Video of Cars Driving off Newport Beach
Ferry to Balboa Peninsula
Newport Beach, Calif..―One of
Southern California's favorite rides is inexpensive and fun. For just
around a buck ($1), you can hop aboard the Balboa Island Ferry on foot
(cars cost a bit more), and enjoy the scenic, five minute journey across
the the Newport Beach bay in the Newport Harbor.
In service
not quite 100 years, this ferry offers a break from the routine. On
either side of the trip, you're in for some fun. One side with the
island features shopping and dining. The other side has the fun zone and
beaches. What's so special about this little ride is the fresh air and
exhilaration you get from being out on the water and in the bay.
If not for tons of dredging, this fabulous harbor would not exist (and
in today's world, it probably would not be built). Silt builds up in the
bay where a wetlands exists, and in the harbor, itself. The bay and
series of jetties built for the Newport Beach harbor, changed the
coastal dynamics. Corona del Mar beaches, once known by surfers as
the place to go no longer offers great waves because the jetties block
the ocean's natural movement in this location.
There are a few harbors and
beaches that offer nautical rides sponsored by the municipal services in
Southern California. The few that come to mind are this ferry and the
Long Beach water transportation system that includes
Aqualink boat rides and water
taxi.
A bit further down south in San
Diego (approx. 100 miles), you can enjoy the ferry that runs all day
between downtown San Diego and Coronado Island. It offers one of
the best modes of transportation for those willing to explore the city
on foot and by bus.
And for many dollars more you can
hitch a ride on a privately-owned and operated boat service that taxis
people between the mainland and Catalina Island. Cars are not permitted
on that ferry service, however.
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