Best Value on Balboa Island, Classic Cottage w/Amenities, Walk to Beach and Marine Avenue
Cottage in Balboa Island, CA
5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this cottage rental
Free Whale Watching, Bike Rentals, Prehistoric Pets! We are happy to offer our guests Free Admission to some of the area's top attractions each and every day! Create exciting memories, have more fun, and truly experience your destination!
We have implemented CDC Approved cleaning. Using additional sanitizing and anti-bacterial products, especially on "high-touch" items. Staying in a vacation rental can be safer than hotels and you control your environment.
SLP 12921
We are starting to take bookings for Summer 2025. Our bookings in the summer will run from Friday to Friday in 2025 with a 7-night minimum.
Enjoy and relax in this classic Balboa Island Beach Cottage. This rear unit of a duplex is a 2 bedroom/1 bath island cottage. This cottage will bring back memories of staying at Grandma and Grandpa's beach getaway! Good for family vacations and one of the best values on Balboa Island. As with all older homes, it is not perfect and we are making upgrades from time to time.
Located two blocks from Marine Avenue (Main Street) on Balboa Island, this older cottage is steps to all of the restaurants and short walk to the bay of the famous Balboa Island Ferry. The rear unit has a closed patio that provides a spacious outdoor mix of seating. The gated patio has two Adirondack chairs for relaxing! There is also a patio table and umbrella that seats up to six people. The patio is connected to the cottage through the classic dutch doors as it blends into the living, dining and kitchen areas. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are located on the first floor and the bedrooms are located on the upper floor.
Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps 6)
• Master: Queen Bed, TV
• Guest Room 2: 1 twin bed and a twin bunk bed that sleeps 3
• Living Room: Sofa Bed (Full)
Living Room
• Medium TV (Connected to DirectTV)
• Seating for 8
Front Patio:
• Outdoor Dining for 6 People
• Gas BBQ
Kitchen / Dining
• Service for 6
• Oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker
Bathrooms
• Tub and Shower
Linens / Towels
• Included
Beach Items
• Beach Towels (at least 6)
• Beach chairs, umbrella, sand toys
Home Highlights
• Short walk to Marine Avenue for dining and shopping
• Short walk to Balboa Island Ferry
• Open Patio with Seating
• WI-FI
• Outside Parking (1 car)
• Hair Dryer / Iron
• Dog friendly home (additional pet fee required)
The living room and outdoor patio are separated by a classic dutch door that can fully open or just opened at the top that the entire family can use to enjoy the cool ocean breezes. The living room has a medium flatscreen TV so you can keep up with the game or the news. Just a few steps from the main living area, the kitchen serves as a central meeting point - which is fully stocked with cooking/dining gear and basic appliances. You can choose to cook your meal on the outdoor charcoal grill or in the kitchen!
As you continue through the house, there are private laundry facilities are conveniently located in the hallway that leads to the stairs to the bedrooms. The master bedroom has a Queen bed and TV.
The second bedroom is for the kids! It has a twin bed and a twin bunk bed. A closet with space for clothes. The hallway bathroom has a shower/tub combo.
To fulfill the sleeping arrangements for 6 total guests, please consider that the pullout living room sofa is a full size bed, best suited for 2 children or 1 adult.
PARKING: The parking for the rear unit is inside the gate. All guests are guaranteed a parking space. We do not recommend extremely large vehicles at this location. General neighborhood street parking (metered or unmetered) also in area.
Check-in time: 3:30 p.m.
Check-out time: 10 a.m.
Pets are allowed and the pet fee is $100 per pet up to two maximum.
Balboa Island is a gem whether you drive, walk, bike or take the Balboa Island Ferry to the island. Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue is home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry. It’s also home to quaint restaurants and bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor. The selections on Balboa Island go beyond the local fresh seafood of the day with flavors of Italian, Mexican, and French-Swiss mixed in to the culinary choices.
There may be nothing more iconic than the island’s two famous desserts, the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana. The local sweet tooth treasures have been mainstays for nearly 75 years, and have been imitated and replicated, including on the hit TV show “Arrested Development.” The tasty treats are dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of coatings from nuts and sprinkles to cookie crumbs.
If you want to visit the DISNEYLAND, our property is located just under 20 miles to the resort and it's two main parks. After a great day at the parks, you can return back to your villa, refresh, relax, and take a stroll down to the beach.
If you are interested in the Laguna Beach PAGEANT OF MASTERS during July, this is a fantastic place to stay. Lyft or Uber is the easiest way to get to the event. You can enjoy a nice glass of wine on the balcony before your ride picks you up and takes you to Laguna Beach.
Additional local attractions include Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Whale Watching (included in the FREE FUN package), Aquarium of the Pacific, South Coast Plaza, and Fashion Island.
But a trip to Balboa Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone or the Peninsula, where the Ferris wheel has stood for more than 80 years, and the world famous Balboa Island Ferry. The Ferry is about 10 minute walk from the cottage.
This cottage can also be rented in conjunction with the front unit for larger families.
We do allow dogs and there is a $100 pet fee that will be charged.
Please note that our properties may have electronic devices installed such as electronic locks, front door cameras, or noise monitors. There are no video devices inside the property.
SLP 12921
We have implemented CDC Approved cleaning. Using additional sanitizing and anti-bacterial products, especially on "high-touch" items. Staying in a vacation rental can be safer than hotels and you control your environment.
SLP 12921
We are starting to take bookings for Summer 2025. Our bookings in the summer will run from Friday to Friday in 2025 with a 7-night minimum.
Enjoy and relax in this classic Balboa Island Beach Cottage. This rear unit of a duplex is a 2 bedroom/1 bath island cottage. This cottage will bring back memories of staying at Grandma and Grandpa's beach getaway! Good for family vacations and one of the best values on Balboa Island. As with all older homes, it is not perfect and we are making upgrades from time to time.
Located two blocks from Marine Avenue (Main Street) on Balboa Island, this older cottage is steps to all of the restaurants and short walk to the bay of the famous Balboa Island Ferry. The rear unit has a closed patio that provides a spacious outdoor mix of seating. The gated patio has two Adirondack chairs for relaxing! There is also a patio table and umbrella that seats up to six people. The patio is connected to the cottage through the classic dutch doors as it blends into the living, dining and kitchen areas. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are located on the first floor and the bedrooms are located on the upper floor.
Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps 6)
• Master: Queen Bed, TV
• Guest Room 2: 1 twin bed and a twin bunk bed that sleeps 3
• Living Room: Sofa Bed (Full)
Living Room
• Medium TV (Connected to DirectTV)
• Seating for 8
Front Patio:
• Outdoor Dining for 6 People
• Gas BBQ
Kitchen / Dining
• Service for 6
• Oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker
Bathrooms
• Tub and Shower
Linens / Towels
• Included
Beach Items
• Beach Towels (at least 6)
• Beach chairs, umbrella, sand toys
Home Highlights
• Short walk to Marine Avenue for dining and shopping
• Short walk to Balboa Island Ferry
• Open Patio with Seating
• WI-FI
• Outside Parking (1 car)
• Hair Dryer / Iron
• Dog friendly home (additional pet fee required)
The living room and outdoor patio are separated by a classic dutch door that can fully open or just opened at the top that the entire family can use to enjoy the cool ocean breezes. The living room has a medium flatscreen TV so you can keep up with the game or the news. Just a few steps from the main living area, the kitchen serves as a central meeting point - which is fully stocked with cooking/dining gear and basic appliances. You can choose to cook your meal on the outdoor charcoal grill or in the kitchen!
As you continue through the house, there are private laundry facilities are conveniently located in the hallway that leads to the stairs to the bedrooms. The master bedroom has a Queen bed and TV.
The second bedroom is for the kids! It has a twin bed and a twin bunk bed. A closet with space for clothes. The hallway bathroom has a shower/tub combo.
To fulfill the sleeping arrangements for 6 total guests, please consider that the pullout living room sofa is a full size bed, best suited for 2 children or 1 adult.
PARKING: The parking for the rear unit is inside the gate. All guests are guaranteed a parking space. We do not recommend extremely large vehicles at this location. General neighborhood street parking (metered or unmetered) also in area.
Check-in time: 3:30 p.m.
Check-out time: 10 a.m.
Pets are allowed and the pet fee is $100 per pet up to two maximum.
Balboa Island is a gem whether you drive, walk, bike or take the Balboa Island Ferry to the island. Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue is home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry. It’s also home to quaint restaurants and bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor. The selections on Balboa Island go beyond the local fresh seafood of the day with flavors of Italian, Mexican, and French-Swiss mixed in to the culinary choices.
There may be nothing more iconic than the island’s two famous desserts, the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana. The local sweet tooth treasures have been mainstays for nearly 75 years, and have been imitated and replicated, including on the hit TV show “Arrested Development.” The tasty treats are dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of coatings from nuts and sprinkles to cookie crumbs.
If you want to visit the DISNEYLAND, our property is located just under 20 miles to the resort and it's two main parks. After a great day at the parks, you can return back to your villa, refresh, relax, and take a stroll down to the beach.
If you are interested in the Laguna Beach PAGEANT OF MASTERS during July, this is a fantastic place to stay. Lyft or Uber is the easiest way to get to the event. You can enjoy a nice glass of wine on the balcony before your ride picks you up and takes you to Laguna Beach.
Additional local attractions include Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Whale Watching (included in the FREE FUN package), Aquarium of the Pacific, South Coast Plaza, and Fashion Island.
But a trip to Balboa Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone or the Peninsula, where the Ferris wheel has stood for more than 80 years, and the world famous Balboa Island Ferry. The Ferry is about 10 minute walk from the cottage.
This cottage can also be rented in conjunction with the front unit for larger families.
We do allow dogs and there is a $100 pet fee that will be charged.
Please note that our properties may have electronic devices installed such as electronic locks, front door cameras, or noise monitors. There are no video devices inside the property.
SLP 12921
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Map of Balboa Island, CA
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
Cute, well-supplied cottage. Especially liked the enclosed yard - good for kids or dog. Easy walk to ferry and town.
10.0
Clean , well kept, good location.
10.0
This was our second time staying here and we had a great time. This place works well for our family and we love the enclosed back patio space for the kids to play. It is clean, well stocked and comfortable. We enjoyed using the kayak and bikes. Scott was very responsive and helpful. Thank you for a great stay!
10.0
We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful cottage! The process of checking in was so easy and the cottage had everything we needed. The location was great too!
10.0
Perfect for us. Comfortable and convenient. Prefer if VRBO did not use itrips as their site is difficult to manage and does not reflect actual stay information.
10.0
Great location & parking! The fenced in patio area was perfect for our dogs & private outside sitting area. The listing description was accurate. Communication was great.
10.0
Perfect spot for old friends to gather.
10.0
Absolutely recommend staying here. The house is fully equipped and great for small family. The only suggestion I would give would to put in a smart tv so that Netflix and other streaming programs. But other than that, it was a wonderful stay!!
10.0
Great little spot with convenient access to restaurants and shopping. Clean and cozy, roomy living space and priced appropriately.
10.0
Spent a beautiful November weekend at the great location. Closer to downtown, nice private patio and a relaxing living space.
10.0
we live close to balboa island and decided to do a staycation . had a great time , great location .quaint and comfortable
10.0
Very comfortable well stocked. The bed was worthy a good nights rest.
10.0
This is the first time we have traveled with our dogs and the fenced in yard was perfect. The location is excellent and a short walk to Marine St
The house is very much in its original state. My husband and I are older and the stairs to the bedrooms were a bit steep for us to maneuver so we planned our trips up and down the stairs to limit the need to use the stairs. The one bathroom is downstairs and worked out well got us. This property would not be suitable for people with mobility issues. No air conditioning as mentioned in description of property but portable fans are provided. We only needed it in the bedroom and the fan aired the room sufficiently. All in all a good trip. The biggest bonus is the on property parking provided.
10.0
Cute, quaint, clean
10.0
Nice getaway with family. You can walk to restaurants, shopping and the ferry.
10.0
This is our 2nd time staying at this location. We really like the location (short walk to Marine Avenue), the reserved parking space, the outdoor patio space, and the house itself served our family's needs. We will be back!
8.0
Overall, we loved staying on Balboa Island. Great location and very cozy. The only (2) things are that we wish the shower worked better and it seemed most of the fans were broken and not usable.
10.0
We loved this charming Balboa Island cottage that has everything you need for a relaxing, fun getaway. It’s ideally situated close to shops and restaurants and the bayfront while being quiet and peaceful. The property managers are friendly and responsive. We will be back!
10.0
I have rented many VRBOs in the past and this rental deserves 5 stars; HOWEVER, there are a few details that need mentioning.
The details that matter most were great: super clean, great location, new comfortable clean furniture, comfortable beds with soft sheets, the kitchen came with decent pots and pans and plenty of dishes, glasses, coffee mugs, etc., easy check in, speedy wi-fi, and the parking spot was also wonderful. I thought it would be annoying with the only bathroom downstairs and the two bedrooms upstairs, but the rooms were only a short stair case away; it was fine. Also, it is just a cute beach cottage and there are not many small, cute cottages left on Balboa Island.
The HOWEVER comes from small details that can matter to some people. For instance, this cute cottage has unnecessary, stained curtains everywhere and some of the screens are torn. The shower caddy is rusted and broken. The top bunk has a ladder built into the footboard, which is inaccessible because it is pushed up against a wall. In order to use the top bunk, my son had to step on the bottom mattress, put a foot on the side table, and hike himself over the bars-not ideal. And, the bathroom could really use a new vanity.
These are small fixes the owner should really look into, but as far as my stay went, these details were nonconsequential. Bottom line: I would stay here again...we loved it!
10.0
It’s a lovely property. It looks just like the pictures. Host is very responsive and easy to communicate with. Quiet location that is within easy walking distance We LOVED our outside patio area. We will certainly return in the future.
10.0
The cottage is an original, but the owners have stocked everything needed for a comfortable stay. I loved it!
10.0
Always enjoy our time in the private back cottage. New couches are a plus.
10.0
It was a very comfortable place to stay. I liked what was included. We had nearby family come by and the sitting area was spacious and comfortable.
10.0
Loved our stay here! One block to the bay, with best equipped kitchen I have ever had in a VRBO. Great linens, and the washer and dryer came in handy.
Thanks for an enjoyable stay!
8.0
The house is old. The bedrooms are upstairs and there’s no bathroom upstairs only one small bathroom downstairs.
The house is not located on Marine Avenue! The TVs need to be upgraded. Location is excellent!
Balboa Island is a beautiful place! The location is close to everything.
10.0
We enjoyed our 10 day stay. The location is perfect- 2 blocks away from the Main Street, and 1 block from the bay front. Very quaint home with plenty of seating. We loved our private parking space/play yard for the kids. We stay on Balboa Island when we go to Disneyland- it’s only20 minutes away if you use the carpool lane. We plan on coming back. Loved it!
5.0
We loved staying in your lovely home in October. Beds are super comfortable and living room couches allows for plenty of seating. Kitchen is well stocked. Fenced in patio area was so nice and it was great always having a parking spot. Thank you!
10.0
My boy friend, sister and dog stayed in the house. It was a perfect spot close to the water and restaurants . Very pet friendly area. We had a blast. The only thing I would change is having AC in the bedrooms but it was unusually hot and is probably fine the rest of the year.
Awesome stay! Thank you for everything!
10.0
The most perfect weekend. The Airbnb was in excellent condition, clean, beautiful, and made a great place to celebrate my 35th wedding anniversary. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to bring family to celebrate.
10.0
It was everything and more then represented!
Very cozy and comfy with everything included.
We loved our stay and would love to stay again!
8.0
Wonderful time. Unfortunate neighbor construction noises but all in all a wonderful time
10.0
This darling beach house is one block from beach, boardwalk, and balboa bars! My friends and i had so much fun hanging out on the comfy couches, cooking in the well stocked kitchen, barbequeing on the grill while relaxing on the patio - and all that was before we hit the 5 min away on a lovely walk beach, shopping, restaurants, sunsets, and ferry to Newport Peninsula. I love this cottage!
10.0
This house is in a great location in Newport Beach and on Balboa island. My family and I come out just about every year to see family and spend time at the beach. The house is always clean and is the perfect size for the 5 of us. If there's ever an issue, Scott is very quick to get it handled. We plan on coming back next summer.
10.0
Perfect beach cottage in the perfect location!
We loved staying here! The house had everything we needed. The private patio was perfect for little family bbq’s. The shops and restaurants are a quick 5 minute walk. We enjoyed walking into town after dinner to grab candy from the candy shop or balboa bars while watching the sun set. We didn’t want to leave.
10.0
Another wonderful stay
This was our second time staying here and once again we loved it. It was myself, my 12yo, my sister, and her 19yo. Our favorite things about the place: the location (absolutely perfect); the spacious common area with three (3!) sofas, so we never felt crowded at all; the spacious and lovely patio; the parking space; how cheerful it feels both inside and out; and the reasonable price. And the location (I know I already said that but really, it's perfect!). Also love the management/owners--our first day there we noticed that there were two fans but they weren't working so we reached out to Scott and he was there within a couple of hours with several fans for us to choose from. They are very friendly and really want to make sure everything is to your liking. As I said in my first review, the only thing I didn't like was leaving!
10.0
Great cottage for family of four!
Darling cottage steps away from downtown!
10.0
Quintessential Balboa Island Cottage
I grew up here. This is the Balboa Island Cottage experience from my youth. Everything is super convenient-two blocks to restaurants and unique Island shops…five minute drive to Fashion Island…Irvine Ranch market on the Island and larger Pavilions market a 10 minute walk. Tons to do without getting in your car. The cottage was super clean when we arrived and had everything we could possibly need and more. Its old, quaint, beachy and was perfect for us. We had a wonderful short stay soaking up the sun. Thank you so much.
6.0
Only one small bathroom. Unrealistic to accommodate more than two people.
Very uncomfortable mattresses.
10.0
Great island winter getaway
The cottage at 1106 Park was a great place to escape the winter weather in the east. It is not a posh stay, but it is very comfortable and charming. The kitchen had nice equipment and the grill made cooking fun too. We had a private little courtyard as well as easy walks to all the restaurants and shops. It had everything we needed to enjoy a month's stay.
10.0
Very lovely property, was perfect for us.
I stayed on the fold out couch, my mother stayed in the spare bedroom with my nephews on the bunk bed and my Sister and brother-in-law had the main bedroom. None of the beds were super duper comfortable but it did the job.
I still give it 5 stars because I just love the house so much.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Balboa Island?
The average price for a rental in Balboa Island is $764 per night. This rental is $288 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Best Value on Balboa Island, Classic Cottage w/Amenities, Walk to Beach and Marine Avenue. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Best Value on Balboa Island, Classic Cottage w/Amenities, Walk to Beach and Marine Avenue pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Best Value on Balboa Island, Classic Cottage w/Amenities, Walk to Beach and Marine Avenue?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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