Balboa Island a Newport Beach enclave is a throw back to simpler times, with shops and restaurants lining its main street – Marine Avenue, a sure spot to find just what you’re looking for whether you’re a resident or a visitor.

Hop on a ferry at the Balboa Peninsula, or travel by car or foot from Pacific Coast Highway and you’ll be transported to a quaint Cape Cod-style community; home to more than 100 picturesque boutiques, gift shops, galleries and restaurants. An ideal place to see on foot. Balboa Island features a walkway which offers wonderful views of the beautiful homes, bay and harbor, if you start out on the Islands, you might also like taking a quick ferry ride to the Balboa Fun Zone on the Peninsula for games and rides or just meander down Marine Ave. and spend the day window shopping.

Boutiques vary is the best sort of way making Balboa Island a destination for every shopper. From high end boutiques like A’maree’s Sale Away, just a mile from their world renowned flagship boutique off of PCH, here you’ll find a variety of designer pieces marked down like dresses from the The Row, tops by Chloe, accessories and shoes by Celine and everything in between from Commes De Garcon – just to name a few. Also check out Blondedetourage By The Bay, a cute contemporary store catering to the hip and trendy. They feature young lines like Wonderland sunglasses, Mink Pink separates and dresses by Flynn Skye. A perfect location to stock up on the “Beach Chic” looks. They carry everything from bathing suits to apparel to intimates and accessories. If you’re more of a Jeans and T kind of gal, you might want to stop into Mode•ology, a premier denim boutique offering popular denim lines like 7 For all of Mankind, Joes Jeans, and Hudson. To top off your look they also carry top lines like Free People and Wildfox as well as accessories by Cleobella.

But if it’s the whole family your shopping for you must visit Balboa Surf and Style. An action sport store with both men and women’s clothing as well as stand up paddle rentals for the adventurous who want to look at the Island from the other side. They have everything for the outdoors type from Rainbow Sandals, O’Neill Board Shorts, California Tee’s for women as well as Billabong dress and tops. The Balboa Beach Company offers vintage apparel and accessories, for newborns to adults that are inspired by the history of surf, sail, skate, and beach culture.  The Persimmon Tree is also a great family store and has proudly served the Balboa Island community since 1965. They offer a great selection of beach apparel for the whole family. From Bikini babes to surfer boys if you’re looking for the ideal suit, rash guard or clothing for your vacation or to take home this boutiques has it. With over 40 labels in their store you’re sure to find the perfect pieces.

Before you end your day at beautiful Balboa Island don’t forget to grab a Balboa Bar Ice Cream at Dad’s an institution here in Newport Beach. It will help you beat the heat or act as a rewarded for all the walking you did – it’s their specialty and you wont be disappointed