Locals know the three-mile-long stretch with the harbor on one side and broad, sandy California beaches on the other as “the Peninsula.” The Balboa Peninsula features the original Ruby’s Diner and a view of a shoreline, surfers, and sunbathers spanning for miles. A walk straight down Main Street brings you to the historic Balboa Pavilion, made famous in the 30s and 40s for being the home of Big Band era legends Count Basie and Benny Goodman.

The Balboa Peninsula is home to many sit down restaurants and quick food stops for people hitting the sand for a day at Balboa Beach, and the variety of bars and live music makes the Peninsula a regional nightlife destination. Some of the places locals hang out for good seafood and a casual fun atmosphere are the Crab Cooker and Woody’s Wharf. 

Anglers can bring home dinner from one of the sport fishing vessels and whale watching enthusiasts can see some of nature’s most beautiful creatures up close, as Balboa Peninsula rentals and adventure boats launch early and often. But a trip to the Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone, where the Ferris wheel has stood for more than 80 years, and the world famous Balboa Island Ferry.