On Balboa Island, Island Escape offers a cozy condominium retreat with open living spaces and a full kitchen perfect for summer BBQs. Guests can enjoy walking to quaint restaurants, cafes, and bayside beaches or take the ferry to main Peninsula beaches 15 minutes away. This cheery home is fully furnished with two bedrooms upstairs and one bathroom downstairs.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6102 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Gym
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access
Island Escape is a 2 BR/2 BA, cozy condominium nestled on Newport Beach's renowned Balboa Island. Mere seconds from the Balboa Ferry, this unit makes for a perfect getaway to Southern California's endless summer!
Guests can enjoy walking to Balboa Island's quaint restaurants, cafes, and bayside beaches, with the main Peninsula beaches only 15 minutes away via the ferry.
Escape to open living spaces complete with full kitchen & outdoor grill for your summer BBQs!
Note: We have a 4 BR/3BA house and 1 Bed Studio at the same location (126 Agate) if multiple families want to rent together at the same location. See VRBO listings #70310 and #2343336.
Balboa Island is not only a great vacation destination but also a great base for many Southern California attractions and theme parks.
Island Escape is a 2-story back unit that has 2 bedrooms upstairs with 1 full bathroom and 1 bathroom downstairs which includes a shower. Brand new HVAC systems installed in the bedrooms. This cheery and bright home is fully furnished and equipped. Ready for a comfortable and worry-free summer beach vacation or winter rental!
The kitchen and open living area have white tile flooring while both upstairs bedrooms are carpeted. The master bedroom is furnished with a queen sized bed and TV of its own, while the bunk room has two twins and one full size. All linens and towels, including beach towels and chairs are provided.
Along the side of the unit, just through the dining room door, is a sitting area with a new propane BBQ. The upstairs also has outside access via a small patio.
Activities & Attractions:
Our property is located less than one block from the beautiful Balboa Bay, boardwalk, and the Balboa Ferry that gives access to the Peninsula beaches and Pacific Ocean. The ferry is a lovely 5 minute ride directly to the Balboa Fun Zone (with arcades, rides, and snacks), the Balboa Pier, shopping and restaurants, boating and fishing excursions (including transport to nearby Catalina Island), and bike/water sport rentals.
Agate is the only street on the island with a children's climbing gym and basketball court. On the island itself, Marine Avenue boasts fine restaurants and boutique shops that are only 2 miles away from even more fine dining, shopping, and movie theaters at Newport's famous outdoor mall, Fashion Island.
For those interested in seeing more of the Orange County coastline, Laguna Beach lies only 7 miles further down the Pacific Coast Highway. Originally an artist's colony, Laguna hosts the Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Festival in the summer, art galleries, and fine dining and shopping along with wonderful beaches with tide pools.
Island Escape is within 30 minutes of Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and an hour or so from Universal Studios, Hollywood, San Diego Zoo and Sea World. The Santa Ana/Orange County (SNA) Airport is only 10 minutes away and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 45 minutes away.
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the marina
Things to do
Gym
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Unit size: 1,100 square feet
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An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Noise level must be at a minimum after 10 pm.
Guests must leave space for another car to park next to theirs in the garage (for our other guests)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number SLP11024
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks. Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Crystal Cove State Park and Huntington Beach Beaches. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Festival Amphitheatre, or consider a night out at The Observatory. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking. Visit our Newport Beach travel guide
Is Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access located?
Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Pier and Balboa Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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Cozy Condo With New AC, Steps from Balboa Ferry and Peninsula Beach Access Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a fantastic stay; the property was even better than the photos. Som many thoughtful amenities and extras were provided, making us feel right at home. This was the perfect base for our family vacation, with plenty of space and easy to local attractions. Mahalo!
The home was perfect for families! Loved the layout and spaciousness of having 2 floors. The location was excellent and we would definitely book again.
Good location. Property clean. Downside was that in a condo that sleeps 7, there were only 4 sets of utensils in the kitchen and no manual/notebook outlining instructions, i.e. when trash needed to be put out, how heat and ac worked, etc. Manager responded to questions in a timely manner via text.
This location was prime. My only gripe is the fact that the bunk beds upstairs messed up my back for a week. I recommend bringing an air mattress just for better sleep. Toilet Paper also need stocking but it was not verbal a pleasurable stay.
We were a party of three. Great to have two full baths. One on each floor. Nice, well supplied kitchen with coffee filters, soap, etc. Having a garage space is a great plus. Beach chairs and beach towels were an additional benefit.
Unfortunately, from the description and pictures, we thought the hiuse was right on beach front. But still close enough to walk to and enjoy. We needed more T.P., so i went to corner store to buy a couple rolls, the next thing i knew, there was a box of toilet paper sirting at the front door. Not sure how they knew that... ?? We had a great time. I was there visiting with a friend that is not supposed to make it much longer. She loves the beach, so this stay was almost perfect! Great memories. Thanks again!
The property is an older secondary unit near the Ferry. Although older, it's nicely appointed and a good place to call home for a stay on the Island. Given that it's not a street-facing unit, it has no views, but there are bay-front benches just down the road for enjoying the view. Having a garage to use made parking a breeze, which can be problematic at times, especially during the summer. Downtown dining and ocean views from the Balboa Pier are an easy walk away. We received check-in information later than stated in the listing (hence the four-stars on property manager communication), but that's a very minor issue.
This was a cozy and clean stay that was steps from the Balboa Ferry! The 2 bed/2 bath house perfectly fit a group of 6 of us for a weekend getaway. We didn’t use the shared outdoor space, but that is because the ferry is so close and once you use the ferry the Balboa Beach on the Newport Pennisula is less than a 5 minute walk away.
The apartment can get a little warm during the middle of the day in the summer or early fall, but the beach breeze and provided fans helped it cool down nicely at night.
We appreciated the extra details of toiletries, beach towels, and optional beach gear in the garage. The kitchen was also adequately stocked for cooking.
Parking in the garage was super convenient. The street parking right outside the apartment does have a 3 hour limit on the weekends, but there were neighboring streets less than a 5 minute walk away with plenty of free parking.
The apartment is located next to a small market, many different shops and yummy eateries. I would stay here again!
Very good communication with the host. The property is as described...very functional and clean. We used it purely for extra sleeping space while we were visiting relatives who lived on the same street. Tremendous value for this location.
Our stay overall was great. Property was clean and had everything we needed for the weekend. Check in was easy and communication from the owner was top notch.
Amazing spot - perfect location. Well-stocked kitchen. Garage spot a major plus. We have been to Balboa Island every summer for the last 30 years. Will definitely be back to this property.
I loved the proximity to the beach and shops. Nice and cozy. The only issues was the power was off for a couple of hours on separate days and the upstairs TV was not working. I would recommend this place and would definitely stay again. Loved it
Martha L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Allison L.
12 June 2018
Great location
Stayed at this property while attending the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Loved Balboa Island and the convenience of this property. (Hint: get your Balboa Bar at the Tutti Frutti yogurt shop) Stopped in several times to the Free Range restaurant on the corner. Bought strawberries at the fruit stand at the ferry entrance. Handy market on the main street for coffee filters, iced tea, etc. Alert: Restaurants on the island & peninsula close by 9 pm except for Fri & Sat when open to 10 pm. Used Uber all weekend and never had more than a 10 minute wait - even when leaving the jazz festival at the Hyatt Regency. I recommend this property. Not as upscale as some I've stayed at, but comfortable and convenient.
Allison L.
Verified
4/10 Poor
Lori R.
28 June 2025
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Lower expectations
Our stay was not what I hoped for. I had pretty high expectations for this property for the price per night and location. Unfortunately I wasn’t impressed. There was black mold on the baseboards in the main restroom upstairs, and the cockroaches on the property were disgusting. We were visited by large cockroach on the COUCH our first night and spider on the second. I suggest an exterminator and a deep cleaning. The water pressure in the upstairs shower is so high it is unpleasant - and almost painful. The bathtub stopper leaks so the water slowly drains which makes giving your kids a bath very difficult. In addition, the towels provided smelled like they hadn’t been washed. Definitely not the fresh clean towel you hope for after leaving a torturous needle shower.
Lori R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Verified traveller
23 Oct 2023
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Cockroaches. Mold. Mouse holes. Hair in the coffee maker. Hair in the sheets. A ceiling fan that looks like it’s gonna fall on the bed. Throw blankets that have crusty spots on them. Probably never get washed. A lot of stuff is broken. Toilet flush handle. Ceiling fan. Bathroom fan (which is filthy). The ads says if you want luxury to rent another spot in balboa. We weren’t looking for luxury, but we were expecting clean, safe, and functioning. This place is all about the Benjamins baby. Bottom line, would I stay here again? No because I do not want to give these people anymore of my hard earned…. Excessive laundry charge? What is that? All I hear is we don’t wash everything and if you use it and we have to wash it we will charge you for it. This place is Motel6 of balboa short term rentals. And not the motel6 by Disneyland, the motel6 in Santa Ana.
We stated at this property for 3 nights! It was comfortable for us a family of 4. Definitely close to alot of things specially if you crossed on the ferry to Newport! We would definitely stay there again. Only thing we struggle with was parking because our truck didn't fit in the garage with the car of the family in the second property.