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Location
Parking
Two hour parking available on Marine Ave. Extended day parking available in surrounding neighborhood.
Visitor tip
Don't miss the scavenger hunt activity - multiple visitors mention it and the museum staff actively promotes it as a must-do experience to enhance your visit.
Visitor tip
Engage with the volunteer docents - they're knowledgeable about Balboa Island history and are happy to answer questions beyond the exhibits, providing personalized insights about the area.
Quick Facts
- Type
- History Museum
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
- Highlights
- Balboa Island history, Boy Scout Jamboree, John Wayne exhibits, Historic Homes
What visitors say
Balboa Island Museum shares with you the history of how Balboa Island was developed in the past 100 years. It covers the Hershey family, the ferry business, the high schools (amazed to know that Newport Harbor High School was built in…
When visiting the island, a visit to the Museum is a must. It's small but has a rich collection of all-things Balboa Island. Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. It's run by volunteers who are happy to answer…
What a wonderful museum that we stumbled upon! Free admission, donations encouraged to support the museum. Staff member was awesome in telling us about the history of the island and relayed information on why the island looks the way it…
From 135 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The museum features John Wayne as a primary exhibit focus, highlighting the Hollywood icon's residence on Balboa Island
- Balboa Island Museum documents over 100 years of local development history, including the Hershey family legacy and the 1930 founding of Newport Harbor High School
- The museum operates entirely on free admission with volunteer docents, relying on donations to support operations
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