Welcome to the Balboa Lodge, where we swap skis for flip flops and snow for sand! This vacation home is truly one of a kind. The main house behind one of Balboa's historical cottages, the lodge was designed to bring all the coziness of a mountain cabin to the coast. We are just minutes by foot from the Balboa Ferry, Fun Zone, and Peninsula beaches. With vaulted ceilings and open living spaces, this is the perfect spot to unwind with family and friends after a long day exploring Newport Beach! Balboa Lodge is a 2-story back unit, ready for relaxation and a comfortable summer or winter beach rental! NEWLY ADDED AIR CONDITIONING FOR THOSE SUMMER DAYS :) Enter into the foyer, where you can immediately access the ground floor bedroom with a King bed and ensuite bathroom, making this an excellent room for either kids or for guests who have trouble climbing stairs! Follow the wood cabin staircase up to our open plan living room, furnished with couches and comfy chairs, and decorated with vintage beach memorabilia. The HDTV is equipped with cable, DVD, and Netflix, with Bose Music System for all your media needs, and an adjacent, brick-inlaid fireplace for the colder months. Step out onto the deck to catch some sunshine and use the charcoal grill! The kitchen is fully equipped with anything you might need for preparing meals, including new appliances, multiple coffee-making utensils, and a dining table with bench seating. Passing the powder room/half bath down the hall, you'll find our master bedroom with a brand new king size bed and full ensuite bathroom. Just across the hall is the third bedroom with two twin beds and a TV. Finally, heading outside past the front door and the outdoor beach shower toward the alleyway, you'll find the garage with parking for 1 car (shared with front unit) and new washer and dryer. The garage can also be accessed through the foyer, and contains a variety of beach chairs and toys which guests are free to use - please just make sure to return them! Activities and Attractions: Balboa Island is not only a great vacation destination itself but also an excellent base for Southern California's many other attractions and theme parks! Our property is located about 1.5 blocks 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 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 which 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 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. Balboa Lodge is ~35 minutes from 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. Guests have full access to the unit including one spot for parking in the garage Super Hosts Neil and Mitch are available at all hours during your stay, feel free to reach out with any questions! Balboa Island is an incredibly safe neighborhood that is mainly inhabited by families - you'll find neighbors out walking their dogs and exercising at all times of day! Ferry costs are as follows: Adults are $1 Children 5 to11 – .50 Children under 5 – Free Vehicles (Passengers are Extra) Car and Driver $2 Motorcycle and Driver $1.50 Bicycle and Rider $1.50 Bicycle and Child .75 The preferred method of transportation in Newport Beach is by bike, but for longer distances a car is best, whether rental or by any of the many Uber cars available. There is also an excellent public transit system through OCTA buses. Parking on the island during the summer can be a bit tricky - if your group has multiple vehicles it is best to try and leave one parked nearby while parking the largest in the garage!