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Kids & Family / Living Well / Travel & Places

Sunday Stroll: Balboa Island, Newport Beach

One of those perfect pre-summer days…

Yesterday was the husband’s birthday, so we decided to venture down to Balboa Island. Sometimes I still feel like an O.C. newbie, because I only learned of this gem last year! But that morning we read an article in the Orange County Register about the history of Newport Harbor (check it out here), and we were reminded just how lucky we are to live in this area.

Balboa Island Sunday stroll

Balboa Island Sunday stroll

Balboa Island Sunday stroll

Only as we were walking off the island did it dawn on me that I should have taken a billion photos of the gorgeous panoramic marina views and houses. I searched the internet for photos that would do it justice, and to my surprise, there are so few! For those who have never been, I highly recommend taking an hour or two to stroll through the little shops on Marine Ave. and cruise around the walking path on the outer edge of the island.

Balboa Island

Balboa Island, Marine Ave.

Balboa Island, Marine Ave.

Balboa Island, Marine Ave. Ornate Home

Balboa Island, Marine Ave. Ornate Home

I did come across this adorable Balboa Island cottage by Krista Ewart of beachbungalow8 that was featured in House Beautiful last year. I thought I’d share a few happy shots to start the week!

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

Krista Ewart in House Beautiful, Balboa Island

These pretty much sum up what I was feeling…such a lovely day!

...xoxo

Erika Brechtel

Erika's passion for guiding women to "Style Your Biz, Your Home, Your Self, Your Life" led her create 'The E List' (formerly the Small Shop blog) in 2010. Since, she's expanded globally into speaking, mentoring, course offerings, angel investing, and social entrepreneurship through the Élanoura Collective for women founders.

Reader Interactions

The Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:22 am

    ahhh I need to get to warmer weather! Boston still feels like a mild winter, or late fall.

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:25 am

      It’s been off and on here too. Colder than usual!

  2. Jill Browning says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Baby girl is adorable!

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:25 am

      I think we took like 60 pics to get 5 decent ones. Of course!

  3. Lily says

    May 23, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Balboa Island is so cute ! My favorite part is walking along the path in front of all the gorgeous homes ! And your daughter is so adorable!!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:26 am

      I know, I can’t believe I didn’t take any photos of the homes. And the view is just so lovely, with that breeze coming off the ocean. Can’t beat it.

  4. Juli McDermott says

    May 23, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Leighton is gorgeous!!! Crossing fingers we get back to CA so we can visit with you guys. I am in love with that bathroom mirror- I am printing the pic to put in my “I want someday” folder.

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:26 am

      Yay! Please keep me posted!!

  5. Tamara, Bella Boho says

    May 23, 2011 at 10:13 am

    All my years in San Diego, I kick myself for not venturing up north more!

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:27 am

      SD is gorgeous as well though! I wish I could get down there more often.

  6. designstiles says

    May 23, 2011 at 10:23 am

    That store is right up my alley. I LOVED Krista’s feature. So much pattern and color. If I remember correctly, she added a pink fridge.

    Happy belated to your husband.

    • that girl says

      May 23, 2011 at 10:27 am

      Yes she did!

      Have you been to Ornate Home? It’s super cute. I could live there.

  7. Mackenzie {Design Darling} says

    May 23, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    These pictures make me so excited to move to the west coast (even if I’m headed to San Francisco!). I wanted to thank you for the encouraging words of wisdom you shared on my blog today. I read them aloud to my mom and she was amazed by the kind of people blogging has introduced me to :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! xoxo

    • that girl says

      May 24, 2011 at 10:49 am

      Aw, my pleasure!

      You will love SF! Bring lots of layers, that summer fog can be chilly.

  8. Karena says

    May 23, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    I lived in San Diego thirteen years and had friends who lived on Balboa Island!! It is truly beautiful!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Do Come and enter my Great Giveaway from Serena & Lily!

    You will love it!

    • that girl says

      May 24, 2011 at 10:51 am

      Your lucky friends!!

  9. Lonely Wife Project says

    May 24, 2011 at 8:41 am

    My parents used to take me and my brother to Balboa Island all the time when I was little. I remember eating ice cream and riding the ferris wheel. It’s such a gorgeous place! And your little girl is too gorgeous for words!

    • that girl says

      May 24, 2011 at 10:50 am

      What a lovely memory! It’s nice to have a place that the kiddos can enjoy, but mommy and daddy also don’t mind being at.

  10. jonalynn says

    May 26, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    I didn’t spend too much time in the OC when I lived in Cali, but I’m thinking a trip is order just to visit Ornate!!! Your pictures have me missing the beach/coast. Not much of that in the AZ. Your wee one is adorable! It looks like you guys had a nice time!

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