Balboa Pier Newport Beach
Iconic pier with classic diner, fishing, and skimboarding, offering stunning ocean views and sunset vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Balboa Pier Newport Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier with classic diner, fishing, and skimboarding, offering stunning ocean views and sunset vistas.
"A quintessential Southern California experience with great food, fishing, and unforgettable sunsets."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Metered parking and paid lots are available. Arrive early or use parking apps for convenience. :parking:
🎣 Fishing Gear
Bring your own fishing gear or rent some locally to try your luck off the pier. :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Ruby's Diner
End of the Pier
Savor classic diner fare with stunning ocean views at the last original Ruby's Diner on a pier.
Skimboarding Hotspot
Adjacent Beach
Witness or participate in skimboarding action, a popular activity with dedicated community events.
Fishing Fun
Balboa Pier
Cast a line from the pier and try your luck at catching local fish species.
Sunset Views
Balboa Pier
Experience breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific Ocean from the pier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Balboa Pier
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Metered parking and paid lots are available. Arrive early or use parking apps for convenience. :parking:
🎣 Fishing Gear
Bring your own fishing gear or rent some locally to try your luck off the pier. :fishing_pole:
🏄♀️ Skimboarding Vibes
Watch skilled skimboarders or join in if you have the gear and experience. :wave:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The pier offers incredible vantage points for capturing stunning California sunsets. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Metered parking and paid lots are available. Arrive early or use parking apps for convenience. :parking:
🎣 Fishing Gear
Bring your own fishing gear or rent some locally to try your luck off the pier. :fishing_pole:
🏄♀️ Skimboarding Vibes
Watch skilled skimboarders or join in if you have the gear and experience. :wave:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The pier offers incredible vantage points for capturing stunning California sunsets. :camera:
🚶♀️ Pier Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pier, taking in the ocean breeze and scenic views. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Balboa Pier for its classic Southern California charm, offering a relaxed atmosphere for fishing, dining at Ruby's, and enjoying scenic ocean views. The pier is a beloved spot for sunsets and family outings, though parking can be a significant challenge and expense during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Balboa Pier is located at the west end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. You can drive there, and it's accessible via public transportation routes that serve the peninsula. Many visitors arrive by car, so be prepared for potential traffic and parking challenges, especially on weekends.
If you're already in Newport Beach, you can drive, bike, or even take a ferry to Balboa Island and then walk or bike to the pier. The ferry is a scenic option that adds to the experience.
Yes, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses serve the Balboa Peninsula. Check their schedules for routes that stop near the pier.
Absolutely! The Balboa Peninsula is very bike-friendly, and there are often bike rental shops nearby. Walking along the beach path is also a pleasant way to reach the pier.
From the 405 Freeway, take the Newport Boulevard exit south. Continue on Newport Boulevard until it becomes Balboa Boulevard. Follow Balboa Boulevard west towards the ocean, and you'll reach the pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Balboa Pier is a public access pier, and there is no entrance fee to walk on it. You can enjoy the views and atmosphere for free.
Balboa Pier is generally open to the public from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary slightly, but it's typically accessible during daylight and early evening hours.
You do not need a permit to fish from Balboa Pier. However, you will need a California fishing license if you are over 16 years old.
Generally, you can bring beach gear, fishing equipment, and snacks. Large coolers and excessive amounts of equipment might be subject to space limitations. Alcohol and BBQs are typically not allowed on the pier itself.
Dogs are generally not allowed on the pier itself, though they may be permitted on leash in designated areas of the beach adjacent to the pier. It's always best to check local ordinances.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the iconic Ruby's Diner, opportunities for fishing, watching skimboarders, enjoying scenic ocean views, and experiencing beautiful sunsets. It's a classic Southern California pier experience.,
You can stroll along the pier, fish, watch surfers and skimboarders, enjoy a meal at Ruby's Diner, or simply relax and take in the ocean air and views. It's a great spot for photography.,
Yes, Balboa Pier is very family-friendly. There are safe areas for children to play near the beach, and the pier offers gentle activities like strolling and watching the waves.
Common catches from Balboa Pier include surfperch, corbina, croaker, and sometimes halibut. It's a popular spot for pier fishing enthusiasts.
Yes, public restrooms are typically available near the pier and along the adjacent beach areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most iconic spot is Ruby's Diner located right on the pier, offering classic diner food with ocean views. There are also various cafes and restaurants in the nearby Balboa Village.
Ruby's Diner serves American diner classics like burgers, fries, milkshakes, and breakfast items. It's known for its retro atmosphere.
While there aren't dedicated picnic tables directly on the pier, you can find picnic spots along the adjacent beach or in nearby parks on the Balboa Peninsula.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the pier or the beach. However, be mindful of trash and keep the area clean.
Yes, besides Ruby's Diner, you'll find various ice cream shops and snack vendors in the vicinity, especially in Balboa Village.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier itself, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers stunning photographic opportunities. You can capture the ocean, waves, surfers, skimboarders, and the iconic Ruby's Diner.,
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright but still offers great shots of the ocean and pier activity.,
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and FAA guidelines. It's essential to check current rules before flying a drone in the area, as restrictions can apply.,
Drones can capture sweeping aerial views of the pier, the coastline, the Balboa Peninsula, and the surrounding ocean, offering a unique perspective.
The end of the pier offers a classic shot looking back towards the shore. Walking along the beach provides different angles of the pier stretching into the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing sand toys, a kite, or even trying some beginner fishing. The ferry ride to Balboa Island is also a fun, short excursion that kids often enjoy, and it's just a short distance from the pier. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families looking for a classic beach day.
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
It's a great place to spend a few hours, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a casual fishing outing. The pier provides easy access to deeper water and a chance to catch something unique to the Southern California coast.
🏄♀️ Skimboarders and Surfers
If you're a skimboarder, this is a must-visit location. Even if you're just watching, the energy and skill on display are impressive. The community around skimboarding here is active and welcoming.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Balboa Pier: A Skimboarding Hub
Community events and skimboarding sessions are frequently held here, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for participants and spectators. If you're interested in learning or watching, the area around Balboa Pier is the place to be. It's a testament to the beach's suitability for this unique sport, drawing attention from both locals and visitors.
For those new to skimboarding, it involves riding a thin board across the shallow water near the shore. The skill lies in maintaining balance and executing turns and jumps. The consistent wave action at Balboa Pier provides the perfect conditions for practicing and showcasing these abilities.
Fishing from Balboa Pier
You don't need a special permit to fish from the pier itself, but a California fishing license is required for individuals over 16 years old. You can bring your own gear or often rent it from nearby shops. The pier provides a stable platform, and the relatively shallow waters near the shore are teeming with fish.
Beyond the fishing itself, the experience of being on the pier, surrounded by the ocean breeze and the sound of waves, is a significant draw. It's a classic Southern California pastime that offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.
The Iconic Ruby's Diner Experience
Visitors can enjoy a range of comfort food favorites, including burgers, fries, shakes, and breakfast items, all while taking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The diner's location at the very end of the pier provides a unique dining setting, making it a memorable stop for many.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a meal, Ruby's Diner at Balboa Pier adds a charming and flavorful dimension to any visit, blending culinary enjoyment with the picturesque coastal scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit