Balboa Pier Newport Beach
Historic Balboa Pier offers iconic Ruby's Diner, fishing, stunning sunsets, and a charming village vibe. A classic Southern California coastal experie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Balboa Pier Newport Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Balboa Pier offers iconic Ruby's Diner, fishing, stunning sunsets, and a charming village vibe. A classic Southern California coastal experience.
"Balboa Pier in Newport Beach stands as one of Southern California's most iconic coastal landmarks."
🚗 Parking Hacks
Metered parking and apps are available. Arrive early afternoon for best spots. :parking:
🌅 Sunset Chaser
Sunsets here are legendary! Don't miss the vibrant colors reflecting on the water. :city_sunset:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Ruby's Diner
End of Balboa Pier
Step back in time at this retro diner with classic American fare and ocean views. A must-visit for a nostalgic bite. :hamburger:
Sunset Spectacle
Balboa Pier
Witness breathtaking sunsets that transform the sky into a canvas of gold and crimson. Unforgettable coastal magic. :city_sunset:
Fishing & Ocean Views
Balboa Pier
Cast a line or simply enjoy the panoramic ocean vistas. Popular for anglers and those seeking serene coastal beauty. :fishingpoleand_line:
Balboa Village & Fun Zone
Adjacent to the pier
Explore charming shops, arcades, and take a ferry ride for a lively, community-focused experience. :arcade_cabinet:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Time for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Hacks
Metered parking and apps are available. Arrive early afternoon for best spots. :parking:
🌅 Sunset Chaser
Sunsets here are legendary! Don't miss the vibrant colors reflecting on the water. :city_sunset:
🎣 Angler's Paradise
Bring your fishing gear! The pier is a popular spot for casting lines into the ocean. :fishingpoleand_line:
🍦 Grab a Bite
Ruby's Diner at the pier's end offers classic eats with amazing views. :hamburger:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Hacks
Metered parking and apps are available. Arrive early afternoon for best spots. :parking:
🌅 Sunset Chaser
Sunsets here are legendary! Don't miss the vibrant colors reflecting on the water. :city_sunset:
🎣 Angler's Paradise
Bring your fishing gear! The pier is a popular spot for casting lines into the ocean. :fishingpoleand_line:
🍦 Grab a Bite
Ruby's Diner at the pier's end offers classic eats with amazing views. :hamburger:
🚶♀️ Stroll the Pier
Enjoy a leisurely walk, taking in the ocean breeze and coastal scenery. :walking:
🌊 Skimboarding Hotspot
Watch skilled skimboarders or even join in if you're experienced! :wave:
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack towels, sunscreen, and an umbrella for a comfortable beach experience. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Balboa Pier's beautiful scenery, especially its unforgettable sunsets and relaxed atmosphere, making it a quintessential Newport Beach experience. While parking can be a challenge and sometimes pricey, the clean beach, gentle waves, and iconic Ruby's Diner add to its charm, making it a highly recommended spot for families and couples alike.
"One of my favorite place. Newport Beach Pier is beautiful no matter when you go, early mornings are peaceful, afternoons are sunny and lively, and sunsets are always unique. If you look closely, no two evenings are ever the same!
Parking can be a bit pricey, but you can usually find a spot unless it’s a holiday. The beach itself is clean, with soft sand and gentle waves, making it great for families. A must-visit if you’re in the area!"
Corinna L. Szilagyí
"Balboa Pier in Newport Beach stands as one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks. Built in 1906, it offers both historic charm and modern-day leisure, making it a destination that appeals to families, couples, and solo visitors alike. The pier extends gracefully into the Pacific Ocean, providing panoramic views of the coastline and the endless horizon. Its atmosphere balances relaxation and energy—fishermen casting lines, surfers riding waves, and visitors strolling or simply taking in the ocean breeze. At the end of the pier sits the classic Ruby’s Diner, a retro-style restaurant that enhances the nostalgic experience with its vintage décor and all-American menu. The sunsets here are particularly unforgettable, as the sky transforms into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, mirrored beautifully on the water’s surface. Surrounding the pier, Balboa Village and the Fun Zone add further charm with arcades, ferry rides, and local shops, creating a lively community feel. Despite its popularity, the pier maintains a sense of calm and openness that makes it distinct from more crowded Southern California spots. Parking and accessibility are convenient, though summer weekends can bring larger crowds. Overall, Balboa Pier is a quintessential coastal experience, blending history, natural beauty, and recreational charm in a way that captures the timeless spirit of Newport Beach."
N J (NJ)
"Balboa Beach Pier – ★★★★☆
Came on a Saturday around 1pm—perfect timing. Plenty of parking available, either through the app or at meters. The pier and beach were clean, and the restrooms were well-maintained. Nice cool breeze made it a great beach day.
Tips:
• Bring towels and an umbrella for shade
• Arrive early afternoon for best parking
• Sunscreen and flip-flops recommended!
Balboa Pier – Easy to park, hard to leave. 🌴🌊"
T HA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Balboa Pier is located on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. You can drive there, and there are parking options nearby. It's also accessible via public transport routes that serve the peninsula.
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays. There are metered parking spots and a parking lot. Some visitors recommend using parking apps or arriving early in the afternoon for better availability.
Finding free parking directly at the pier can be difficult. While some street parking might be available further away, paid lots and metered spots are more common.
Yes, the Balboa Island Ferry operates between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula, which is near the pier. It's a charming way to travel and offers great views.
The Newport Pier and Balboa Pier are on the same peninsula, about a mile apart. You can easily walk between them along the beach or the boardwalk, or take a short bike ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Balboa Pier is a public pier and does not have an entrance fee. You can walk on and enjoy the views for free.
Balboa Pier is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing visitors to enjoy it at any time. However, specific amenities like Ruby's Diner have their own operating hours.
No tickets are required to access and walk on Balboa Pier. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Balboa Pier sometimes hosts events like skimboarding competitions. It's also a popular spot for community gatherings and beach activities.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity on Balboa Pier. You can bring your own gear or rent some. A California fishing license may be required depending on regulations.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the views, walk the pier, fish, watch surfers and skimboarders, visit Ruby's Diner, explore Balboa Village, and relax on the beach.
Absolutely! The beach has gentle waves, and the nearby Peninsula Park playground is great for kids. The pier offers a safe place to walk and enjoy the ocean.
The most notable spot is Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier, offering classic American diner food. There are also other dining options in Balboa Village.
Yes, Balboa Pier is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. The western-facing views over the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking.
Yes, public restrooms and beach showers are available near the pier and the adjacent playground, making it convenient for a day at the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the pier itself, Ruby's Diner, surfers, skimboarders, and especially the stunning sunsets. The nearby playground also offers unique photo ops.
Drone photography can offer incredible aerial views of the pier, coastline, and ocean. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage in public spaces.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday offers bright, clear shots of the ocean.
The playground at Peninsula Park, with its lifeguard truck and boat structures, offers fun and unique photo opportunities, especially for families.
Try 'Balboa Pier Newport Beach sunset', 'Balboa Pier California', 'Ruby's Diner Balboa Pier', and 'Newport Beach pier photos'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Restrooms and showers are conveniently located, making it easy to manage sandy kids. Don't forget to visit Ruby's Diner for a fun, casual meal that kids will love. Consider taking the Balboa Island Ferry for a fun mini-adventure before or after your pier visit. It's a short, inexpensive ride that adds to the excitement. The overall vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a stress-free outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks is a great way to save money, though a visit to Ruby's Diner for a classic burger can be a worthwhile splurge. Parking can be a cost factor, so look for metered spots or consider walking or biking if you're staying nearby. The Balboa Island Ferry is also an affordable and scenic way to get to the peninsula.
couples
+1 Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand along the pier, or share a classic milkshake at Ruby's Diner. Consider a sunset picnic on the beach or a romantic stroll through the charming Balboa Village. The ferry ride to Balboa Island can also be a sweet, shared experience. The pier offers a blend of lively atmosphere and peaceful moments, catering to various romantic moods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Balboa Pier: A Historic Landmark
Beyond its historical roots, the pier is a hub of activity. Fishermen cast their lines, hoping for a catch, while surfers and skimboarders ride the waves nearby. The atmosphere is a blend of relaxed enjoyment and vibrant energy. At the pier's end, the iconic Ruby's Diner, with its retro decor and classic American menu, adds to the nostalgic experience, making it a popular spot for a meal with a view.
The pier's location on the Balboa Peninsula also means it's close to other attractions like Balboa Village and the Fun Zone, which feature arcades, shops, and ferry rides. This proximity enhances the overall visitor experience, offering a variety of entertainment options beyond just the pier itself.
Experiencing Sunsets and Skimboarding
+1For the more adventurous, Balboa Pier is also a known spot for skimboarding. The waves breaking near the shore provide an excellent canvas for skilled skimboarders to showcase their talents. You can often see them gliding across the wet sand and shallow water, performing impressive maneuvers. It's a dynamic and exciting spectacle to watch, and sometimes, events are even held here.
+1Whether you're a photographer seeking the perfect shot, a romantic looking for a beautiful backdrop, or simply someone who appreciates nature's artistry, the sunsets at Balboa Pier offer a captivating experience. Similarly, the energy of the skimboarders adds a lively element to the beach scene, making it a place of both serene beauty and active recreation.
Navigating Parking and Accessibility
For those looking for a more scenic approach, the Balboa Island Ferry offers a charming way to reach the peninsula. This short ferry ride provides lovely views and drops you off close to the pier area. It's a unique experience that bypasses some of the road traffic.
Once you're at the pier, accessibility is generally good. The pier itself is a flat, paved surface, making it easy to walk or roll along. Nearby amenities like restrooms and showers are also conveniently located, ensuring a comfortable visit for most travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit