Situated in the heart of Newport Beach, California, the Balboa Pier is a beloved landmark that offers visitors a quintessential Southern California coastal experience. Built in 1906, the pier has stood the test of time, attracting locals and tourists alike with its breathtaking ocean views, seaside dining, recreational activities, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're interested in fishing, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the Pacific breeze, Balboa Pier is a must-visit destination.

Here’s a guide to all the great things you can do and experience at Balboa Pier.

1. Stroll Along the Historic Pier

Walking along Balboa Pier is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable activities you can do here. The long, wooden pier stretches out over the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the beach, the sparkling blue waters, and the nearby Balboa Peninsula. As you stroll, you can feel the ocean breeze and hear the soothing sounds of waves crashing beneath you.

At the end of the pier, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the coastline, Catalina Island on clear days, and an expansive view of the Pacific. The pier is a popular spot for watching the sunset, where the sky often explodes into shades of pink, orange, and purple—a perfect way to end the day.

2. Fishing from the Pier

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Balboa Pier. With no fishing license required, both locals and visitors can try their hand at catching a variety of fish, including mackerel, perch, croaker, halibut, and even the occasional shark. The pier offers ample space for fishermen to set up their rods, and there's often a friendly camaraderie among those casting their lines.

For beginners, local bait shops nearby provide everything you need, from bait to tackle, and are happy to give advice on the best fishing techniques and spots. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, fishing at Balboa Pier is a peaceful and rewarding experience.

3. Ruby’s Diner: A Seaside Classic

At the end of Balboa Pier, you’ll find Ruby’s Diner, an iconic 1940s-style diner that has become synonymous with pier dining. Known for its retro decor, friendly service, and mouth-watering menu, Ruby’s is a perfect spot for grabbing a bite after a day of exploring the pier and beach.

Ruby’s Diner is famous for its juicy burgers, crispy fries, milkshakes, and breakfast items, all of which can be enjoyed with an ocean view. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, a quick snack, or a nostalgic treat, Ruby’s is an essential part of the Balboa Pier experience.

4. Balboa Beach and Ocean Fun

Directly adjacent to Balboa Pier is Balboa Beach, a beautiful and wide stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beach has a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the sunny Southern California weather. Lifeguard stations along the shore ensure that swimmers can safely enjoy the water.

For those who love watersports, surfing and bodyboarding are popular activities at Balboa Beach, especially on days with good waves. The pier also provides a great vantage point for watching surfers ride the waves, and during certain times of the year, you might even spot dolphins swimming offshore.

5. The Balboa Fun Zone

A short walk from Balboa Pier brings you to the Balboa Fun Zone, one of Newport Beach’s most popular attractions, especially for families. The Fun Zone is an old-school amusement area that features arcade games, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, and other fun activities. The Ferris wheel is particularly beloved for offering spectacular views of Newport Harbor and the surrounding area.

The Fun Zone is also home to a number of shops and eateries, where you can enjoy everything from ice cream to seafood. This area is ideal for a family outing, and kids will love the combination of the beach and amusement park fun.

6. Balboa Island Ferry

While exploring the area near Balboa Pier, don’t miss out on a ride on the Balboa Island Ferry. This short, scenic ferry ride transports passengers between the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island—a charming, picturesque neighborhood filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and beautiful waterfront homes.

The ferry ride is a fun and unique way to see Newport Harbor from the water, offering stunning views of luxury yachts, sailboats, and the surrounding coastline. Whether you're headed to Balboa Island for a day of shopping or just enjoying the ferry ride itself, it’s a relaxing and picturesque experience.

7. Biking and Rollerblading Along the Peninsula

Balboa Pier is also the perfect starting point for exploring the Balboa Peninsula by bike or rollerblades. The area is crisscrossed with bike paths, including the popular Oceanfront Boardwalk, which runs parallel to the beach and is lined with oceanfront homes and small shops.

You can rent bikes and rollerblades nearby and explore the area at your own pace. The flat, scenic paths make for a leisurely ride or skate, and there are plenty of places to stop for a snack, drink, or photo along the way.

8. Whale Watching and Harbor Cruises

For those looking to get out on the water, Balboa Pier is close to several companies that offer whale watching tours and harbor cruises. Newport Harbor is a great departure point for ocean excursions, where you can spot marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, and various seabirds.

Whale watching tours are especially popular from December to April when gray whales migrate along the coast, but sightings of blue whales in the summer and fall are also common. A harbor cruise is another relaxing way to see the beautiful homes, yachts, and landmarks of Newport Harbor.

9. History and Culture at Balboa Pavilion

Just steps from Balboa Pier is the Balboa Pavilion, a historic landmark that dates back to 1906. This elegant waterfront building is one of the oldest structures in Newport Beach and has served as a social and recreational hub for generations. Today, the pavilion remains a vibrant part of the community and houses restaurants, shops, and venues for events.

Visitors can learn about the history of Newport Beach, the development of the pier, and how this coastal area grew into the popular tourist destination it is today.

Conclusion

Balboa Pier is more than just a spot to enjoy the ocean; it’s a gateway to a wide variety of coastal activities that embody the best of Southern California living. Whether you're fishing off the pier, grabbing a burger at Ruby’s Diner, enjoying the beach, or exploring the nearby Balboa Fun Zone, there’s something for everyone at this charming destination.

With its laid-back atmosphere, scenic beauty, and rich history, Balboa Pier offers a slice of classic California that’s perfect for a day trip, family outing, or romantic evening by the sea. Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic landmark and all it has to offer when you’re in Newport Beach!