peninsula, walking the fun zone & the pier, grass area is great for picnics & soccer, kids live the playground & the beach. read more

Made a bad day worse when we got back to the car and saw a $61 parking ticket. Went on a 2 hour tour, parking is 2 hours max. Rushed back to the car just to see a ticket...is this planned extra revenue? Won't be back and don't recomment read more

I almost have to do two reviews of this place (Summer vs. All other times). Balboa is right down the street from me so I love it for its accessibility, shopping (one of my favorite boutiques is right by the park), and relaxing vibe. Peninsula Park is a nice place to relax under an umbrella and read a book or hang out with family/friends. This all changes during the summer when the tourist come in droves, parking becomes impossible and the grassy area is flooded with parties, etc. Sundays are a little better, but still challenging for those of us who remember the good old days (Spring, Fall, Winter). All in all, I still give the park 4 stars. Obviously there is a reason why it's so highly trafficked, it's a prime spot to be. read more

Balboa Peninsula Park beats Huntington Beach hands down when it comes to scenery and crowds. Even when it's crowded at this beach it still doesn't top Huntington, which why would one go to Huntington when you can go down the street a few miles and not have to stare at the massive ugly nuclear power plant across the street and instead enjoy the nice little boutique shops they've got? Parking is definitely easier here as well if you're going to show up in the middle of the day. Just yesterday (Saturday) Huntington had lines of cars trying to get in on not only the county beach but also the state beach. New Port Beach was also just as crowded but Balboa was reasonable where we were able to get into the parking lot and find parking within 10 minutes as opposed to other aforementioned beaches where parking could be an hour + endeavor. There are also fire pits at Balboa so for those of you who want a fire pit and think that only Huntington has them, there are some at Balboa as well. The pier is really a nice walk at sunset and if you're hungry there is Ruby's at the end of the pier not to mention some eateries across the street from the beach. All in, I love this beach and it is one of my favorite hang out spots in southern cal. read more

Beautiful place to take the kids for a walk with the little playground along there plenty of parking must pay for parking including the handicap Placard read more

Although the beach and the pier were lovely the restrooms and children's play area need serious attention! Bathrooms were so filthy I can't even find the words in my vocabulary to decribe the filth. The children's play area was so close to the restrooms that the stench from the restrooms were intolerable. Not to mention the drunks surrounding the area made it not appropriate for children. Very disappointed and would not recommend it for children. read more

Beautiful park with a jungle gym in the sand. There are bathrooms near by which are clean and a pier where people are fishing. My kids loved playing here. read more

Great place to bring the kids. Parking is so close. We always leave early to get prime parking. On holidays they do get really busy. Lots of things to do. Plenty of shopping and food galore. read more