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.